How to Care for a Texel Guinea Pig

Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Last Updated: January 20, 2022 References

Texel guinea pigs are a beautiful breed known for their long, luscious fur. Texel guinea pigs require the same care in terms of food and shelter like any other guinea pig. However, grooming a texel guinea pig requires extra effort due to their hair. While it takes a bit more dedication than average, caring for a texel guinea pig can be a rewarding experience. Texel guinea pigs are an affectionate breed and make great pets.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Providing Basic Food and Shelter

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Invest in a quality cage. Cages should be made from plastic, wire, steel, or a combination of the three to prevent your guinea pig from chewing through the bars. Make sure the cage has both a latching door and a lid. Bigger is generally better. For one texel guinea pig, go for a cage of at least 7.5 square feet (0.70 m²). If you add more texel guinea pigs, your cage should be at least 13 square feet (1.2 m²).^{[1]
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- You can buy guinea pig cages online or at a pet store.
All breeds of guinea pig get most of their food via daily grazing. Stock your cage with fresh hay, fruit, and veggies. Grass hay should be present at all times in the cage for grazing. Provide your guinea pig with at least a cup of fresh produce each day.
Guinea pig pellets are sold in most pet stores. Most guinea pigs, regardless of breed, need between a ¹⁄₄ cup (59 mL) and ¹⁄₈ cup (30 mL). While pellets are not a guinea pig's main source of nutrition, they are an important part of your pet's diet. Guinea pigs can not produce their own vitamin C, so they must get it from vitamin C-fortified pellets.
Water is important for the health of your pet. Have a water bowl in the cage and keep an eye on it throughout the day. Any time it looks empty, or if the water gets dirty, quickly replenish the water supply.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Grooming Your Texel Guinea Pig

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Brush your texel guinea pig daily. As its fur is longer than average, a texel guinea pig needs daily brushing.^{[3]
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Research source} Use a soft bristle brush to make gentle strokes in the direction of the hair. Never push the brush upwards when brushing, as this will hurt your guinea pig.
- If your guinea pig is new, it may be initially shy about grooming. Reward your guinea pig with treats and praise throughout the process to keep it calm.
2
Trim your guinea pig's nails regularly. Like any other type of guinea pig, it's important to clip your texel guinea pig's nails once a month to prevent them from becoming too long.^{[4]
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Research source} Have someone assist you by wrapping your guinea pig in a towel. Hold its paw in one hand and, with your other hand, gently clip off just the tip of each nail. If you cut too far down, you may cut into the quick and cause bleeding.^{[5]
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- If you do cut into the quick, rub some cornflower or aluminum sulfate powder on the tip of the nail. This should stop bleeding.
3
Clip your guinea pig's fur once a month. As texel guinea pigs are a longhaired breed, they need more frequent hair trimming. Hair near the legs and anus should be clipped whenever it appears overgrown, or if you notice feces getting stuck in your texel guinea pig's fur.^{[6]
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- Have someone hold your guinea pig still while you clip. Spritz the fur with lukewarm water first before snipping off any longer hairs near the anus and back legs.
4
Bathe your texel guinea pig once a month. Longhaired guinea pigs require monthly baths.^{[7]
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Research source} Bathe your guinea pig in a small washtub with lukewarm water. Add just enough water that it reaches your guinea pig's stomach. Lather your guinea pig in a shampoo specifically made for guinea pigs and then rinse it thoroughly.^{[8]
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- Before returning your guinea pig to its cage, it should be completely dry. Towel dry it and then keep it in a guinea pig-safe room until it dries off. Times will vary. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour for a guinea pig to dry.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Socializing Your Texel Guinea Pig

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Get a second texel guinea pig. Guinea pigs are social animals and do not do well as solo pets. It's a good idea to get a second guinea pig so your pet has a companion.^{[9]
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- It's best to adopt two guinea pigs that were already living together. You may have to gradually introduce guinea pigs that don't know each other to prevent fighting.
- Again, remember more than one guinea pig requires at least 13 square feet (1.2 m²) of cage space.
2
Support your texel guinea pig's body when handling it. When you need to pick up your guinea pig, support its full body. Cup your hands around the guinea pig's entire body to provide equal support. Make sure the guinea pig is still and secure before lifting it out of its cage to avoid dropping it.^{[10]
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- Some guinea pigs may enjoy being snuggled. If your guinea pig seems calm when you hold it, and does not struggle to get away, it may benefit from being held each day.
3
Have an hour of floor time each day. Texel guinea pigs need exercise outside of the cage to be happy. Each day, let your guinea wander around a closed-off room in your home. Remove any hazards, like potentially dangerous plants and any other pets, while you let it wander your home.^{[11]
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- Provide toys, like balls and puzzle toys, to encourage your guinea pig to move during floor time.
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How long do teddy bear guinea pigs live?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Teddy bear guinea pigs have a life expectancy similar to other guinea pigs, of around 4 or 5 years. However, with good care, they have been known to reach 6 or even 7 years of age.

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Question

Are Texel guinea pigs rare?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The curly hair of the Texel guinea pig gives them an unmistakable look. However, they are still something of a rarity, and breeders of this distinctive breed are few and far between.

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