Hedgehog Care FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Below is a list of questions about hedgehogs.
Click on a list item to find the answer.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION! PLEASE BE PATIENT.
ALL ADVICE IS MY OPINION AND MY OPINION ONLY. TAKE MY ADVICE AT YOUR
OWN RISK!
What is a hedgehog?
A hedgehog is a insectivore. It look similar to a porcupine,
but the two species are not related. A hedgehog's closest relative is actually
a shrew. An average African Pymgy Hedgehog will fit in an adult man's cupped
hand. An average Algerian hedgehog is slightly larger. An average European
hedgehog is much larger. European hedgehogs can be the size of a small
dog! African Pygmy and Algerian hedgehogs have a thick coat of spines,
varying in color from animal to animal. There is no fur under the spines,
but soft white or brown fur covers the belly, neck, face, and legs. Sight
is relatively poor, but hearing, smell, and taste are very well developed
in most pet hedgehogs. European hedgehogs possess a thick coat of brown
fur under their spines and on their legs and belly.
Where can I get a hedgehog?
You can get a hedgehog from a breeder, a private owner, or a pet store.
If you're willing to take the extra time and pay a little extra, I recommend
buying your pet directly from a breeder. If you buy a hedgehog from a breeder
who doesn't live within reasonable driving distance of you, make sure any
travel arrangements for the hedgehog are safe and comfortable. Don't allow
your new pet to be shipped in the baggage compartment of an airplane, or
any other place which would be stressful. A pet store is an easy choice,
but often a disappointing one. Many animals in pet stores are diseased,
malnourished, or bad-tempered. They also could be pregnant, a difficult
situation. This isn't to say that no pet stores are caring and kind, but
meant only as a warning. Kerbi came from a pet store originally.
A private owner is also an easy choice, often found in the classified ads
of your local newspaper. These ads usaually are owners who would like to
sell the babies from an accidental litter, or sometimes people who breed
hedgehogs as a hobby. On the plus side, the babies are most of the time
well socialized and friendly. On the other hand, they are an unknown quantity
and have no guarantees in most cases. They could be sick or have parasites.
If you choose a private owner, make sure to ask lots of questions and check
not just your pick but the whole litter and if possible the mother for
disease or parasites.
How can I select a hedgehog?
You can select a hedgehog with some basic rules of thumb:
-
Don't buy the smallest, scrawniest hedgehog.
-
Don't be tempted to buy a sick hedgehog unless you already are experienced
with hedgehogs.
-
Try not to buy a neglected animal unless you are experienced with hedgehogs.
-
Do not buy a pregnant or nursing female unless you are experienced with
hedgehogs.
-
Push a few spines forward. Is the skin extremely flaky? If so, don't
buy the hedgehog.
-
Do you see tiny black dots on the spines? If so, the hedgehog has mites.
-
Watch out for any hedgehog that loses spines in your hand-- it may have
mites or ringworm.
-
Select a hedgehog that is alert and curious.
-
A healthy hedgehog is active when woken up.
-
Select a hedgehog that reacts to noise or sudden movement.
-
Color doesn't matter.
-
Most of all, choose a pet that is friendly towards you. Choose the animal
that you love.
What kind of hedgehog
makes the best pet?
European hedgehogs and Desert Shortear hedgehogs are only available
with a license, to a hedgehog expert. African Pygmy, Dwarf African Pygmy,
and Algerian hedgehogs are all good pets. Algerian hedgehogs like Angel
are slightly more lively, large, and alert. They are also a little slower
to adjust to humans, and in my experience never seem to feel quite happy
being held. African Shortears are illegal for anyone but a licensed professional
biologist with a special permit to keep. In general, dwarf hedgehogs are
hard to find and expensive. In some cases supposed dwarf hedgehogs are
just immature African Pygmy hedgehogs! African Pygmy hedgehogs are the
best pets for amateurs.
