Care tips..

Kevin McRae · 02-06-2005, 05:21 PM

Hi there, I am looking to purchase a african pygmy hedgehog, but before I do I want to do my reasearch to see if there the right rodent for me. I have dozens of cages and waterbottles at home b/c we used to breed rats. We were using habitrails(sp?), would they be big enough for a single hedgehog? I would have a water bottle, 2 hideboxes, a few things for the guy to amuse himself with and plenty of food

We also have dozens of bags of pine shavings, which would work well for a hedgehod right? I know they eat insects but I was also told they thrive well on qualitly canned catfood, is this true? Insects aren't a problem for me to suppy b/c I breed my own meal and super worms.

Thanks for any input

Kevin

fertmom · 02-06-2005, 06:11 PM

First off, they are not rodents

I am not sure about the habitrail cages, do they have ramps? Hedgehogs don't usually do well with multilevel cages and could injure themselves on ramps if they do not have guide rails. Also, their feet do not tolerate wire floors, too hard on them so it would have to be a solid surface.
They are insectivores, so they enjoy the live bugs like mealworms, but they should only be given 3-4 times a week at the most. Our hedgies eat a combination of different light cat foods- Chicken Soup for the Cat lover's soul, Canin slim and 8 in 1 Hedgehog food. They also get fresh cooked or boiled turkey, chicken and salmon as "treats". Many hedgehogs like vegetables and fruits like melons also.
Is the pine shavings kiln dried? If not, the pine can be dangerous for them due to the resins. Good Mews or Cellsorb plus are great bedding materials for them. Many people use vellux blankets or material liners instead of the store bought small animal bedding.
Here are some links to get you started on good information.

http://www.pogstarhedgehogs.com/nutrition/

http://www.hedgehogvalley.com/
http://hedgehogcentral.com/
http://go.to/hedgehogaholica
http://www.angelfire.com/wa2/comeme...urHedgehog.html
http://exoticpets.about.com/od/hedgehogs/
http://hedgies.com/

Kevin McRae · 02-06-2005, 06:44 PM

Darn I feel embrassed that I called them rodents, what are they the habitrails have a plastic bottom with no ramps or anything.

Thanks for the info

suzoo · 02-06-2005, 06:56 PM

The only Habitrail cages I've ever seen are 'hamster cages'. Unless there are larger ones out there that I've never seen before, they would be WAY too small for a hedgehog. Hedgehogs need alot of space.. I'd start with an extra large rabbit cage (with a solid bottom, not wire) or even bigger..

Kevin McRae · 02-06-2005, 07:36 PM

Are aquariums ok? I have plenty of them lying around, 20 gallons, and higher.

suzoo · 02-06-2005, 08:21 PM

I'm not a hedgehog owner but I think that aquariums don't give them enough air circulation..

fertmom · 02-06-2005, 10:00 PM

Really aquariums do not provide enough ventilation.
Hedgehogs are small mammals, insectivores instead of rodents.
It is recommended that you provide at least 2 square feet of floor space per hedgehog.

Please read through the links, all the information is there, with pictures of appropriate cages and lots of good tips.

weesiepoo · 02-06-2005, 10:16 PM

yes, go to all those sites and read everything on them from top to bottom link to link. hedgies require much specialized care.

Candycane · 02-06-2005, 10:17 PM

Annie (fertmom) gave you some great advice. Did you have any luck with the other MB breeder? It is very important to get a hedgie from a reputable breeder to better your chances of a healthy hedgie without health problems, like WHS or cancer.

Kevin McRae · 02-06-2005, 11:52 PM

I haven't found any more breeders yet but I have found lots of really goo dpetstores with young hedgehogs for sale.