Dwarf Mountain Cavy

Scientific name: Microcavia australis
Size: 20-24cm long
Lifespan: 6-8 years
Natural range: arid regions of Argentina and southern Chile

Housing

• standard solid bottom cavy or rabbit type cage
• should be at least 1m long by 50cm wide for a pair
• females are social and should be housed in pairs
• males are territorial and should be housed individually
• Bedding: aspen
• Accessories: hideaway, wood chew

Food

• high quality commercial cavy pellet
• free access to timothy hay
• add a multivitamin specifically formulated for cavies to water source once weekly
• fresh fruits or veggies once a week

Breeding

• Maturity: 2 months old
• Gestation: 54 days
• Litter size: 2-3
• young are born fully furred and eyes open within 24 hours of birth
• should be fully weaned by 3-4 weeks old