NOTE: While Algerians are a separate type of hedgehog, Algerian is
also a color variety. Algerian and African Pygmy hedgies have been interbred
to the point that they are very difficult to distinguish.
What kind of cage does
a hedgehog need?
A hedgehog should have a glass cage with a wire mesh top. A wooden cage
is OK, if it has a window or door in the side and gets plenty of light.
A hedgehog cage should be at least 12" high, 32" long, and 12" wide. In
general, two square feet or more of space is the minimum.
What is the proper bedding
for a hedgehog?
A hedgehog should have a cage filled about 2" deep with recycled paper
bedding. NEVER USE RED CEDAR SHAVINGS OR ANY OTHER WOOD WITH EVEN A SLIGHT
SMELL!! This is very dangerous, no matter what hedgehog books say. I have
personally found Carefresh recycled paper bedding to be the best kind.
Some owners also choose to use cage liners and blankets. Pins-N-Needles
sells these.
Can a hedgehog
use another animal's old cage?
Not usually. If the other animal died or was sick, the cage would have
to be sterilized with lots of boiling water and disinfectant. A hedgehog
can catch pneumonia from drafts in a wire mesh cage, no matter how far
from a window. Any used cage would need a thorough cleaning with a little
boiling water and disinfectant. It is usually best to give each hedgehog
a new cage.
What toys does a hedgehog need?
A hedgehog should have several toys. Among them should be:
-
A ceramic, wooden or cardboard sleeping box
-
Something to climb on
-
Something such as a commercial "pet log" to hide in
-
Something to move around and 'nest' in
-
A large (at least 12" diameter) wheel
These toys will help keep your pet happy and sane, when combined with
exercise outside of its cage.
What should I feed a hedgehog?
A hedgehog should have wet food and dry food. Hard food is necessary
for dental health, but should not be the sole source of food. Mealworms
add extra protein to hedgehog diets, and should be fed regularly, but not
every day. My favorite wet food is the kind that's homemade using the following
recipe.
The food should be:
20% apple
20% chopped carrot
60% cooked chicken or beef
Chop the chicken or beef into tiny pieces. Add corn, frozen or unfrozen.
Set aside. Chop the apple into tiny pieces and add it to the mixture. Mix
in:
A little bit of calcium*
Press the mixture into an ice cube tray. I recommend the trays shaped
like half a egg carton. For one hedgehog, fill each space about halfway.
To feed two hedgehogs, fill each space completely. Break the cube in half
after defrosting. To defrost, place a food cube on a folded paper towel
or microwave safe dish. Cook in a microwave for 16 seconds, or until completelydefrosted.
A defrosted food cube should not feel cold or icy, but should not feel
hot either. Feed at about 9:00 PM for nocturnal hedgehogs, and 9:00 AM
for diurnal hedgehogs. (Hedgehogs constantly woken during the daytime until
they think of the sunlight as a wake-up call)
* Calcium is available at most major pet stores. DON'T USE TOO MUCH!
Only use enough calcium that there will be a few grains in each small handful.
I also add reptile vitamins but there is no data suggesting that this is
helpful in any way. Use this at your own risk.
How can I play with my hedgehog?
Most well socialized hedgehogs enjoy being around humans. Hedgehogs
will not fetch, and are extremely difficult to teach tricks. (I taught
Kerbi to roll up into a ball with his head sticking out when I hold him
a certain way, but he's still unreliable about it. Such a trick is useful
if you intend to try to educate others about hedgehogs.) However, a pet
hedgehog is still a lot of fun to play with! Always be gentle when playing.
Most hedgehogs enjoy a sort of "treasure hunt" for food.
