Definition of "cavie"

Dan, Watty, and Bell went to the "cavie" or hencoop, folded back the old bag which had been dropt over the front of it to keep the inmates warm, and Dan saw to his intense delight two little heads peeping from under their feathery covering.

1882, John Strathesk, Bits from Blinkbonny; Or, Bell O' the Manse