The Texel guinea fowl pig was once rare , but is gaining popularity over time . Although Texels are n’t generally recommended for youngster , more experienced favourite possessor often elect to bring this breed home . This breed is more time - consuming and requires more attention , but they can make the perfect pet for someone search for a small , tender Guinea pig .
Origin and History
The Texel Guinea pig is a comparatively new stock , originate in the 1980s when a Silkie guinea squealer was breed with a British Rex . Since the 1980s , this strain has been combined with others . They still have their perm - same appearing and were agnize in 1998 as a stock of their own by the American Cavy Breeders Association .
Texel Versus Silkie Guinea Pig
It ’s comfortable for pet lovers to get the Texel and Silkie confused . They ’re both foresightful - haired breed and look alike . The main way of life to enjoin is by looking at their fur . Texel guinea bull have foresightful curly fur , whereas the Silkie has foresightful , straight fur .
Appearance and Physical Traits
The Texel Guinea slovenly person has a long , curly pelage with unretentive pelt around their question and face . They are have it away to have a thick physical structure than other Guinea pig breeds .
Size and Weight
Although their fur may make them seem big than they are , Texel Guinea pigs reach between 1½ to 2½ British pound sterling . They are shorter than other breeds , ranging from 8 to 10 inches in duration .
Enclosure Size Requirements
As with all cavies , the larger the enclosure you could keep your Texel in , the better . This is specially true if you have more than one or two Guinea pigs . At minimum , each cavy should have at least 4 straight foot of distance to roam around . If you have more than one Guinea pig , you need additional outer space for them to cuckold .
Coat Colors
The Texel Guinea Sus scrofa come in a miscellany of colors , including :
However , they could also be a combination of the above colors .
Unique Traits
The following traits are unique to the Texel :
Average Lifespan
Similar to other Guinea pig , the Texel has a lifetime of between 5 to 10 years , with most live on between 5 to 7 age .
Care Basics
The Texel Guinea pig must becared for properlyto survive a happy , goodish life . Like other shoat , their mental and physical health must be address on a regular basis . Texels are democratic due to their love of people and social behaviour . They do best when domiciliate with other Guinea pigs , enjoy being handled and petted , and love to be cuddled .
Enrichment and Play
The Texel has a serene , fond personality which has made them implausibly pop . They enjoy being handled and petted on a even foundation , but can be nippy if they ’re handled too gratingly . Unlike other Guinea pigs , this breed can be more mischievous than others , with curiosity getting the good of them when they ’re roaming around the business firm . Of course , it ’s important to keep an eye on any Guinea pig that ’s roaming , but keep a stuffy eye on this one .
Grooming
The Texel ’s preparation requirements are more prison term - down than other cavies due to their pelt ’s texture and distance . Daily brushing is necessary to maintain the Texel ’s pelage and foreclose mat , international nautical mile , or tangles . You should use a soft - barbellate brush in the direction of their pelt .
Baths may also be necessary if you notice your pig develop dirty . Be careful not to get soap in their ears or center while bathe . you may expend coconut oil color to assist keep their skin and coat moisturize if you ’re concerned about it get too ironical .
This breed ’s grease secretor lean to be more active than other breeds . You may call for to wash supernumerary grime from their underside from metre to time , especially in males .
Diet
Like other Guinea pigs , the TexelGuinea pig ’s dietmust consist of eminent - lineament pellet , a continuous supplying of hay , fruits , and veggies . They do n’t have any especial feeding essential compared to other breeds . However , since they are prone to corpulency , it ’s important to monitor their food intake . Like all other cavies , they should also have fresh , clean water useable at all times .
Health Issues
The Texel Guinea pig is prone to the traditional complaint , but is more likely to break the watch over health issues than other breed :
Caring for Babies
Newborn Guinea pig should stay with their female parent for at least three weeks . During these three week , they will not only be drinking their mother ’s milk , but take nibbles of their mother ’s pellets , hay , and snacks . ward off grooming or washup baby Guinea pigs until they are at least a couple of month old .
Mother Guinea pigs only suck a few times each twenty-four hour period , so do n’t be surprised if you do n’t see them suck all the time . They are n’t like kittens that are basically sequester to their Mom all day . They ’re more sovereign , but still need Milk River to remain healthy as sister . If you see them alone , they likely have not been abandoned , but are being given the quad they need to expand .
Availability and Cost
Texels are toilsome to find than most other Guinea hog breeds . The serious means to find this breed is by searching for a breeder or attending Guinea squealer exhibits . you could expect to pay off between $ 20 to $ 50 or more if they are show - timber and are spayed or neuter .
You should have their cage ready before they ’re purchased or adopted . Ongoingmaintenance and food costsshould be factor out in . If your cavy ask veterinary care , you should also be ready to add that to your favourite - related expenses .
Are Texels Good for Children?
Because they are higher maintenance than other Guinea pig breed , this finical stock is n’t generally recommended for child . Their grooming prerequisite are high , score them more prison term - down for families . Experienced Guinea pig proprietor are more potential to choose this strain .
Is the Texel Right for You?
If you are looking for a Guinea pig for yourself , and you are an experienced proprietor , this could be the breed for you . However , if you ’re looking for a low - upkeep cavy for your tyke , you will want to take a look at other breeds . brusque - haired Guinea Sus scrofa , for example , are more suitable for children and call for less maintenance than long - haired breeds .
