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A breed of guinea pig with long hair, the Texel guinea pig has become very popular in recent years, and they are available for purchase online. They have slightly longer hair than the Silkie/sheltie breed, but the hairs are curly rather than straight, as opposed to the Silkie breed’s straight hair. The coat has a rough texture, similar to that of the Rex guinea pigs.The Texel guinea pigs, which were discovered through crossbreeding of various guinea pigs, are distinguished by their long and curly hair coat. Despite the fact that their long and curly hairs are beautiful, they pose a significant grooming challenge for their owners, making them a less than ideal breed for first-time dog owners.They have a distinct appearance and personality that will make any potential guinea pig owner fall head over heels in love with them. They do, however, present some difficulties for the keepers to overcome.If you want to learn everything there is to know about the Texel guinea pig, from their origins to their appearance to their care and diseases, then stick with us until the end, and we will make certain that you know everything there is to know about them before we conclude this article for you.

 

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Texel Guinea Pig Origin

The Texel guinea pigs were first bred in England in the early 1980s and are now widely available. The first of its kind was created by crossing a long-haired Silkie guinea pig with a curly-coated Rex guinea pig, which resulted in the creation of the first of its kind.

Since then, it has undergone a great deal of crossbreeding and mutation, and as a result, what we see today is a distinct breed with distinct appearance and characteristics.

Within a few years of its inception, the race had gained widespread popularity throughout the United States and the rest of the world.

The increasing popularity of the breed soon made them so well-known in both homes and show competitions that the American Cavy Breeders Association had no choice but to officially include them in the new breeds list. In the late 1990s, they were formally admitted to the list for the first time.

The Texel guinea pig has undergone several more crossbreds since then, and we can see a wide range of color, texture, and hair coat among the various Texel crossbreds.

If you want to learn more about how guinea pigs originated, where they come from, and how they became such a popular pet, then read our complete guide: Guinea Pig: Scientific Name, History, Weight, Breed, And Much More!

Physical Appearance Of Texel Guinea Pig

Texel guinea pigs are one of the most distinctive breeds of guinea pigs that can be found anywhere. The long curly hair they have, which is a result of a cross between a curly hair Rex and a long hair Sheltie, gives them their individuality.

They are also referred to as “Long-haired Sheltie” because many people believe the length of their hair is similar to that of a Sheltie guinea pig.

Their distinct thick, curly, and long coat presents a challenge for their keepers, as they are among the most difficult breeds to groom when compared to other breeds. Despite the fact that their coats make them the talk of the town at many show competitions.

The majority of Texel breeds have shorter facial hair, with little or no hair around their ears and under their jawlines in most cases. (However, this may vary depending on the type of product you receive).

Texel Guinea Pig Size

Texel guinea pigs have a distinct body shape as well as a distinct body size. When compared to the majority of other breeds, they have a shorter overall body. But for how long will they be there?

Most of the time, when your Texel guinea pig matures, it will reach a height of 8-10 inches (20-25cm). Look at the rate of growth that they have experienced so far:

Age At Birth 8 weeks 16 weeks Maturity
Growth Rate 2-3 inches
(5-8cm)
5-6 inches
(12-15cm)
7-8 inches
(18-20cm)
8-10 inches
(20-25cm)

As you can see, the Texel guinea pigs are around 2-3 inches at the time of birth.

Although the size may vary depending on the size of the litter, they grow at a much faster rate than other guinea pig breeds and can reach 5-6 inches in just over eight weeks, just like other guinea pig breeds.

They reach a size of 7-8 inches by 16 weeks, after which their growth rate begins to slow slightly, and they will be ready to mate.

Moving on, they can grow up to 14 months of age, but at a slow and steady pace, and by the time they reach maturity, they are typically 8-10 inches in height and width.

The size, on the other hand, can vary depending on the mix you receive and the gender of the animals you own.

Men and women have different body sizes, and while it is generally true that males are slightly taller than female guinea pigs, this is not always the case.

