MOTHER Tania Hanna blames the Leader for her household now being home to 20 cavies or guinea pigs.
"I read something in the Leader about a cavy show and it's gone from there," she said.
Having so many cavies at their Narwee address was not all that extraordinary, she said.
"Some people have 200."
The Hannas originally bought two of the animals, not realising that one of the cavies was pregnant, and so the numbers soon increased.
The hobby was quickly taken up by her daughters Catherine, 12, and Valerie, 10.
Mrs Hanna said she had grown up with an interest in animals and she wanted her children to share such a hobby.
One of the highlights of the year for all of them is the NSW Cavy Club Show, to be held at Loftus Community Hall, 119/129 Loftus Avenue, Loftus, on Sunday April 26, with the pedigree show starting at 9:30am.
The categories include best presented, most colourful and fancy dress (Anzac theme).
Guinea pigs must be more than three months old.
Details: nswcavyclub.org