To play this game, darken a hallway or room so that you can see but
the room is a little darker than a human would like. Hide treats the hedgehog
seems to like in dark corners and under small objects. Make sure to remember
where everything is, and don't use live prey! Let the hedgehog loose and
watch it hunt for food in its natural nocturnal state. See how many treats
your pet can find! You might try setting up obstacles such as a tunnel,
small barrier, or dish of water to test your pet's creativeness. Don't
be surprised if he or she knocks down, goes around, or completely ignores
the challenge. Hedgehogs generally try to take the easiest path to food,
and that includes finding their own treats instead of the ones you set
up! Old food scraps are often discovered indoors. Outdoors is entirely
different! Be prepared for a hedgehog taste testing a variety of unusual
treats. Kerbi once ate two colonies of warring ants! Earwigs, sow bugs,
beetles, grass, and rotten fruit are also favorites. If they begin foaming
at the mouth while trying new treats, don't worry! Hedgehogs instinctively
chew new foods into a foamy saliva and spread it on their spines. This
is not yet fully explained by scientists, but I theorize that they are
attempting to coat themselves with a new scent to avoid predators.
Once you and your hedgehog are accustomed to eachother you may want
to keep your hedgehog with you at times. Who can resist showing off a well
behaved, cute, and unusual pet? Your pet may like to be close to you. If
it trusts you it may think of you as a mix between servant, toy, and shelter.
The latter option prompts my pets to seek refuge inside my shirt! If you
don't like to have prickly, excitable animals in your shirt, consider a
fanny pack or backpack. Always leave the zipper a little bit open. (Enough
for your little friend to stick their head or nose out to see what's going
on, but not enough to let them escape.) Kerbi traveled to many places with
me, and has probably met more elected representatives than most humans.
A word of caution: When carrying hedgehogs for any extended period of time,
make sure to offer food, water, and exercise about every half hour at the
very minimum.
Can my hedgehog be
active during the day?
Hedgehogs can be trained to sleep at night and play in the daytime,
but it takes a good deal of patience and time. You will have to wake your
hedgehog for a little while each day, making sure that it doesn't go back
to sleep for more than a few minutes. Gradually extend the daytime play
time until your hedgehog begins to wake up on its own. You must still play
with it every day!
Does my pet need a wheel?
YES! Every hedgehog should have a wheel. Running on a wheel gives the
animal a chance to simulate the exercise it would get in wild conditions.
Wild hedgehogs roam over a large territory searching for snacks every night.
A pet that isn't correctly physically stimulated will almost never be in
the proper mental condition. bored hedgehogs can develop harmful habits
or become obese and bad-tempered. The wheel itself should be at least 12"
in diameter. The stand adds a few more inches, so you must not get a shallow
cage for your hedgehog. Beware of traditional wheels! The bars can cause
a hedgehog's feet to become caught. Angel once injured herself on a wheel
before I owned her. I have found that the best method of fixing a wheel
is fairly simple: weave windowscreen through the bars. This type of wheel
can be cleaned with a high pressure hose or scrubbing brush.
Some solid wheels such as Jog-a-Hog are commercially available for
hedgehogs. However, I have found that these wheels usually do not fit in
a standard size terrarium. I prefer to simply use wallpaper, windowscreen,
or sandpaper mesh threaded through the bars of a large standard wheel.
Hint: To keep toenails dull, use very fine grain sandpaper mesh to
thread through the wheel instead of windowscreen. Make sure to check your
hedgehog's feet every day if you use this option, because an avid runner
can become stressed and run for so long that they scrape the pads of their
feet. When this happens, switch to wallpaper or screen for a few weeks,
or use wallpaper or windowscreen on all but one section of the wheel.
Is Commercial Food Okay For Hedgehogs?
It won't hurt them. In fact, a hard commercial food should always be
offered in a bowl. I give my pets Ultra Blend Hedgehog Food and Ultra Blend
Hedgehog Treat. This is in addition to their regular food. The recipe
is found right here, and is much better for your hedgies than any commercial
food. Also supplement with mealworms as treats, but they shouldn't be the
main part of the pet's diet. In the summer, a hedgehog playing outdoors
may find bugs or plants to add to its diet!