Texel Guinea Pig Weight

Guinea Pig Weight New Born 8 Weeks Maturity
Male 70-100 grams 400-450 grams 800-1200 grams
Female 60-90 grams 380-430 grams 800-1000 grams

A newborn Texel guinea pig can weigh anywhere from 60 to 100 grams when it is born. During the first eight weeks of the experiment, the guinea pig’s weight increases at a rapid rate.

It is possible for them to gain between 400-450 grams for a male and 380-430 grams for a female by the end of the first eight weeks of their lives, depending on the species of animal.

After eight weeks, the growth rate begins to slow slightly, but the plants continue to grow until they reach their full maturity size.

An adult male or female Texel guinea pig may weigh anywhere between 800-1200 grams at this point and 800-1000 grams at this point in their development as an animal.

It is once again evident that the weight of a female guinea pig is slightly less than the weight of an identically-sized male guinea pig, although this may not always be the case.

It’s easy for any guinea pig owner to become perplexed by the round face with shorter facial hair combined with long curly hair covering the entire body. As a result, the majority of them fail to recognize their weight problem.

It becomes increasingly difficult to determine whether your guinea pig is overweight, underweight, or the perfect fit. We recommend that you weigh your guinea pig at regular intervals to ensure that it is growing properly.

The Guinea pig Size-O-Meter from the PMFA can also assist you in determining whether your guinea pig is underweight, overweight, or the perfect fit for your home environment.

Texel Guinea Pig Color

Texel guinea pigs come in a variety of colors, including white, black, and brown. There are “self-colored” texel guinea pigs available, which come in a variety of solid colors such as black, red, beige, brown, and so on.

They are also available in a variety of patterns and color combinations, such as a white body with a blend of brown color or even a white body with a black pattern in the body, among other options. These guinea pigs are also referred to as “non-self” guinea pigs.

Choosing texel guinea pigs from a variety of colors and designs is easy when you look for them in your local area.

Texel guinea pig Temperament

Every guinea pig, just like every human, has a unique personality and outlook on life. It can be difficult to predict how your guinea pig will behave in advance.

Texel guinea pigs, on the other hand, have the personality of a long-haired guinea pig breed in general.

The Texel guinea pig is known for having a calm and sweet disposition. You can hold them and play with them even though they are active and cheeky. They will enjoy it if you do this for them.

Texel guinea pig personality

They enjoy being groomed, and you will notice that, in contrast to other breeds, they will take pleasure in and be very patient while you are brushing them.

Guinea pig personality reveals a great deal about their health and can be a sign of illness in its early stages.

If you notice a sudden shift in your guinea pig’s behavior, it is recommended that you take him to the veterinarian. These people could be suffering from diseases that you are completely unaware of at the time.

Top-Rated Guinea Pig Supplies: Our Top Picks! Recommended Guinea Pig Supplies: Our Top Picks!

Here’s something to think about before you read on.

Texel Guinea Pig Care

Texel guinea pigs have a distinct appearance and personality that is well-liked by many guinea pig enthusiasts. However, if you are purchasing your first guinea pig, a texel guinea pig may not be the best choice for your needs and circumstances.

The texel guinea pig’s nutritional and environmental requirements are the same as those of other breeds. They do, however, require some special grooming, which can be difficult for new owners to master at first.

Despite the fact that grooming a texel guinea pig can be extremely rewarding, it simply enjoys being handled and groomed.

To begin, let’s take a look at some of the most basic requirements, followed by a look at some of the more unique ones.

Diet Of Texel Guinea Pig

In terms of dietary requirements, the Texel guinea pig follows the same guidelines as the other guinea pig breeds.

Hay continues to be the staple component of their diet, accounting for 80 percent of their total caloric intake.

Fresh vegetables and pellets account for the remaining 15 percent of the calorie requirement.

During the time when treats are an optional part of their diet, you should make certain that they have constant access to fresh and clean water, as well.

