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New Hedgehog Checklist

Use this checklist before you bring a pet hedgehog home.

By Audrey Pavia

1. Cage – The largest cage you can afford, allowing at least 2 square feet of floor space per hedgehog. Cage should be made from wire mesh no larger than 1 by 2 inches in size, with a solid floor.

2. Exercise wheel 11 inches in diameter, designed for hamsters or hedgehogs. The wheel should have a solid floor to run on.

3. Nest box made from untreated wood or plastic; large enough for the hedgehog to fit inside.

4. Commercial hedgehog food or high-quality, low fat dry cat food.

5. Food bowl in a heavy crock to prevent spillage

6. Hanging water bottle that attaches to the side of the cage.

7. Toys such as small, solid rubber balls made for cats; empty toilet paper rolls, small cardboard boxes.

8. A small litter box that fits in the corner of the cage, along with non-clumping, dust-free, unscented cat litter or recycled paper litter.

9. Bedding safe for small animals, such as recycled paper bedding or aspen shavings

10. Nail clippers designed for cats or human babies

11. Travel carrier designed for small animals

 


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Reader Comments
I've been thinking about getting a hedgehog. It's nice all the reader comments from owners to get a more in-depth view.
Heather, Cascade, IA
Posted: 11/25/2011 4:52:01 AM
Actually, it shouldn't be a hanging water bottle but instead a water bowl because there are chances that they chip there teeth on the bottles.
Second, no hedgehog food at all. Cat food is the better option like said.
For a wheel, it is greatly recommended to have the Carolina Storm wheel specially made for hedgehogs. It cannot be made of wire nor the cages flooring because there feet could get caught and injured.
For toys, ferret toys are appropriate. Example, little balls for ferrets are good.
Finally, empty toilet paper rolls should be cut because if you are not paying any attention to your pet or are gone he could get injured.
Lily, Austin, TX
Posted: 6/24/2011 11:28:53 AM
If you use litter, like non clumping cat litter for the poop area, and you have a male hedgie, the stones of the litter can get caught in his man parts hole. So I would suggest Carefresh litter for the whole setup- and no cat litter- even if it is a female, the litter can irritate their skin and senses.
El, Longview, WA
Posted: 6/7/2011 7:04:07 PM
The hedgehogs available for companion pets are an African species, and as a result prefer their ambient temperature to be between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit (24-29 degrees Celsius). In order to maintain the proper temperature usually an aquarium will work well, as well as the use of a ceramic heat lamp. This will provide the heat without lighting up the environment, which is necessary for your nocturnal pet. You will also need a thermometer to make sure the enclosure is maintained at the correct temperature.
Paula, Winnipeg, MB
Posted: 6/6/2011 7:41:02 AM
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