Are you in the market for a fun and friendly family pet? Let us introduce you to the rex guinea pig, one of the largest and fuzziest breeds of guinea pigs (also known as cavies, a reference to their scientific name, Cavia). These loveable rodents are known for their funky fur coats and relaxed attitudes.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about rex guinea pig care, diet, personality and more!
Rex guinea pig history
Not much is known about rex guinea pig history in particular, so we can’t tell you a lot about when the breed was developed and by whom. Guinea pigs in general have been around for a long time, though: they were first domesticated thousands of years ago in South America. Their purpose at first was as livestock, although they were also the center of plenty of tribal traditions.
Guinea pigs ended up in Europe in the 1500s, where they quickly became popular as pets. That hasn’t changed! Nowadays there are all sorts of different breeds out there, the result of selective breeding for traits like fur type and color. The rex guinea pig is one of them.
Rex guinea pig appearance
Their appearance is exactly what has made rex guinea pigs so beloved among cavy enthusiasts. The word “potato” comes up a lot in reference to them, and we have to admit it’s a pretty accurate descriptor!
What sets rex cavies apart from other guinea pigs is their coat. ‘Rex’ is a word used to describe animals bred for wiry and bushy fur (see Devon Rex cats, for example), and that’s the case with these guys as well. Their dense, short hairs are the result of a recessive gene. They’re coarse and poke out in all directions, giving pigs with this genetic trait that permanently frazzled and adorably chaotic look. The coat is very low-maintenance, so this breed is perfect for those who don’t want to have to brush their guinea pig on the daily.
Rex guinea pigs can be found in all regular cavy colors and in a range of sizes. They’re known to regularly outgrow other guinea pig breeds and reach sizes of up to 16”! This is not guaranteed, though, as some individuals never reach more than half that length.
Did you know? A rex guinea pig can live for up to 7 years, making it a long-term commitment.
Housing for a rex guinea pig
All guinea pigs need plenty of space to explore and roam, but with a large breed like the rex cavy, a roomy enclosure is obviously even more important. You should go for a large cage, hutch or homemade construction: at least 60” in length is the smallest we would go. If you own multiple pigs, it’s important to add in some extra space.
Provide a soft floor cover and non-dusty bedding to protect your rex’ sensitive feet. Include plenty of hides to help it feel safe, as well as sturdy food and water bowls. Fun foraging and chewing options are important to keep its brain busy and its teeth in order.
Did you know? Even with a large cage, your rex guinea pig requires regular free roaming time. If you worry about cables and other dangers, you can set up some portable metal wire fencing for your cavy to run around in.
Rex guinea pig diet
Like all guinea pigs, this breed is herbivorous. Their teeth never stop growing. This is a trait that comes in handy when dealing with tough foods in the wild, but can become problematic in captivity if you don’t offer enough chewing options to help wear them down.
So what should your piggy’s daily diet look like? Although there are commercial pelleted foods available, the focus should be on fresh hay (preferably timothy or oat) and fresh (leafy) veggies. These should be available at all times. You can also regularly offer some pellets, fruits or even certain types of kitchen scraps like carrot tops! No other human foods please: they’re much too salty, sugary and fatty for your rex guinea pig.
Rex guinea pig temperament
Although every individual guinea pig is different, the rex breed in general is known for its mellow disposition. They’re social and affectionate, making them great family pets. Although they’re still active and curious, they tend to be a bit more docile and calmer than many other guinea pig breeds.
Spend plenty of time with your guinea pig to keep it happy and healthy. Pet store cavies might take a while to warm up to human contact, but don’t get discouraged! With regular handling and plenty of treats, even a skittish rex should eventually come around.
Conclusion
With their low maintenance coat and friendly temperament, rex guinea pigs make ideal family pets. Spend plenty of time handling and hanging out with your piggy to really build a solid bond!