Guinea Pig Diet

Hay

Guinea pigs eat hay as their primary source of nutrition, which accounts for 80 percent of their total diet. While there are many different types of hay available on the market, Timothy hay will be the most beneficial to your guinea pig’s overall health.

Timothy hay contains a good amount of fiber and only a small amount of calcium, making it an excellent choice for your guinea pig’s diet.

Despite the fact that alfalfa hay is also available on the market, you should not feed your guinea pig alfalfa-based hay.

Because of their high calcium content, guinea pigs develop bladder stones and sludge as a result of eating them. Despite the fact that we can feed young guinea pigs some alfalfa hay, they require additional calcium during their early growth stage.

If you are looking for some good quality hay for your guinea pig, you should definitely check out our recommended hay: Best Hay for your guinea pigs.

Fresh Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are an essential part of a guinea pig’s diet, and they should be consumed daily. Guinea pigs require fresh vegetables to supplement their diet with essential vitamins and minerals, which can’t be provided by hay alone.

To achieve nutritional balance in your child’s diet, you must serve a variety of 5-6 different vegetables daily. It is recommended that you consume no more than one cup of coffee per day. Make an effort to create a mixture that is low in calcium and high in vitamin C.

A guinea pig’s diet is incomplete without adequate amounts of vitamin C. There are many vegetables that are high in vitamin C such as Kale (parsley), Cabbage (spinach), Spinach (chicory), Dandelion green (turnip green), Romaine lettuce (romaine lettuce), Green bell pepper (green bell pepper), Brussels sprouts (brussels sprouts), and so on.

You can combine it with other vegetables such as lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, carrot, tomatoes, and so on.

Please make certain that any vegetables you serve have been thoroughly washed to ensure that any toxic chemicals attached to them have been eliminated. Additionally, make certain that the food is properly prepared before serving it to your guinea pig.

Please keep in mind that if you are introducing any new vegetables, you must do so gradually. Guinea pigs have a highly sensitive digestive system, and any significant change in their diet can cause it to become out of balance, leading to illness.

Pellets

Pellets are a fantastic addition to your guinea pig’s diet, especially if you have a picky guinea pig on your hands. Some guinea pigs are picky eaters when it comes to vegetables, while others are not.

If your guinea pig isn’t getting enough vegetables, especially vegetables high in vitamin C, you should consider feeding him pellets instead.

Pellets contain all of the essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals, that your guinea pigs require to survive.

Every day, you should give your guinea pigs between 1/8 cup and 1/6 cup of pellets to eat.

Please keep in mind that pellets are not a substitute for hay or fresh vegetables. To ensure that your guinea pig remains happy and healthy, feed them as an additional source of essential nutrients.

If you are looking for good quality hay fortified with Vitamin C then check out our buyer’s guide: Best pellets for your guinea pig.

Also Read: How To Get My Guinea Pig To Eat Pellets?

Treats

As with any other animal, treats are essential in the diet of guinea pigs. You should give your guinea pigs a treat or two once or twice a week, at the very least.

The primary goal is to introduce some variety into their diet in terms of taste. The treats available for your guinea pigs range from fresh fruits like grapes, apples, oranges, strawberries, kiwi, and other tropical fruits to commercially prepared treats such as bananas and yogurt.

If you haven’t already, try a few different foods to see which ones your guinea pigs prefer. Treats are also beneficial when it comes to training your guinea pigs.

You can litter train your guinea pig or even teach them tricks by rewarding them with treats as a form of reinforcement for their efforts.

Please keep in mind that you should not serve treats on a regular basis. It is usually recommended to do so once or twice a week. Remember to serve only a small quantity of treats because overeating can lead to health problems such as diabetes, obesity, and other ailments.

Texel Guinea Pig Care

If you are looking for some commercial treats suitable for your guinea pig then check out our buyer’s guide: Best Treats for your guinea pigs.

Water

Your Guinea pig must have access to a water bottle or a bowl that is constantly filled with fresh and clean water.

