Last Updated on May 16, 2022 by Fumipets
The Texel Guinea Pig is a relatively young cavy breed that has grown in popularity in recent years. This is because to their lovely long and curly coat, pleasant and gentle disposition, and patience. Because of their beautiful coat, they need a little more extra attention than other Guinea kinds, making them a little more of a burden.
You’ve come to the correct site if you want to learn more about this distinctive cavy breed! We’ll take a deeper look at this long-haired Guinea Pig in this post, as well as offer a broad outline of what they’re all about. Let’s get this party started!
Quick Facts about Texel Guinea Pig
| Species Name: | Texel Guinea Pig |
| Family: | Cavia porcellus |
| Care Level: | Intermediate |
| Temperament: | Gentle, affectionate, calm, friendly |
| Color Form: | Solid, patterned, mix |
| Lifespan: | 5-10 years |
| Size: | 8-10 inches |
| Diet: | Guinea pig food and timothy hay |
| Minimum Enclosure Size: | 30×60 inches |
| Enclosure Set-Up: | Fairly simple |
| Compatibility: | Moderate |
Texel Guinea Pig Overview
The Texel Guinea Pig is a relatively new Guinea Pig breed that originated in the early 1980s in England. A British Rex and a Silkie Guinea Pig were crossed to produce this breed. The American Cavy Breeders Association (ACBA) first recognized the curly-haired Texel breed in 1988, and it has been gaining in popularity ever since, making them difficult to come by.
The Texel Guinea Pig looks similar to the Silky Guinea Pig, but instead of having a straight, long coat like the Silky, the Texel has a curly coat. It is the breed’s soft and kind demeanor, as well as the fact that they like being touched by people if they are socialized from a young age, that has made it so popular in recent years. Texels, like other long-haired cavies, are typically more calm than short-haired species, however they are known to be mischievous as well!
While these cavies are reputed to be more placid than their relatives, it’s crucial to remember that all Guineas, regardless of breed, have distinct personalities that become more obvious as they age.
How Much Do Texel Guinea Pigs Cost?
Texel Guineas may cost anywhere from $20 to $50, or even $75, depending on the breeder and availability in your region. Because the breed has increased in popularity so quickly, they may be hard to come by at times, and their great demand will inevitably push prices even higher. Avoid generic pet stores and acquire your Texel from a respected breeder who can provide you with an initial health guarantee, since it may be difficult to precisely judge the health of these animals.
Temperament & Typical Behavior
Texel Guinea Pigs are recognized for being the most placid of all the cavy breeds, and they are very easy to handle, even by youngsters. They should, of course, be socialized at a young age and treated carefully at all times. They have a placid attitude and are less energetic than their short-haired relatives, which makes them easier to handle and play with outside of their cage. Of fact, this is a broad statement, and certain Texels may be more active than others. Many Texel owners will tell you that their dogs are a mischievous breed that, if left to their own ways, can get into a lot of mischief!
Appearance
The long, curly coat that covers the whole body of Texel Guineas is their most distinguishing feature. Their hair is usually a little shorter around their head and face, but it still retains the trademark curls. Their coats are available in a wide range of colors, from basic white to gold, brown, and black, as well as blended and patterned coats.
Males are somewhat bigger than females, and they are around the same size and weight as most other Guinea varieties. Texels, on the other hand, have a little shorter, stockier physique than other Guineas, according to many Texel owners.
How to Take Care of Texel Guinea Pigs
Habitat
The fundamental demands of Texel Guinea Pigs are the same as those of other cavy breeds: they need a clean, roomy, and well-ventilated environment to live in. Guinea pigs in the wild are gregarious creatures, and as such, they thrive in groups of two to three. If you have more than one guinea pig, you’ll need a cage that’s at least 3060 inches in length.
Bedding
Dry bedding is essential, and it should be changed on a regular basis to prevent filthy bedding being tangled in your Texel’s long and curly hair. Because wood chips may readily become lodged in their hair, paper-based bedding or fleece cage liners are perfect.
Accessories
A nice water bottle and food dish are required, as are a few accessories like as a hide home, chew toys, and a hay rack to keep your Texel intellectually and physically occupied. They like running through tunnels, cardboard boxes, and obstacle courses as well. Even with all of these extras, your Guinea needs to get out of their cage as often as possible.
Do Texel Guinea Pigs Get Along With Other Pets?
Texel Guineas are noted for their laid-back personalities and get along well with other Guinea breeds in general. They are gregarious creatures that perform well in groups of two or more, even with dogs of various breeds. Males will want to demonstrate their authority in the presence of any new males, thus it’s necessary to introduce new members gently. Fighting is uncommon, even among same-sex Guineas, but it does happen sometimes, so take things carefully.
Texel Guineas are a peaceful species that get along well with other Guineas with appropriate introduction, enough of toys and food, and enough room in their habitat.
What to Feed Your Texel Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs are omnivorous animals that are known to eat tiny insects from time to time in the wild. In captivity, however, they are simple to feed, requiring just good-quality Guinea pellets and fresh timothy hay to provide their nutritional needs.
In comparison to other breeds, Texel Guinea Pigs have no unique dietary needs. They may be given fruits and vegetables as treats on occasion, but since they do not metabolize sugar well and are prone to obesity, this should be limited. Make sure they have continual access to fresh, clean water, just like any other Guinea pig breed.
Keeping Your Texel Guinea Pig Healthy
Keeping their long coats groomed, clean, and knot-free is the most critical component of Texel Guinea Pig health. To avoid matting, skin issues, and parasites, they’ll need to be lightly brushed every other day. If your Guinea doesn’t get enough activity, knotted hair might create movement concerns, which can lead to weight issues.
Giving your Guinea a bath with fresh, clean water at least once a month is also a good idea. Examine their ears for wax build-up or infections, which are both prevalent in dogs with long coats.
Breeding
Breeding Guinea Pigs is not difficult, and Texel Guineas are no different, but the time is key. Female Guinea pigs may be sexually mature as early as 1-2 months old and must be no older than 10 months old to give birth naturally — any older and she would almost certainly need a C-section. A female is usually pregnant for around two months and has 2-4 puppies every litter. Guinea Pig puppies are remarkable in that they are born with teeth and hair and can move about freely from the moment they are born. They will initially nurse from their mother, however they have been seen consuming hay immediately after birth.
Are Texel Guinea Pigs Suitable For You?
Texel Guineas don’t need as much attention as other Guinea species, so if you’ve previously had cavies, Texels won’t be too much of a difference. The primary difference is their long, curly coats, which will need to be brushed and bathed on a regular basis to avoid becoming knotted. Texel Guinea Pigs are an excellent family pet if you have the time to buff their fur every few days and want more gentle cavies, or if you have young children.