Note: I have recently heard of some problems with Vitakraft Hedgehog
Food and 8-in-1 Ultra Blend Hedgehog Treat. Vitakraft Hedgehog Food
is too high in protein, having been designed as a snack for European hedgehogs.
For this reason, I have ceased to recommend it. I continue to use Ultra
Blend Hedgehog Treat, but I have heard that it can become lodged in a pet's
jaw. I am monitoring Pike carefully to make sure this does not happen to
her, and if anything of the sort happens I will immediately take it off
my recommended foods list. Feed Ultra Blend Food with ease of mind, though!
What If I Lose My Hedgehog In My House?
It's generally easy to find a lost hedgie inside. If it's winter,
turn up the heat so Sonic doesn't hibernate. Close any open doors, especially
if you know which room the hedgehog is in. Remember that hedgehogs are
nocturnal, so look behind bookshelves and under beds. Watch where you put
your feet. Tapping things and listening for hisses helps, if your pet is
a hisser. If all else fails, wait until dark and tempt him/her with his/her
evening food. This last method has worked numerous times on Angel, who
always managed to find a hiding place that remains hidden despite a thorough
search of closets, furniture, beds, etc. She even managed to make a hole
in the back of a dresser and hide in my sweatshirt drawer!
What If I Lose My Hedgehog Outdoors?
It's not as easy to find a pet lost outside. Alert all neighbors to
be on the lookout for a lost hedgehog. If it's winter, try to set up a
warm shelter. Let me add that in winter, hedgehogs should NEVER BE OUTSIDE.
In fact, it must be about 72 degrees, with only very low winds before you
can let them out to play. Watch at all times when your pets are outside,
unless you have an enclosed deck for them to play on. If despite all efforts
to keep track of your pet they run off, don't lose hope. Search bushes,
gardens, flower beds, and any small dark space first. Then look methodically
through the yard. Always be careful to watch where you step! If you still
don't find the missing animal, lay its favorite treats by all possible
hiding places at evening and watch. If this doesn't work, keep trying and
hope for the best. A lost outdoor hedgie is a tough case. If you locate
the pet and can't reach to get them out, leave treats for them and watch
from a distance. Good luck!
Can My Hedgehog Play Outdoors?
Yes. Most pets enjoy a romp outside in the summer. Make sure the temerature
is at least 72 degrees before letting hedgehogs out, and watch them at
all times. If you have a completely enclosed deck, you can spread some
leaves around and leave treats out there. Make sure that the fencing isn't
screen, because hedgehogs can get through anything flimsy. Hedgehog-proof
your deck, covering all outlets and removing anything that would be harmful
if taste-tested. If you don't have a deck and can't watch your hedgehog
when he or she is outside, you can build a hedgehog run. However, take
care that the run is sturdy enough to stand up to wind and annoyed hedgehogs,
has plants, water,and shelter, and is basically in-escapable. You have
to bury the boards a few feet underground so that burrowing out isn't a
problem, cover the run so climbing won't get your pet out, and generally
make sure it's as secure as any cage. Best by far is the option of letting
your pets wander free with supervision at all times. If you think of hedgehogs
as prickly, inventive two year olds you may have an easier time visualizing
a hedgie escaping a flimsy run.
Do hedgehogs get along
with other pets?
Hedgehogs can often enjoy the company of another species, provided both
animals have lots of room to get away from eachother if necessary. Different
species should never share a cage! Before introducing Prickles to Fido
and Fluffy, you need to remember a few simple rules.
First of all, supervision is absolutely necessary even with animals
that seem to be the best of friends. My turtle Marvel bit Kerbi on the
nose, despite the fact that they seemed to have a great rapport. Secondly,
with animals such as cats or dogs or even rabbits, the younger they are
when they meet the hedgehog the better. An impressionable young kitten
that has never caught a mouse is more likely to remember its first attempt
to eat a hedgehog than a seasoned mouser. It may seem cruel to allow your
pets to be pricked, but a taste of sharp spines is usually more than enough
to prevent an animal from repeating its experiments. A kitten or puppy
that meets a hedgehog may eventually bond with it, but an older animal
is likely to simply plan a better attack next time. Finally, keep encounters
short even with critters that know each other well. Once again, the analogy
of a hedgehog to a two year old child is appropriate. Young children get
tired and frustrated when playing with anyone for too long, even their
best friend.