Guinea pigs are active at all hours of the day and night, and they eat and drink at all times of the day and night. As a result, make a point of refilling the bottle at least twice daily.

A guinea pig can drink anywhere from 50ml to 300ml of water per day on average, depending on its size. The amount of food consumed will vary depending on the weather, diet, and a variety of other factors.

Always use a high-quality, leak-proof water bottle to avoid spilling your drink. It is possible that your water bottle will leak and soak through your bedding, which could result in serious health consequences if not addressed right away.

Check out this article: Why isn’t my Guinea Pig drinking water? (Given the Reasons, What Should Be Done)

Habitat of the Texel Guinea Pig

Other than that, the habitat requirement for a Texel Guinea Pig is the same as it is for any of the other breeds. First, let’s go over the fundamentals:

Cage

Texel guinea pigs require a large cage with a floor area of at least 7.5 square feet that is located in a well-ventilated area. If possible, we should locate the cage in an area with a consistent temperature between 65 and 75 degrees F. (18 to 24 degrees C).

Anything above or below this range can result in health problems in guinea pigs, and vice versa. Texel guinea pigs require a cage that is reasonably large, with a separate area for food and water, as well as a play area.

Because of their long curly hairs, food particles can become entangled in their coats, causing them to become dirty and making grooming quite difficult.

Having a larger cage gives them more space to run around and play, which helps to keep both the cage and the guinea pigs cleaner. It also simplifies the task of maintaining the system.

Take a look at these large guinea pig cages that are available at the best prices: The best guinea pig cages are those that can accommodate two or more guinea pigs.

Bedding

When it comes to texel guinea pigs, bedding is an extremely important consideration. The use of fleece as bedding can be extremely beneficial if you have a texel guinea pig.

Fleece bedding is also very simple to clean and keep in good condition. Use of aspen or cheap paper bedding may cause a texel guinea pig’s long curly hair to become tangled in the bedding.

As a result, having fleece bedding is extremely beneficial and saves you a significant amount of time that would otherwise be spent grooming your guinea pig.

Fur bedding, especially high-quality fleece bedding, is extremely absorbent and odor-free, which is always beneficial for your guinea pig.

For more information, please see our buyer’s guide on bedding for guinea pigs: The Best Bedding for Your Guinea Pigs.

Food Dishes

A texel guinea pig’s needs include food bowls and hay racks, among other things. It is important to have a good quality food bowl that does not tip over in order to keep the cage clean, which is especially important if you have a texel guinea pig.

Additionally, hay racks are a great addition because they help to keep the mess contained in one area rather than dispersing throughout the entire cage. If you have a texel guinea pig, you should seriously consider purchasing one.

When looking for a good set of sturdy food dishes for your guinea pig, you should definitely look at our buyer’s guide, which includes: What are the best foods to feed your guinea pigs?

Water Bottle

Water bottles are an absolutely necessary component of the cage. Guinea pigs must have constant access to fresh and clean water, no matter where they are.

As a result, keeping a high-quality water bottle in their cage is essential. Keep an eye on the water bottle to make sure it doesn’t leak and cause havoc in your cage.

If you are looking for leak-proof bottles for your guinea pig, we recommend that you read our buyer’s guide, which can be found here: The most appropriate water bottle for your guinea pigs

Hidings and Toys

Guinea pigs are highly active animals, and we should provide them with some toys to keep them entertained in their cage. Providing your guinea pig with high-quality chew toys, tunnels, hammocks, and other activities will keep him or her entertained and active.

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If your guinea pig is bored, you will notice that they are chewing on the bars of their cage. If they are doing so, it indicates that they require some physical and mental stimulation, and providing them with toys is an excellent way to provide that stimulation.

In addition, hiding places for guinea pigs should be provided in their environment. Guinea pigs are prey animals, and they require a safe haven where they can burrow or mask in order to feel secure and protected.

