Hedgehog Care
Housing: There are several different opinions on the best type of housing for hedgehogs. I prefer to use SuperPet small animal cages purchased at PetsMart or Petco, or any other small animal cage. Other housing options include rubbermaid containers or aquariums. Please note that hedgehogs are very good climbers, and given the opportunity, can become quite the escape artists. No matter which housing option you prefer, be sure that your enclosure has a lid that allows adequate ventilation.
A very important factor to consider when preparing your home for a hedgie is cage placement and temperature. You do not want to place your hedgie in constant, direct sunlight, and you definitely want to keep your hedgehog out of drafty areas. Hedgehogs require warmer temperatures, between 72 to 80 degrees. A cold hedgehog can be a grumpy hedgehog! Additionally, if a hedgie remains too cold for an extended period of time they may try to hibernate which is potentially fatal.
A very important factor to consider when preparing your home for a hedgie is cage placement and temperature. You do not want to place your hedgie in constant, direct sunlight, and you definitely want to keep your hedgehog out of drafty areas. Hedgehogs require warmer temperatures, between 72 to 80 degrees. A cold hedgehog can be a grumpy hedgehog! Additionally, if a hedgie remains too cold for an extended period of time they may try to hibernate which is potentially fatal.
Bedding: As with housing, there are a variety of bedding choices for hedgehogs, such as wood shavings, corn cob pellets, recycled newspaper such as Yesterday's News, CareFresh, etc. My research has failed to identify a clear winner for the "best" option, rather individuals' personal preferences. However, cedar shavings were consistently noted as being harmful to hedgehogs due to the aromatic oils and the potential to cause respiratory problems. My personal preference is kiln-dried aspen or pine shavings.
For those of you who don't want hedgie bedding sprinkled on the floor throughout your home, you might consider custom-made cage liners. Cage liners are washable and reusable. Please visit Four Little Feet Boutique to learn more about cage liners and other hand-made hedgie items.
For those of you who don't want hedgie bedding sprinkled on the floor throughout your home, you might consider custom-made cage liners. Cage liners are washable and reusable. Please visit Four Little Feet Boutique to learn more about cage liners and other hand-made hedgie items.
Food and Water: Hedgies that spend their days at Hawkeye Hedgies are fed a mixture of Spike's Delite Premium Hedgehog Food, and Purina Pro Plan Chicken and Rice cat food. For nursing moms and their babies, I also mix in Royal Canin Baby Cat or Royal Canin Kitten 36.
There are a variety of commercial hedgehog foods on the market that can be purchased at pet stores, however, I recommend a high-quality cat food which is high in protein and low in fat.
Although some hedgehog owners and/or breeders prefer to use water bowls, I have found that I personally prefer the water bottle. Bowls are very easily spilled and usually end up full of bedding materials.
There are a variety of commercial hedgehog foods on the market that can be purchased at pet stores, however, I recommend a high-quality cat food which is high in protein and low in fat.
Although some hedgehog owners and/or breeders prefer to use water bowls, I have found that I personally prefer the water bottle. Bowls are very easily spilled and usually end up full of bedding materials.
Accessories: An important accessory for your hedgehog's home is a wheel. Be sure to purchase a wheel that has a solid floor as hedgehogs can get their toes or nails caught in wheels with mesh-type flooring. I have recently purchased several Carolina Storm Hedgehog Wheels that I really like - they are easier to clean and much sturdier than the silent spinner wheels I was using. I have had several hedgies run so hard on the silent spinner wheels that they fall apart. I have been very lucky that a hedgie has not been injured. Another essential item for hedgies is a house or place for them to hide. Hedgehogs will spend the majority of the day sleeping, so be sure to provide a place for your hedgie to feel secure while they rest. I personally use "igloos" which I purchase at pet stores.
Veterinary Care: Although hedgehogs do not require routine veterinary care such as yearly vaccinations, that does not mean that your hedgehog will never need to see a vet. Like all of us, hedgehogs can get sick or injured and may require a trip to the vet. A yearly well-pet visit is recommended.
Please note, not all veterinarians have experience with hedgehogs as they are considered exotic animals. Before bringing your new pet home, I would recommend locating a vet in your area that has knowledge and experience with hedgehogs in the event that you have an emergency. I recommend All Pets Veterinary Hospital, 611 West Street, Grinnell, Iowa, 641-236-6869, Oaks Veterinary Clinic, 2030 27th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 515-279-3654, or Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1600 South 16th Street, Ames, IA, 50011, 515-294-4900.
Special Thanks: I would like to offer my special thanks to Shannon Orth of Dreamflower Meadows (dreamflowermeadows.com) for sharing her exceptional knowledge of hedgehogs and mentoring me in my goal to breed healthy, well-socialized hedgehogs.
Please note, not all veterinarians have experience with hedgehogs as they are considered exotic animals. Before bringing your new pet home, I would recommend locating a vet in your area that has knowledge and experience with hedgehogs in the event that you have an emergency. I recommend All Pets Veterinary Hospital, 611 West Street, Grinnell, Iowa, 641-236-6869, Oaks Veterinary Clinic, 2030 27th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 515-279-3654, or Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1600 South 16th Street, Ames, IA, 50011, 515-294-4900.
Special Thanks: I would like to offer my special thanks to Shannon Orth of Dreamflower Meadows (dreamflowermeadows.com) for sharing her exceptional knowledge of hedgehogs and mentoring me in my goal to breed healthy, well-socialized hedgehogs.
