Patagonian Cavy or Mara

Scientific name: Dolichotis patagonum
Size: 70-78cm long, 48cm high
Lifespan: 10 years
Natural range: pampas of central and southern Argentina

Housing

• can be housed in an outdoor enclosure permanently or semi-permanently in an enclosure that is either enclosed over the top or has fences at least 5ft high
• they can also be kept as a free-range housepet but it's best for them to have an outdoor enclosure as well
• outdoor enclosure should be as large as possible
• very social, should be kept in pairs
• Accessories (indoors) - large litter box, large dog crate for sleeping
• Accessories (outdoors): large shelter - heated if kept out all winter, stable shavings for shelter bedding, toys and/or objects which promote activity

Food

• mixture of high quality commercial cavy and rabbit pellets
• free access to a variety of types of hay
• fresh fruits and veggies daily
• can be given sweet potatoes and grains weekly

Breeding

• Maturity: females - 3 months old, males - 6 months old
• Gestation: 90 days
• Litter size: 1-3
• breeding is best achieved in a paired situation as they are monogomous for life to their partner
• young are fully furred and open their eyes within hours of birth
• should be weaned by 8-12 weeks old