Pima County 4-H Small Stock Projects

Small Stock Projects

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals is a class that all 4-H members who plan to exhibit large livestock market animals are required to take on a yearly basis. The class is one hour in duration and covers three key areas: Food Safety, Animal Well-being, and Character Development.

Cavy

Raising cavies (guinea pigs) is a very rewarding experience and also a great starter project for 4-H kids! What makes the cavy project unique is the relatively small space requirements needed. This project is great for young people interested in joining 4-H but they live in the middle of town, or even an apartment, and cannot have a large stock animal. While raising cavies, youth can still learn all the basic principles of having livestock on a smaller scale.

Cavies can be very social and grow attached to their owners. Participants can raise one cavy for showmanship only and keep it at the end of the 4-H season as a pet, or they can choose to auction in the Small Stock Auction. Participants also have options to breed cavies as they progress through this project. There are numerous opportunities throughout the year for participants to show their cavies in breed shows, as well as, several opportunities to practice showmanship prior to fair. As a note, only Blue-Ribbon Cavies, or cavies that have been ranked to a higher degree by a professional judge may be sold in the Junior Small Stock Auction.

Ongoing Care and Costs
  • Initial Animal Purchase: This cost is generally between $20-$40 for a purebred cavy from a reputable breeder. It is recommended that you work with your project leader or someone with knowledge about the project when you purchase your animal.
  • Supplies: Cage, water bottle, feed bowl, showmanship practice mat, nail trimmers, grooming supplies (varies depending on breed)
  • Handling your cavy frequently and working with them several times weekly will help participants be successful in this project.

For more information, please contact Susan Jones at azcavycountry@yahoo.com. 

Pigeon

For more information, please contact Tonya Matthews at pimacountypigeon@gmail.com.

Poultry

For more information, please contact Allen Weatherbee at pimacounty4hpoultry@gmail.com.

Pygmy Goat 

For more information, please contact Pam Freeman at pimacountypygmygoatproject@gmail.com. 

Rabbit

Raising rabbits is a great way for kids to learn about the basics of livestock and build skills that help them succeed in life, like responsibility, resiliency and hard work. A great project for kids to get started in 4H, rabbits take little space and can live in cages indoors and many people have house rabbits that walk around the home like cats and dogs! Like most living things, rabbits all have different personalities and characteristics. With 49 different breeds, there is sure to be one that will catch your eye! Participants in the rabbit program must choose one of the 49 breeds that are recognized by ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association). There are many reputable breeders that love to help our 4H kids succeed! As kids progress in the project, they can choose to breed more rabbits and can participate even further in breed shows. There are several showmanship and breed shows throughout the year with the big show being the Pima County Fair in April. At the Pima County Fair, kids must participate in showmanship, where they prove their skills with handling their rabbit and their knowledge of rabbits. There is also a breed show where professional ARBA judges judge the quality of the kid's rabbits based on the ARBA Standard of Perfection. Ribbons/Prizes are given for the best breeds and best in the show. The kids can choose to sell their rabbit(s) at the Small Stock Auction or keep their rabbit(s). The rabbits sold in the auction must earn a blue ribbon to be sold. Participants must complete a Quality Assurance (QA) Class and receive a certificate in order to participate in the fair. Frequent handling, practice, and care help assure your success in this project! Initially, a rabbit can cost anywhere from $25 to $150 based on the quality of the rabbit. The project leaders and coordinators have many reputable breeders on a list for you to make sure you get a quality animal. Some items required are a cage, water bottle, feeder, resting mat, grooming supplies, and toys (optional). We recommend you purchase food from a feed store or Tractor Supply type store. Many pet store quality rabbit feeds do not contain the proper nutrition for your show rabbit.

For more information, please contact Lisa Benson at pimacounty4hrabbit@gmail.com.