Patagonian Cavies 101

Closely related to guinea pigs, chinchillas, degus and capybaras, the Patagonian cavy is the second largest rodent in the world. When full grown, they stand up to 2 feet tall at the shoulders, can be as much as 2 1/2 feet from nose to tail, and weigh nearly 35 pounds! Only the capybara - at 4 feet from head to tail and weighing up to 100 pounds - is larger.

Including over 1,700 different species, the rodent family is by far the largest and most diverse order of mammals, including animals as seemingly different as the field mouse, the porcupine, and the springhaas. However, all have several characteristics in common.

Many of these similarities relate to their teeth. For example, all rodents have four incisors and lack molars. In all rodents, the incisors grow throughout the animal's life. And, all rodents have teeth which are fairly soft inside, but have hard outer surfaces.

Most scientists divide rodents into three sub-orders. These are:

Sciuromorph This sub-order includes squirrels and porcupines
Myomorpha This sub-order includes mice, rats, gerbils and similar animals
Caviomorpha This sub-order includes chinchillas, capybaras and similar animals

Patagonian cavies belong to the sub-order Caviomorpha, which includes only rodents found in South and Central America. All members of this order have relatively long gestation periods, give birth to well-developed offspring, have small litters, and exhibit social behaviors that are far more complex than other rodents. Due to these striking differences from other rodents, some scientists believe these animals should be established as a distinct order of mammals.

Life On The Pampas

Also known as the mara, Patagonian cavies are found in the dry grasslands of the Argentine foothills, in an area known as Patagonia. Although excellent diggers, Patagonian cavies generally inhabit burrows abandoned by other animals, small caves and other naturally occurring shelters.

Extremely social animals, they live in large groups of monogamous pairs. Young are kept in communal burrows, with all the females in a group sharing baby care duties. In fact, female Patagonian cavies will even nurse each other's litters.

Like most social animals, Patagonian cavies are rather talkative. Their most common vocalizations are strikingly similar to those of guinea pigs. They use their almost constant vocalizations to reinforce social connections, warn of danger, and express contentment.

Patagonian cavies are most active during the day. They occupy their time primarily with grazing, caring for their young, and sun-bathing. At night, they retire to their dens. However, they're always alert - even while sleeping - and it is nearly impossible to "sneak up" on them. Herbivores, they eat mostly grasses and other plants.

The grasslands of Argentina - known as pampas - have intensely hot summers and bitterly cold winters. So, Patagonian cavies are well equipped to survive in a wide variety of temperatures. Their underground burrows help by insulating them from the most extreme weather of both summer and winter.

In addition, their large ears and long legs increase the surface area of their bodies, which helps keep them cool during the hot Patagonian summers. Their large ears also mean they have excellent hearing. Their long legs make them fast runners and high jumpers. In fact, Patagonian cavies can use leap over six feet into the air and can run nearly 30 miles per hour, even over long distances!

Cavy Companions

When bottle-fed from a young age, Patagonian cavies make wonderful companion animals. Like their guinea pig cousins, they are rather vocal. In fact, a well-socialized cavy will quietly make happy squeaking sounds whenever humans are near.

We suggest a enclosure about 90-100 square feet for one or two cavies. Obviously, the more time spent in the enclosure, the larger it should be. In most cases, a pen this size will have to be outside. So, it is extremely important it be escape-proof. A chain link dog kennel works well. However, remember cavies are excellent diggers, so the enclosure will require a wire floor.

The sides of the enclosure should be at least six feet high. This height will eliminates the need for a top, unless you need to keep other animals out. We suggest part of the enclosure be roofed to provide shelter from rain and shade from the sun. A medium size, insulated dog house works well as a cavy shelter. Your pet will be fine outside in the winter as long as there are some wind blocks.

Cavies love attention and are likely to follow you everywhere. Keep in mind, though, that they are prey animals and can be easily startled. Also, remember how fast they can run? For your pet's safely, never let him loose in an unfenced yard. However, Patagonian cavies can be easily leash trained, so your pet can safely follow you everywhere!

Patagonian cavies are simple to feed. We provide a mix of Oxbow Bunny Basics/T and Mazuri Chinchilla Dietas their staple food. We supplement this with Mazuri Rodent Blocks, fresh greens and vegetables, and free choice Oxbow Hays. For treats, we use Orchard Sweets Apple Treats, occasional small amounts of fresh fruits, and whole wheat bread.

For more on this topic, visit Diet & Nutrition.

Like all rodents, Patagonian cavies have teeth which grow throughout their life. This means they must gnaw and may chew on almost anything. For this reason, your pet must be supervised when allowed free range in your house. Patagonian cavies have been known to live up to ten years in captivity. However, 5-7 years is more common.