Texel Guinea Pig

Social, gentle, and happiest with a buddy. Texel Guinea Pig fits people who can provide a spacious enclosure, unlimited hay, daily vegetables, and consistent interaction.

size
Small
energy
Medium
handling
Often (gentle handling)
setupComplexity
Medium
lifespan
5 to 7 years
diet
Hay-based with vegetables and vitamin C
space
Large enclosure recommended
messLevel
Medium to High
aloneTimeTolerance
Medium (best with a companion)
noise
Low to Medium

Best for

  • People who want a gentle, social small pet
  • Homes that can keep two compatible guinea pigs
  • Families with older kids and supervised handling
  • Owners who can keep a clean, spacious habitat

Not ideal for

  • Homes that can only keep one guinea pig
  • People who want a very low-cleanup pet
  • Owners who travel often without reliable daily care

Temperament

  • Friendly and social
  • Often enjoys routine and gentle interaction
  • Can be shy at first and warms up with consistency

Daily routine

feeding: Unlimited hay, fresh water, measured pellets, and daily vegetables. Provide vitamin C sources.
interaction: Gentle handling and floor time in a safe area, plus social time with a companion.
cleaning: Spot-clean daily. Deep clean regularly based on enclosure size.

Living fit

apartment: Often fine if you have space for a proper enclosure and cleaning routine.
family: Great with calm routines and supervised handling.
firstTimeOwner: Often suitable if you commit to social housing and daily feeding.

Health notes

  • Dietary vitamin C is important. Discuss a simple plan with an exotics vet.
  • Watch for appetite changes, dental issues, and weight loss.
  • Keep bedding clean and dry to reduce foot and skin problems.

Cost and time

time: Moderate daily time for feeding, social interaction, and spot cleaning.
cost: Moderate ongoing cost for hay, bedding, veggies, and exotics vet care.

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