Hi RachieAnne99. There are some good sites with decent care info, but the problem is that there aren't good sites to the level of this one... or ones who don't support breeders. As such, I can't post their names to to the policies of this forum. However, if you search this particular area ("Others") for the previous posts I've written on hedgehog care, there should be some good info, and I'd be happy to PM you the addresses for some decent care sites. Just for public record though, here are a few basic pointers:
- For cage sizing, feel free to follow the basic principles for guineapigs. Each of our boys has a basic area of 2x3 grids, plus a second floor of 1x2.
- If you're creating a second floor for a hedgie, you must also create a fence around that area so they don't fall, and make sure their access is also enclosed. For example; SuperPet Fun-nels.
- Male hedgehogs CANNOT live together. They can and do attack and even kill each other. They are not like cavies that way. Females are much more easily able to live together happily, though.
- Hedgies need lots of flat running space, as well as a flat-surface wheel. You can make your own, or buy one on the internet. Search for "bucket wheel" and hedgehog.
- Hedgies shoudl be fed a base diet of high quality cat foods. Best recommendations are Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul - Light, Royal Canin Slim 37/38, Innova Light, Wellness Light, etc. Commercial "hedgehog" foods are garbage... seriously.
- Supplemental foods should include mealworms and crickets a few times a week (I use freeze-dried ones since it's less icky), as well as some fruits and vegetables (see my previous posts for more info on this).
- Hideyhouses, cozies, and the hedgie equivilent; "hedgiebags" are great, and each one should have his/her own and at least one alternate.
- Temperature is a big deal. Domesticated African Pygmy hedgehogs (unlike the European ones I think cookie_gal was referring to) can attempt to go into hibernation if their temperature drops... and then they can and often do die. It's very serious and constant monitoring and adjusting of termperatures is a big deal; especially as colder weather approaches.
- Creating a litter pan area around a hedgie's wheel will help to contain at least the majority of poo. Cleaning wheels once a day to once a week (depending on how dirty s/he is) keeps things clean and less smelly, but remember that their poo stinks, and therefore cleanliness leads to happy hedgie caregivers, and more peace in the home.
- Hedgies needs footbathes regularly since thier feet get covered in poo/pee from running in it all night, and they need their toenails monitored and clipped regularly as well. This is often VERY tricky since very few hedgies like/tolerate this.
- They are VERY prone to getting mites and need to be carefully monitired and treated. Re-infection is very common and for our boys an ongoing issue (due to compromised immune systems in two boys from severe pneumonia when they were young - stupid pet stores... lessons learnt).
- When they bite, they lock on and hold tight. Keep in mind they are insectivores in the wild. Learning good handling skills and developing and maintaining a relationship with a hedgie is key to reducing biting issues.
Okay - that's not nearly even a start, but enough to say that hedgehogs are NOT a basic "starter" animal. There is very little good information out there since they've only become "pets" since the 1990s. There is a lot of maintenance involved and a lot of learning. Please don't buy a hedgie from a breeder or a pet store, and please learn and research A LOT before making a decision to bring one into your life. If you need info on hedgie adoption, please let me know.
Work beckons - I can post more later, but that's all for now.
10-09-06, 12:38 pm
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