| CAVY STUFF |
| Cavies love to be petted. They each have their favorite spots too. Many cavies like to be 'scratched' or 'rubbed' behind their ears. All my cavies love it, but they have to get used to it. Some also like to have their ears rubbed between your fingers. Some cavies, Coco for example, don't like to be petted on their sides or paws. Micah is ticklish on her sides. Some cavies; Rascal, Rusty, and Micah; don't really care too much where they're petted.. I've never met a cavy that likes its stomach rubbed. Don't put your cavy on its back. They freak out and really don't like it. They feel vulnerable on their backs. Also, a word of caution, DON'T hug your cavy. They are fragile and you could hurt them. Don't drop them either. You are likely to break their teeth if you do. TRICKS Cavies are not stupid animals. (Personally, I think any animal that can get food from you by just looking at you is intelligent.) They can be taught tricks. All four of our cavies have learned tricks that they perform before getting fed. Rusty, Coco, and Micah all stand up on their hind legs and do 'up.' After doing that (we don't even have to tell them 'up' they just do it when they want food) we reward them with a treat. To teach up, you just hold the food above their heads. They'll stand up on their hind limbs to reach it. (Micah does this best) Rascal used to spin around for her trick. Coco does this on occasion. I don't know how to teach the spin because Rasc and Coco just do it themselves. After a while, they figure out that if they 'do their trick' they'll get fed. So they'll do it anytime they think you have food for them! Also, cavies can be potty-trained for when you let them run on the floor. To create a 'litter pan' (or you can buy one if you'd like) just fill a shoe box with bedding. Most cavies prefer to 'go' on bedding so most will choose to go in the box to go potty instead of the floor. It takes time for them to learn where to 'go.' Cavies are naturally inquisitive so they will likely jump into the box to investigate. They may 'go' while they're in there investigating. If you catch them about to 'go' on the floor, quickly put them into the 'litter pan.' Soon, they will learn that the box is where they should 'go.' This makes it much easier for us owners because it saves carpet. |