Having a functional hiding space also allows them to get in a good nap, which is beneficial to their overall health. It helps them to feel more at ease in their surroundings.

The following are the toys that our guinea pigs have shown a particular fondness for over the course of the testing process:

How to groom Texel guinea pig

Grooming a texel guinea pig can be a bit of a challenge because of its small size. To make things more difficult to brush, Texel Guinea Pigs have long curly hair that is difficult to manage.

How to groom Texel guinea pig

Despite the fact that the hair is soft and shiny, it does accumulate some debris, such as hay and feces, which makes it difficult to brush. Let us go over some basic grooming techniques for your texel guinea pig:

Brushing

Texel guinea pigs require daily brushing in order to keep their long curly hair from becoming tangled.

Brushing also helps to remove any debris that has become lodged in their coat, which helps to keep their skin and coat healthy.

This breed, as well as other long-haired guinea pig breeds, require more frequent grooming than other races.

It is possible that the grooming process will take even longer time during the spring and early summer when they shed a lot of hair.

Always remember to brush your guinea pig with a soft bristle brush to keep him looking his best. Also, make sure to brush your guinea pig’s hair in the direction of the hair to avoid any injury to the animal.

If you have recently purchased a texel guinea pig, it is possible that it will be a little shy when you first begin grooming them; however, with a little love and treats, you can make them sweet and loving.

Once your guinea pig gets used to you, he or she will patiently allow you to groom them while you are working.

Hair clipping

Texel guinea pig grooming
Hair clipping on a Texel guinea pig before it is releasedIf you have a texel guinea pig, you should also consider hair clipping as an important aspect to consider. According to the British Cavy Council, a texel guinea pig’s hair can grow at a rate of one inch per month (2.5 cm).The growth rate is quite rapid as you can see, and you should definitely consider clipping their hair every month to keep up with it. The hair around their legs and anus, or grease gland, needs to be clipped on a regular basis.If you notice that the hairs are becoming overgrown, you should consider cutting them to prevent debris from building up in the coat. You can spray some lukewarm water on your guinea pig and clip the necessary hair with a sharp scissor while holding your guinea pig firmly.

Nail Clipping

It is absolutely necessary to trim your guinea pig’s nails on a regular basis. Guinea pig nails grow quickly and need to be trimmed once a month at the very least.

The toes of your guinea pig may become inflamed if you do not trim them on time. This will result in pain and difficulty walking for your pet.

You can use a nail trimmer to shorten the length of the nails. If you end up trimming too deeply and injuring your guinea pig by mistake, you can apply some cornflour to the wound to stop the bleeding and prevent infection.

How to Trim Your Guinea Pig’s Nails

As an added precaution, wrap your guinea pig in a towel and place their front paws directly above a flashlight to keep them safe. Because of this, you will be able to see right through their nails and veins. Using good clippers to clip off the new growth and being cautious will get you through the process without incident.

Cleaning of the Grease Gland

Gauguin pigs have oil glands on their skin that secrete an oily substance that they use to mark their territory or to scent-mark their territory. If your guinea pig has a grease gland that is active, it will require regular attention.

Your texel guinea pig’s grease gland will become hard and sticky if you do not clean it on a regular basis. This will make the long hair around the area look unsightly and cause it to emit an unpleasant odor.

The grease gland of your guinea pig should be cleaned at least once every few weeks, if not more frequently. Cleaning your guinea pig’s grease gland is a fairly simple procedure, which you can learn more about in our article, which goes into great detail about how to do so:

Bathing

Bathing your texel guinea pig is also an important part of keeping them in good health. Because long-haired guinea pigs tend to get much dirtier than their short-haired counterparts, they require a bath once a month.

Their coat can pick up a lot of poop and debris from around the cage, which causes the skin and hair to become very dirty very quickly. As a result, taking a quick and refreshing bath is essential for clearing away dirt and debris.

