I do the Rabbit thing for RAW, but I'm growing increasingly interested in Guinea Pigs ( Cava ) as an alternative source for the dogs ( and my own dinner table ).

Anyone have any first hand experience with these little guys?
It looks like they'd be easy to raise......

Hi Will,

I raised guinea pigs for many many years. At my high numbers I had about 150 of the little buggars. My specialty was white crested and red eyed orange americans. Cavies as they are known in show circles are commonly raised for meat in south america.

I don't see why you couldn't raise them for meat. Just don't let the breeder you gain stock from know what you're using them for. I would suggest going to a cavy show (yes there are cavy shows) and picking up some culled americans (smooth with no coat waves or cowlicks) for about $5 - $10 each. I usually suggest getting 4 sows and a boar. Keep the boar seperated until 5 months old and then let the multiplying begin.

As a word of warning you'll never get the numbers or the feed conversion you'd get off of rabbits. But they are a nice variety idea. They breed easily, can be kept in large numbers, however are a little more difficult to keep than rabbits, despite the popular practice of raising them on rabbit food I found that they really didn't thrive on it. Guinea pig food which is available in 50 lb bags at the feed store are the way to go.

I also found that they were a bit difficult to keep below 45 degrees or in areas of high and cold humidity. They are very prone to respiratory infections due to the way they are typically housed.

You're looking at a 60 day gestation with young born eyes open, active, and furred like a baby horse. I weaned my baby boars at 2 weeks old when they were sexually mature. So you will need a couple grow out pens. I would suggest feeding at 18 - 32oz which should be at 3-6 months old.

If you want some housing suggestions I can certainly make some that are a bit more economical than the normal cavy cages sold.

oops hit the wrong button

Edited by Melissa Thom (06/13/2009 09:51 PM)
Edit reason: oops

Agree with Melissa about guinea pig food - definitely the way to go. They have different vitamin requirements than rabbits (C popping into my head, it's late) so they should be feed species-specific food.

Otherwise, only that Teagan views my guinea pigs as perfectly acceptable food, though she has not succeeded in her quest. That, and while I doubt this would be the case, don't let any of the dogs near the guinea pig quarters with a cuz.