Cavys and other small pets, such as guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, mice, rats, other rodents, and any other small animal kept as a pet are excellent project areas for 4-H youth of all ages, especially Cloverbuds (ages 5-7). In this project, youth will learn not only how to care for a small animal, but the responsibility and presentation skills that will carry forward into other 4-H project areas and their everyday lives.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Select their small pet and learn how to care for it
- Learn about the anatomy and biology of their small pet while also learning how to keep them happy and healthy
- Understand good grooming and showmanship for their small animals
4-H Cavy & Small Animal Curriculum
Available from the Extension office or online
This resource handbook contains essential information for members taking a guinea pig project. Topics covered include general care, history, anatomy, selection, housing and equipment, records, nutrition, health, reproduction, show preparation, marketing, and care. This handbook is a valuable resource for every cavy enthusiast. Appropriate for all age and skill levels. Curriculum authored by The Ohio State University.
All About Pets Cloverbud Activity Booklet
All About Pets is an 8-page activity booklet exploring pets made especially for the Cloverbud age range (ages 5-8)!
All About Pets includes four (4) simple introductory activities for our youngest 4-H members. Youth learn about different types of pets, how to choose a pet, and how to care for a pet. This activity is designed to be completed with the assistance of a caring adult. While this activity is perfect for groups, we recommend that each youth have his or her own activity booklet.
This activity serves as an age-appropriate introduction to our comprehensive curriculum series such as Pets, Dog, Cat, and Rabbit.
Features 14 activities including pet selection, body part identification, pet art, communications, handling, housing and daily needs.
Develop planning and decision-making skills, learning exhibiting, debate pet sayings, create a story, observe pet behavior, promote a product and learn how to feed and care for your pet.
Explore genetics, pet issues, reproduction, caring for newborns, starting your own business, and careers.
Project helpers will find many fun and engaging group games and activities to further expand the pet project experience for youth.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Gudies
For youth members
Coming soon!
For adult helpers and club leaders
PNW573E 4-H Cavy Project Leader Guide
The 4-H Cavy Project is an animal science curriculum for youth in grades K through twelve. It consists of the curriculum introduction, cavy project information, and experintial (hands-on) activities.
PNW554E – Explore the World of Small Animals
This is an animal science curriculum for children in kindergarten through second grade. The actual material is this leader guide and parent letters.
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
Ideas for Cavy Learning Activities Beginning Level – Ohio 4-H (PDF)
Need more ideas for your cavy project? There are hundreds of things you can do! This list is organized by topics that match the chapters in the 4-H Cavy Resource Handbook.
4-H Small Animal Project Worksheet – Iowa 4-H (PDF)
Exploring 4-H Small Pets Spark Activity: Pet Playtime & Enrichment – Illinois 4-H (PDF)
Learn about a variety of small pets, such as birds, guinea pigs, iguanas, snakes and frogs. Topics include feeding, housing and daily needs, pet selection, body parts, pet communication, handling, genetics, and reproduction.
Mini 4-H Pets Activity Guide – Indiana 4-H, Elkhart County (PDF)
Washington Specific Reference Material
Coming soon!
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
4-H Cavy Fitting & Showmanship Member’s Guide – Michigan 4-H (PDF)
4-HY Cavy Project Health Supplement – Wisconsin 4-H (PDF)
4H Cavy Showmanship 101 (YouTube video)
The 4-H Pocket Pets Project: An Introduction – Wyoming 4-H (PDF)
From Higher Education Institutions
How to Care for Your Pet Ferret – Iowa State University Extension (YouTube video)
Do you have a pet ferret? Do you know how to take care of it properly? Dr. Bianca Zaffarano, with Iowa State University’s Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, discusses having a ferret as your pet and how to properly care for it.
How to Care for Your Pet Guinea Pig – Iowa State University Extension (YouTube video)
Do you have a pet guinea pig? Do you know how to take care of it properly? Dr. Bianca Zaffarano, with Iowa State University’s Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, discusses having guinea pigs as pets and how to properly care for them.
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
Keeping Pets Healthy Keeps People Healthy Too! – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners. But there’s something else you should know.
Pets sometimes carry germs that can make people sick. The diseases people get from animals are known as zoonotic (zoe-oh-NOT-ic) diseases. Learn more about the benefits and risks of having pets.
Pet Central – National Geographic Kids
Big or small, furry or scaly, we love pets and we know you do too. We’ve got photography tips, videos, photos of amazing pets, and more!
- Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H