Put your guinea pig in a small tub and fill it halfway with lukewarm water. You simply fill the tub with water until it comes up to their stomach level and carefully place your guinea pig in it. Lather up with some high-quality Guinea pig shampoo and then thoroughly rinse it off your pet’s coat.

Once they are clean, you can dry them off with towels and hair dryers before returning them to their cage. More information on bathing your guinea pigs, as well as some excellent shampoo options, can be found in our article: Bathing Your Guinea Pigs.

Do texel guinea pigs shed?

Yes, the Texel guinea shedding is a fact of life. It’s true that they are a moderate shedder. It is common for them to shed heavily in the spring and early summer in order to prepare their coat for the hot summer months. They shave off any excess hair from their fur in order to make it lighter for the upcoming summer months.

My shedding is controlled, however, by a few tricks I have up my sleeve that help me keep my house free of hair. Check out our article on the subject if you’d like to learn more about the subject.

How much do texel guinea pigs cost?

A texel guinea pig can range in price from ten dollars to forty dollars. The cost of a guinea pig is determined by where it is purchased, the breed quality of the guinea pig, and how healthy the guinea pig is.

How much do texel guinea pigs price

If you are looking for one for yourself, I would strongly advise you to start by looking into the shelter homes in your area first. There are some pigs available for adoption in that area. Alternatively, you can contact an established breeder to obtain one.

Texel Guinea Pig Care Instructions for First-Time Owners

  • For texel guinea pigs, a large cage is absolutely necessary.
  • Make sure to use high-quality bedding and to keep the cage clean so that debris does not accumulate on your guinea pig’s coat.
  • It is essential to provide a high-quality diet.
  • Make sure they have plenty of time to run around and play on the floor.
  • Brushing Texel guinea pigs on a daily basis is necessary to keep their coats clean and healthy.
  • Texel guinea pigs must also have their hair clipped on a monthly basis. Excessive growth around their anus and toes can be problematic for them.
  • It is important to bathe them once a month to ensure that their coat and skin remain clean and healthy. When bathing your guinea pigs, make sure to use a shampoo made specifically for them.
  • A regular veterinarian visit (once every three months) aids in the prevention of diseases, allowing your guinea pigs to live a long and healthy life.
  • When going to get one, always make sure that they are in good condition. It is easier to identify the right one if it has a healthy coat, glowing eyes, clear sound, and good dental health.

The product we loved personally

Omlet All About Eglu Go Guinea Pig Hutch

Everything You Need to Know About Eglu The Go Hutch is a straightforward way to keep pets that is simple, stylish, and easy to use. This will make an excellent home for your new guinea pig friends, as it will accommodate two to three of them. The house is a wonderful place to eat, sleep, and cuddle up in during the winter months.

The Omlet has been meticulously designed. The purpose of the Eglu is to keep your pets warm during the winter months. Because it is fox and badger resistant, you can rest assured that your pets will be safe even when you are not at home with them.

esty Natural Chews Gift Basket For Guinea pig Guinea pigs

Gift Basket with Natural Chews In addition, it makes an excellent chew toy for Guinea pigs. This basket contains a variety of textures and chews that are perfect for determining your pet’s preferences. Other entertaining toys and accessories can be found in the WinniGuineaPoo store.

Guinea Pig Shelter House Castle Hideout

The Guinea Pig Protective Housing Castle hideout is of good quality and size, and it is simple to assemble the castle. It was a huge hit with our cavies. You can get in touch with this store GuineaDigs if you need fast delivery or have any other questions; they are fantastic.

Esty Guinea Pig Treat Bundles

Guinea Pig Shelter House Castle Hideout is good quality and size, easy to assemble castle. Our cavies were so happy with it. You can contact this store GuineaDigs for fast delivery and any other confusion; they are awesome.

Esty-Small-animal-corner-play-tunnel

In the AIApetsupplies store, you can find a variety of handcrafted hideouts and guinea pig homes for your pets. This hay hideout tunnel is the most adorable product we’ve ever purchased for our guinea pigs.