What if my hedgehog is sick?
If your hedgehog shows any of these signs, call a veterinarian immediately:
-
Lethargy (more than normal; a hedgehog that usually stabs you until
you put her down who suddenly becomes quite happy to fall asleep in your
hands is more likely to be ill than have experienced a sudden personality
change)
-
Changes in behavior (sudden)
-
Eats less than half of normal amount of food for more than one day in
a row
-
Loses more than one spine per day
-
Difficulties breathing or raspy breathing
-
Any open, bleeding wound (scrapes on the feet are normal for a hedgehog
with sandpaper on its wheel, this is the only exception, and easily treatable
by removing the sandpaper)
-
Discharge from nose, eyes, or mouth
-
Excessively flaky skin (If you put the hedgie on a black towel, does
it look like it snowed? Usually a nutritional problem)
-
Diarrhea
-
Does not defecate or urinate for an entire day/night
-
Unusual lumps and bumps
-
Any unusual sounds (Squeaks with another hedgehog are not unusual, even
if you haven't heard them before!)
-
As a rule of thumb, call a vet if you feel that something is wrong and
you are not ABSOLUTELY SURE you can treat it
If your hedgehog has a shallow cut which doesn't bleed much, wash the
area with warm water and watch your pet with an eagle eye for pus or lack
of healing. Even a tiny wound could turn out to be a deep puncture.
Note: In the case of lethargy of not eating, make sure the temperature
is between 74 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the cage.
Anything outside this range can cause hibernation or aestivation. (Warm
weather hibernation)
Handy Tip: If you end up owning a hedgehog, your first act as a proud
hog-parent should be to call area veterinarians until you find one experienced
with hedgehogs, then post their number by your telephone or on your refrigerator
where it won't be lost. Any new acquisition should have a thorough checkup
as soon as possible. Vets tend to love working with hedgehogs, especially
the cooperative sort with an owner to match! I have never had a conflict
with my veterinarian, and she has always been very sensitive and helpful.
Can I tell if my hedgehog is pregnant?
There is no yes or no answer to this question. It depends on a variety
of factors, including your hedgehog experience and your knowledge of your
particular hedgehog. If you have recently bought a female hedgehog, she
should have a checkup anyway. If she is of breeding age, ask your vet to
palpate her for pregnancy at the checkup. If your girl has spent the night
with a male, wait about 15 days (1/2 gestation period) then bring her to
be palpated and/or ultrasounded/x-rayed. It all depends on many factors.
Pike's babies were simply found in the box one day, about 33 days after
she met Kerbi for the first time.
For more information, check Breeding
and Hedgerow
Hoglets.
Is it a
good idea to buy a nursing or pregnant female?
In general, absolutely not. Unfortunately, you can't always tell if
a pet shop animal is pregnant. A nursing female should never be bought
except from a breeder with excellent references, and even then only by
a very experienced owner. The stress of travel is never good for lactating
or expecting sows. It also helps to take time to get to know the hog before
taking on the added difficulties of hoglets.
If you find yourself in such a position, take a deep breath, get
out your hedgehog book, and leave the sow alone as much as possible. Provide
plenty of food and water, along with a large nesting box. For more suggestions,
click the links in the section above this one.
What if my hedgehog has dandruff?
This usually indicates a nutritional problem. If you check the section
on feeding, you will find my recipe. The section on commercial food has
more recommendations. If you already use nutritious food, it is best to
call a vet. The veterinarian can examine the individual, take a skin sample
to analyze for mites, and talk to you about the feeding program you use.
