Youth interested in rabbit and cavy (guinea pigs) animals can participate in 4-H Companion Animal projects and learn about animal health, nutrition, and more.

Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva from Pexels

Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva from Pexels

Small but mighty.

Kids in 4-H who work with animals understand them so much better when they learn about what to feed them, how to safely train them and how to enhance the animal’s environment. That's why it's called animal science! Caring for an animal is a big deal, members participating in a cavy or rabbit animal science 4-H project will learn to be responsible and keep good records. Practicing best management while raising an animal gives members the opportunity to engage in science-based, hands-on education. Those completing the market rabbit project receive education on raising, managing, marketing, and directly selling their animal project as a companion or as a food source. There's nothing like working with a cavy or rabbit to help young people feel connected and boost confidence.

Learn about:

  • Animal Care and Ownership
  • Honesty and Sportsmanship
  • Animal Health and Biosecurity
  • Quality Assurance
  • Animal Housing and Facilities
  • Animal and Environment Relationships
  • Human Health
  • Ethics and Conduct
  • Career Exploration

Participant outcomes:

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Problem solving and critical thinking
  • Sportsmanship

Youth interested in cavy and rabbits can explore careers like:

  • Animal Control Officer
  • Breeder
  • Fiber Mill
  • Pet Food Industry
  • Veterinary Science

Projects:

  • Pets
    • Rabbits and Cavies
  • Rabbits
  • Cavy
  • Breeding Rabbits
  • Market Rabbits
  • Other Rabbits

* Not all projects may be offered in every county, contact your County Educator for more information.

Cloverbud Animal Science Opportunities:

Youth between 5 and 7 can participate in our 4-H Cloverbud program! This non-competitive program introduces young children to the world of animal science while focusing on safety.

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