Rabbits and Cavies

RABBIT & CAVY (Guinea Pig) PROJECT

If you are interested in joining 4-H, but you have limited space, the Rabbit & Cavy Project might be your best option. Rabbits and Cavies make excellent 4-H project animals due to reduced space requirements, ease of care and management and their ability to be litter box trained, their size and they make ideal urban pets. 

4-H Rabbit and Cavy members have several shows throughout the summer in which to show their animals.  The state also sponsors several seminars and clinics throughout the year.  A youth involved in this project area will learn:

• The knowledge and skills in managing and caring for their rabbit/cavy.
• How to select and exhibit quality rabbits/cavies.
• To participate in group activities and develop leadership skills.
• To develop responsibility and patience.
• To gain satisfaction from completing a project to the best of their ability.

Owning a Rabbit or Cavy is not a requirement for joining a 4-H club.  The only time that it is required that a youth own/lease their own Rabbit or Cavy is if they are planning on showing them at a 4-H Fair. For further details on the Rabbit & Cavy Project, please contact one of the staff listed below.

RABBIT & CAVY RESOURCES:

New! State 4-H Rabbit Quiz Bowl & ID Contests

American Rabbit Breeders Association

Cavy World

For further information, please contact:

Carrie Chickering-Sears
Director of Community Education in Animal Agriculture
University of Massachusetts Amherst Veterinary & Animal Science Dept.
111 North Maple Street
Hadley, MA 01035
Phone: 413-549-3257
email:  ccsears@umext.umass.edu