A little flaky skin is completely normal, especially for a hedgehog which
you just bought, (should have a checkup anyway!) but excessive dandruff
is a serious condition. If you put the hedgehog on a black towel, does
it look like it snowed? If so, time to change something. A healthy hedgehog
will have very slightly flaky skin or smooth, pink skin with no hint of
dandruff.
What if my hedgehog has
chapped ears?
This is absolutely normal for a new hedgehog. It will need a checkup
to make sure it is in good health and free from ear mites, but once any
parasite is ruled out it is easy to get rid of unsightly cracked ears.
First, check the sections on feeding and commercial food to establish
a feeding program that meets nutritional needs. Once you have begun feeding
healthy food, time to treat the ears from the outside. Your hedgehog will
not enjoy this step, but it is necessary. A thin coat of vaseline, cocoa
butter, or another skin lotion that would be safe for a baby should be
spread on each ear. Unscented bag balm works well also. Take care not to
get this inside the ear canal! Repeat this weekly until the problem clears
up. It may take months for ears to become completely smooth, but if no
improvement at all shows in one month repeat the vet check. Eventually,
your pet should have small, smooth oval ears with no cracks.
What If My Hedgehog Has Mites?
Don't panic! If you suspect that your pet has mites, the best thing
you can do is go to your veterinarian as soon as possible. He or she will
take a skin or quill sample and check for mites. If the vet finds mites,
he or she will probably give your hedgehog an injection and advise you
to keep it on paper towel bedding changed daily until the mite infestation
is a thing of the past. Your pet may need another injection, or, in very
severe cases, two. Pike came to me with a terrible mite infestation, the
result of the stress of her pregnancy causing the natural very few mites
on a hedgie to multiply out of control. She was given three injections
and kept on paper towels for weeks before her spines stopped falling out.
If treated properly, mites are no problem at all. An adult hedgehog is
always growing new quills, and those lost will soon be replaced.
How many hedgehogs can I keep?
As many as you have the time and money to care for. Each hedgehog needs
its own cage, which must be cleaned regularly, vet care, food, water, a
wheel, hiding places, litter, a heat lamp and heat pad, and lots of loving
attention from you. The more hedgehogs the more difficult this is. Set
aside at least a half hour daily for quiet time with each hedgehog. If
two or three get along, you can hold them at the same time. No more than
three, however, as supervision gets very tricky!
The bottom line is, if you can find room in your home, heart, and
wallet for twenty hedgehogs and their needs, then go ahead and keep twenty
hedgehogs. It's a good idea to talk to your vet before any attempts at
breeding, however. If you honestly look at yourself and find that you would
not be able to keep two hedgehogs happy, then consider setting up a play
date for your pet and another hedgie in your area. You might even start
a hedgehog owners' club, alternating houses to meet for mealworms, (hedgehogs)
cookies (people) and socialization. (both)
Can I let my hedgehogs play
together?
Absolutely, if you make sure that they will be safe. Before introducing
two animals, make sure that both have had a recent vet exam to prevent
diseases or parasites being passed back and forth. Choose a play area to
introduce them in which there is room to go their separate ways if they
don't "click." Allow the pair to slowly get acquainted. Hissing should
not be considered a problem, merely a part of understanding the other's
boundaries. If the hedgehogs are seriously fighting, biting eachother's
spines and hanging on, separate them and put them a little ways apart.
If this continues to be a problem, keep the particular two apart. Hedgehogs
are as individual as humans. It is also a good idea not to give treats
to newly introduced hogs while both can see, otherwise a fight may start.
Remember, before allowing a male and female to meet for more than a few
minutes make sure you are prepared for the possibility of babies. Hedgehog
overnights are a possibility between two females or a female and a male,
but do not keep two males in close quarters. As with any rule, there are
exceptions to this. Some males can become great friends! With any overnight,
make sure the hedgheogs know each other and both have their own food dish
and hideaway for the night. If the hogs get different food, separate them
for an hour or so at feeding time. In addition, do not schedule a hedgehog
sleepover between a male and a female unless you are prepared to deal with
babies. It's unlikely, but Pike proved that it's possible for a female
to become pregnant after only one night.
