My Caviary
General Cavy Info
About Me
Other
Click one of the images below for a larger picture
Americans
Click one of the images below for a larger picture
American Satins
Information about Americans and American Satins
Note: when the name American is used with a * below, it also means American Satin.
Description/About the American: The American is by far the most popular breed of cavy. It's hair is short and lies close to the body. Americans are available in all the varieties.
Description/About the American Satin: American Satins are available in all varieties except the Tan varieties. American Satins have the same coat characteristics as the Americans except that their hair is extremely shiny. This 'shinyness' is termed as 'sheen'. You can see the difference between the normal-coated and satin-coated cavies in the photos above. This breed is fairly popular, but in no way as popular as the American. Americans and American Satins are often interbred. This will give the normal-coated Americans a softer coat, and often gives American Satins better size and type (Satins are known for often having poor, small type).
Note: Satin types of any breed can get a problem called 'hypocalcaemia', where the animal goes into a 'calcium shock', has tremors, gets shaky, and looks like it's having a seizure. If your cavy is exhibiting signs of this, you can crush up a calcium tablet (TUMS, etc.) in water and give some orally to the pig every few hours until they stop. If not caught, this condition can progress to death.
Grooming: Very simple for Americans*. Other than regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and occasional bathing, grooming is as simple as rubbing the pig from head to rump with your hand, a sponge, or unscented diaper wipe. You can use a soft baby brush for grooming, but over-brushing will cause split ends (sounds funny unless you show your pigs - then this is not a good thing). This is the easiest breed to care for.
Availability: Americans are the most popular breed, and are readily available. American Satins are fairly popular.
Breeders
Since Americans are so popular, I only listed a few links. To see more, go to my links page.
Celestial Cavies - Breeders of Blacks and TSW's in Florida
California Cavies - Breeders of Americans and American Satins in Broken colors, in California
Storybook Cavies - you are here now!