Make a Home for Your Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are very energetic pets and need a large area to roam around in. This article will give information to keep your favorite pet healthy and happy.

Steps

  1. Buy a cage. This should be at least 36" by 18 the best are probably rabbit cages. Aquariums are good also if secured by a wire top. Since very few cages are specially made for these prickly pets, ferret and chinchilla sometimes work too. Do not use Rubbermaid containers or multi leveled cages for your hedgehog. Also wire cages are not recommended because some hedgie escape artists can climb up the wires and get out also when there is wire on the bottom hedgehogs can break their limbs on it.
  2. Put your empty cage somewhere warm where there's no drafts and away from large pets. Since hedgehogs get cold easily, be prepared to provide extra heating if your house is colder than 70 degrees.This can be done by placing a space heater or heating lamp by the cage.
  3. Get bedding. Aspen or paper bedding like Carefresh are safe. Cedar has been linked to tumors and respiratory problems in hedgehogs and pine causes skin irritations.
  4. Hiding spots are a must for a hedgehog. Make it simple. Even a small tube of PVC pipe works like a charm.
  5. Exercise is also very important. Wheels are very important for a healthy hedgie life. Make sure to buy a wheel with a solid surface for the hedgehog to run on, and be about 11"(27.9cm) in circumference. Carolina Storm makes good hedgehog-specific wheels, but off-brand wheels work just as well. Go for the non-noise ones because hedgehogs are nocturnal and are very likely to use the wheel at night. Another means of exercise is the balls for other pocket pets. These are great if you are not willing to let you're hedgehog out to roam about your house.
  6. You can buy a litter box; they will most likely use it.
  7. Obtain a water and food bowl. Make sure it is heavy enough that your hedghog cannot flip it over. Ceramic is ideal. Do not use a water bottle hedgehogs can amputate their tongues or break their teeth on them there are also story's of them ramming into them and hurting their eye.

Tips

  • You also need a water and food bowl. Make sure it is heavy enough that your hedghog cannot flip it over.
  • If your house is cold, then get a heater for the cage. A ceramic heat emitter with a thermostat is the best choice. Also, don't place the cage on the floor or in a drafty area.
  • Hedgehogs enjoy climbing. Placing ramps that lead up to a platform provide great fun for your pet. Be sure to enclose loft areas and ramps because hedgehogs have poor vision and fall easily. Even a small fall can injure a hedgehog.
  • Fill up a clean sink with lukewarm water (about 3"), hold your hedgehog as you put them in the water, but first, if they have any spots on their quills, use a clean toothbrush and baby shampoo to get them out. Bathe them once a month; any more than two times a month and they'll get dry skin.
  • Clean out the cage at least once a week.
  • If you are using a water bowl you may want to use a copper store bought one because IF you still want to try not to GT chemicals and other stuff in the water but IF chemicals do get in the water the copper absorbs them.

Warnings

  • Hedgehogs are very good escape artists and can get too cold if they escape.
  • The cage should always be between 70-80 degrees, or they will go into semi-hibernation and die. be sure not to use a heating pad because it may dehydrate them.
  • Do not use cedar or pine shavings; the oils make it difficult for hedgehogs to breathe. Also avoid using "pellet" litters, corncob beddings, and paper bedding (dries out skin).
  • Hedgehogs can get through anything that their head fits through.

Things You'll Need

  • Cage
  • Bedding
  • Wheel
  • Water bottle or bowl
  • Hide out
  • Food bowl

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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