Are hedgehogs good with children?
Yes. Hedghehogs enjoy playing with children. If you wish to allow a
hedgehog to be owned or held by a young child, first make sure the child
in question has shown themself to be responsible and gentle with animals.
A hedgehog is not a good first pet; consider something a little less spiny
and perhaps a little more durable for a very young child or inexperienced
pet owner. If a hedgehog is bought for a child, try to get a calm and tame
individual. Older animal lovers may enjoy the challenge of winning the
trust of a less tame hedgie, but it takes patience. Does the owner have
this quality?
I suggest the following rules for handling the hedgehog. These are
flexible depending on the kid and the hedgehog. These could be posted on
an index card taped to the cage if you have very young children who will
need a reminder. Also, no child under eight and no child whom you do not
trust or who is meeting the pet for the first time should be left alone.
-
Sit down if a parent is not within sight while holding the hedgehog.
-
If the hedgehog is hissing, back off.
-
Never punish the hedgehog.
-
Only feed the hedgehog mealworms while holding it; no experiments.
-
Keep the hedgehog in sight at all times.
-
Do not sit on or squeeze the hedgehog.
-
Use soft touches.
-
Do not introduce the hedgehog to any other pets, including those you
don't own.
Stick to these rules, and make sure they are understood before letting
the child hold the hedgehog for more than a minute or so or without supervision.
What If I Go Out of Town?
If you have to leave town, it's usually best not to take a hedgehog
along. A superbly calm animal might tolerate a short trip, but hedgehogs
do not do well in the cargo area of planes. Sneaking a hedgie on board
in a fanny pack is an option, but everything depends on how good natured
your fellow passengers are, since it's absolutely necessary to offer a
hedgehog food, water, and exercise frequently.
The best option in most circumstances is hiring a hedgehog sitter.
If possible, this person should have hedgehogs of their own. Never entrust
your pet to someone who treats their own hedgies badly, of course. In the
best of all possible worlds, your sitter would take your hog into his or
her home while you are gone, cage, toys and all. Unfortunately, this isn't
always possible. Other pets, lack of space, roommates, or any number of
other things can make it hard for someone to take a new pet for several
days. In this case, your hedgehog sitter should visit your pet at least
once a day to feed, water if necessary, and play with your hedgehog.
Make it easy for the sitter. Write or type up feeding instructions,
the hedgehog's name, and emergency numbers. Paste this document to the
hedgehog's cage to make sure the sitter can see exactly where it is. Leave
and adequate quantity of food, and show your friend where it is. If the
hedgehog is tempermental, leave work gloves by the cage. If you follow
these instructions, you can enjoy your trip knowing that your beloved hog
is safe with a responsible caretaker.
How do I show my hedgehog?
If you bought your hedgehog from a breeder, he or she may know where
to find a hedgehog show organization in your area. Show hedgehogs should
be registered; to register a hedgie, go to the International
Hedgehog Registry. Owners should join the International
Hedgehog Club. Both these organizations can help you find a hedgehog
show. Once both human and pet are registered and you have looked for shows
in your area, go to Hedgehog Central
for info on show standards.
It's difficult to find hedgehog shows. It may be necessary to travel
out of state or to organize your own hedgehog club for your area. If you
do this, either find a judge from the International Hedgehog Club. Hedgehog
Central's page on "putting on a show" tells you how to do so. Most of all,
have fun!
Where can I learn more about hedgehogs?
Hedgehogs are growing in popularity, even though the hedgehog trend
has slowed. This is a good thing! More and more websites are popping up
about hedgehogs. Your local library may have several hedgehog books. I
recommend the three links above. You have shown great taste by your interest
in hedgehogs, and I hope you pursue this venture. Feel free to email me
to tell me about your hedgehogs or anything hedgie related! CONTACT
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