Texas 4-H Small & Companion Animals
If you like animals, you’ll love having a small or companion animal for your 4-H project. What kind of animal can you have? Guinea pigs, ferrets, rats, snakes, cats, birds, fish, or turtles – basically anything you can keep in your house! You’ll learn how to choose an animal, care for and feed your animal, and provide proper housing and medical or health attention. It’s a big responsibility to have an animal! So you’ll learn to keep accurate records of everything about your animal.
This project doesn’t have to be expensive, but the financial commitment will depend on the animal you choose. Some animals are more expensive than others. Things to consider are feeding, caring, housing, and medical needs. How much time does it take to care for the animal you want? How much money does it take to feed? Does that pet have special medical needs? Does it require special cages or housing? And do you have space for that? Discuss it with your family before you choose an animal!
In this project, you will keep records of everything about your pet. It can be a big commitment, but the most rewarding part? Developing a relationship with your new pet! You will learn responsibility, empathy, respect and more.
If you like dogs, check out the dog care and training project!