Texel Guinea Pig | History and Lifestyle
The texel guinea pig is a newer cavy breed, although it has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years. This is mainly due to their beautiful long and curly coat, friendly and docile nature, and patient demeanor.
They require a bit more special care than other Guinea varieties due to their luxurious coat. Texel Guinea Pigs are the most docile and easy to handle of all cavy breeds.
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 |
Behavior & Temperament
In terms of temperament, Texel Guinea Pigs are the most docile and easy to care for all cavy breeds. Of course, they must be socialized as soon as possible and treated with care.
Long-haired cats are calm in temperament, allowing them to interact with and outside their cages. Some Texels might be more proactive than others in this category.
The History Behind The Texel Guinea Pig
One of the most well-known and oldest breeds of American Guinea Pig, the Texel is an up-and-comer despite its relative youth!
As far back as the 1980s, the British Rex was crossbred with the Silkie to create this curly-haired cutie.
Nevertheless, we do not know which other breeds were introduced to the gene pool later on or how numerous crossings were employed to make this adorable little sweetheart of England.
This Silkie look-alike, including its glam 1980s perm, quickly captivated the affections of cavy enthusiasts all across the globe. In addition, the American Cavy Breeders Association acknowledged it in 1998.
The Texel Guinea Pig Appearance
In terms of guinea-pig celebrity status, the Texel would be on top of the heap! They are comparable to other varieties in size and weight. However, a little hefty could be a better word for them.
But that is all there is to it. The long, curly hair of the Texel guinea pig distinguishes it from other varieties. Shirley Temple got her moniker because of her curly coat, especially on her head and face.
The Texel Guinea Pig’s Color Variations
When it comes to color, the Texel may come in a vast range of hues, all of which are influenced by heredity. It is not rare to see a Texel with a design incorporating more than one of the most prevalent hues, such as white, gold, black, or brown.
The Texel Guinea Pigs’ Personality
The Texel guinea pig is not only gorgeous to look at and has a charming personality and disposition to match.
Another reason for its popularity is that this breed is often described as docile, peaceful, sweet-natured, and endearing just like Rex guinea pig and teddy guinea pig.
They are usually happy to be petted and even like having their hair brushed like other long-haired guinea pigs. The only way to tell whether they are dissatisfied is to give them a nip or bite when you mishandle them.
If you have Texel cavies, be aware that they tend to get into mischief. Therefore you should never leave them alone in their run or hutch unattended.
Tip – When it concerns your pig’s personality, biology and nurture play a role. To create and maintain a special relationship with your Texel piggy, you must handle it from an early age.
Caring For A Texel Guinea Pig
As with other guinea pigs, a healthy and happy existence depends on the Texel’s proper care.
Care for a Texel or a different guinea pig breed as a pet involves attention to several factors, such as cage size, feeding, dental care, grooming, and psychological and physical stimulation.
Cage Size
Hutch size is an essential factor in keeping a guinea pig.
Even though Texel guinea pigs are more miniature and somewhat heavier than their short-haired cousins, they still need a spacious cage. Allow adequate room for the children to play and mingle.
But it is also crucial for them to have private areas, such as nest boxes, where they may unwind. It is also essential to have separate dining and sleeping rooms.
Hutch Set Up
A hutch that is the appropriate size is not enough; you also need to ensure it is properly set up.
Porcelain food bowls, spill-proof bottles of water, hay racks, and nest boxes are among the hutch necessities, as are all the essential cleaning materials.
Remember to provide bedding as well. Despite their lack of sleep, guinea pigs still want a cozy spot to rest their heads. Some of the most common bedding options are hay and wood shavings; others may be more appropriate for your requirements and budget.
Diet
They do not have any unique nutritional needs other than adding vitamin C to their water daily. Cavies are unable to produce vitamin C on their own. Thus you must supplement their water supply with this vitamin.
Make sure your cavy has access to fresh water daily. In addition, hay, fruits and vegetables, and guinea pig pellets may be given to them.
Grass hay and green, leafy vegetables should be the majority of their diet. If you have a Texel, steer clear of root crops, like carrots, since they might cause stomach issues, such as diarrhea.
Fruits and snacks might make your pet Texel obese.
Cucumber is an excellent food for your Texel in hot weather because of the high water content.
When they become older, obesity may lead to various health issues. Therefore you want to maintain them in shape.
Texels need to be fed twice a day, at the very least. Avoid overfeeding them since this might result in them gaining excessive weight.
Remember that maintaining a healthy weight will keep them more beneficial in the long run.
Texel Guinea Pig Health Issues
You may prevent sickness and health issues in your guinea pigs by adequately caring for them.
There is a chance, though, that they will become sick despite this. It is much easier to prevent health issues for your pig if you keep an eye out for early warning symptoms.
Eye infection
From a young age, Texels are prone to a condition called entropion. This may be due to their lengthy eyelashes getting in the way of their vision and irritating their eyes.
Cloudiness, redness, discharge, and itching are all symptoms of entropion.
This condition may be readily solved with the use of antibiotic eye drops. Taking care of eye infections as soon as they appear is preferable Surgery may be necessary to treat an eye infection in a cavy.
Digestive And Bladder Issues
Texel cavies are prone to various digestive tract problems. Also included on the list are diarrhea and urinary tract infections.
To prevent this, feed your guineas an abundance of greens, such as grass and hay.
Be careful only to offer your Texels cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli occasionally since these might induce gas and bloat.
Tooth Problems
The teeth of Texel guineas, like those of other breeds, may be problematic.
Guinea pigs’ teeth become longer as they get older. As a result, they must continue to chew and gnaw to maintain their teeth.
To keep their teeth short, feed them a lot of hay. They may influence their teeth’ development by chewing on toys or tree branches.
In most cases, if your cavie is in enough condition, it may regrow as a missing or fractured tooth. This, on the other hand, might be an indication of vitamin C deficiency.
Ensure your cavy is getting enough vitamin C in its food to prevent this issue.
The roots of your Texel’s teeth may get extended. The roots of its teeth may be becoming longer if you see any pimples on his lower jaw. If this is the case, take him to the vet so that he may be diagnosed and treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Texel Guinea Pigs Smell?
Texels may smell, just like any guinea pig, if not cleaned frequently. Replace bedding and clean their hutch often. Daily fresh water and rotting food should be removed. Texels’ long coats may catch objects. Grooming reduces odors.
2. What is the difference between an Alpaca and Texel guinea pig?
Due to their resemblance, alpaca and Texel guinea pigs are sometimes confused. Alpaca guineas have forward-swooping bangs, unlike Texel guineas.
3. Are Texel Guinea Pigs Friendly?
When taught early, Texel guinea pigs are sociable. They are amiable and adapt well to other guinea pigs and people.
4. Do Texel Guinea Pigs Need Haircuts?
Texel guineas do not require haircuts if you brush and comb their hair.
Final Words
A Texel guinea pig does not have many different healthcare demands than other Guinea varieties. Therefore if you have had cavies, Texels will not be a big difference.
Long, curly coats need frequent brushing and washing to avoid furry knotting. Texel Guinea Pigs are a good family pet if you can buff their coats every several days, like calm cavies, or have young children.
