Guinea pigs are among the most popular small pets around. They have different types of breed, and “Texel” is one of them. Texel Guinea pigs are unique in their own ways as they are friendly and docile in nature. Due to their beautiful long & curly coat, they require special care and attention.
Although Texels are the most sought-after breeds in the cavy world, still many people are not aware of this breed. This article will surely help you understand it better and in detail. We will take a closer look at their behavior, appearance, health, etc., which might help you if you are considering bringing this breed into your home. Let’s get started!
Texel Guinea Pig Basics
| 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 |
Fun Facts:
- The Texel breed first originated from England in the early 1980s by crossing a British Rex with a Silkie Guinea Pig.
- In 1998, American Breeders Associations recognized the Texel Guinea Pig as an official breed.
Texel Guinea Pig Physical Appearance
Coat
Texel piggies have long, shiny, curly coats, which makes them different from other breeds. The hair covering the head and face is typically shorter but still has curls which makes them even more adorable. That is why they are called “Shirley Temple” or “Long-Haired Sheltie” in the Guinea Pig world.
Color
Their coat has a variety of colors from brown to black, white to gold, solid or mixed or patterned. Generally, the color depends on the genes of the guinea pig, so don’t be surprised to see a mix of colors!
Size
Texel guinea pigs are about the same size (20 to 25 cm), just like other guinea pig breeds. Some males were found to be slightly longer than females.
Weight
There are many factors that can affect your piggy’s weight, such as diet, exercise, or genetics. The weight of a Texel can be anywhere from 700 g to 1200 g as an adult, similar to the average guinea pig weight.
Texel Guinea Pig Nature
Well, every cavy has its own personality. Even if the guinea pigs are of the same breed, it doesn’t mean that their nature will also be the same. In general, Texels are very docile, calm, and patient in nature out of all cavy varieties. They are easy to handle too.
They love to socialize but are not pretty much as active as their short-haired cousins. However, according to some Texel owners, their piggy was more active and mischievous than other breeds. Texel guinea pigs love attention and playing with their human friends.
Do Texel Guinea Pigs Get Along With Other Guinea Pig breeds?
As we stated earlier, Texels are calm & soft in nature, which makes them easy to get along with other breeds. They do well in pairs or more, just like other piggies. However, it’s important to introduce new members slowly as males can attempt to dominate other new males. Guinea pigs can fight with each other, but that is not something to worry about. If you notice your piggies are fighting a lot and hurting each other, then separating them could be a better decision.
Texel Guinea Pig Diet
Texel guinea pigs don’t have any special nutritional requirements. Just like other cavies, texels also have similar diets, restrictions, and concerns.
Texel guinea pigs should be fed with good quality pellets, fresh timothy hay, and water every day. They can also be fed veggies and fruits in moderation.
Texel Guinea Pig Habitat
As you might know, guinea pigs are not found in the wild, and they are completely domesticated now. Just like other guinea pig breeds, Texels also need clean, quiet, spacious & dry living conditions. They need regular cleaning to avoid getting any soiled substrate in your piggy’s fur.
Due to their long, thick & curly coats, it is more important to keep them out of wet condition and maintain good hygiene. Keeping your guinea pig in a safe place with adequate shade and proper ventilation is also an important thing to consider.
Guinea pigs need adequate time outside of their cage to play, exercise and maintain good health to avoid obesity. Make sure to take safety precautions when leaving your guinea pig outside. Older Guinea pigs become less active and spend more time sleeping, which can increase health issues.
Texel Guinea Pig Care tips:
Personally, Texels are our favorite guinea pig breed because of their luscious curls. In order to maintain these curls and the overall health of your Texel, there are some specific things you need to take care of. Let’s discuss these things which you need to consider while keeping a Texel guinea pig in detail.
Brushing
For brushing your furry pet, you can first run your fingers through their coat and then do it with a soft brush in the same direction of hair growth. Do this at least once a day to avoid clumping and matting.
Make sure to handle your piggy properly while grooming their long coats. Do not use metal or hard bristle combs, which may scratch their skin or pull out chunks of their long hair. Pay attention to the sensitive area around the ears.
Trimming
Trimming should be done once a month, especially around the genitals. It can prevent building up deposits in their fur due to feces and urine. Spray some lukewarm water to detangle before brushing or trimming.
You can end the brushing or trimming session by giving your Texel a treat and make sure to keep the process as calm as possible for your piggy.
Bathing
Bath your Texel once a month in a small tub or sink with lukewarm water. If you’re using a tub, add only enough water that it reaches your piggy’s stomach and not more than that.
Use safe & gentle shampoo for cleaning while making sure that the product does not go into your piggy’s nose, eyes, ears, or mouth. Towel dry your guinea pig and put it back into the cage only after it is dried completely.
Ear checks
Texel Guinea Pigs have long hair and can cover the ears, which may cause ear wax to build up. Make sure you check the ears and clean them properly weekly or whenever needed.
If you were ignoring this, then remember that harmful bacteria can thrive in your piggy’s ears which can cause serious health issues like head tilt and skin problems.
Check for our guide on How to clean your guinea pig’s ears?
Nail clipping
This one is mandatory for all the guinea pigs and should be done once a month. Ignorance will lead to curved nails, which can possibly grow into the footpad. Bumblefoot is another consequence of not trimming guinea pig’s nails; hence it should not be neglected.
Look for our guide on How to cut your guinea pig’s nails?
Make sure that your piggy feels calm during this process, hold them properly, and don’t put too much pressure on the leg. Contact your local vet if the process seems difficult for you and your piggy. Always give treats during or after the process for positive reinforcement.
Texel Guinea Pig Health Issues
It’s very important to note any change in your pet’s behavior, appetite, sounds, elimination, or any other abnormality. Treating any disorder at the earliest is highly recommended before a situation goes out of hand.
In general, guinea pigs are susceptible to various health problems, especially the old ones. There are some common problems in guinea pigs which are covered in the Most Common Guinea Pig Health Issues topic. In addition to these general diseases, there is one common problem specifically with the Texel breed, which needs to be taken care of.
Knotted hair and skin problem:
Texels have a long curly fur that can get tangled and knotted easily and creates a right home for mites, lice & parasites, ultimately leading to skin problems.
Texels can have mobility issues due to knotted or tangled fur, and if they don’t move around enough, it will cause obesity.
Their long fur is also susceptible to objects sticking on it like wood shavings or their leftover food so choose their bedding wisely
Final Thoughts
To raise a guinea pig, learn as much as possible and be prepared for keeping it. Texel Guinea Pigs are a popular choice among owners due to their unique appearance and require some extra amount of effort to keep them healthy and joyful.
And once you get a Texel, you will fall in love with this cute, tiny & lovely piggie. All in all, we hope this article helped you in understanding the Texel breed. If you have any specific queries about your guinea pig, always reach out to your local vet.
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