1/30/2019 home | Hedgehogs

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HedgehogsLifespan: 4-6 years

Description

The domestic hedgehog commonly kept as pets is known as the African Pygmy hedgehog. They are insectivores thatprefer warm climates of around 72-80’Farhenheit. Hedgehogs have approximately 5,000-7,000 quills on their back, and

soft fur underneath.

LegalityThere are places where African Pygmy hedgehogs are illegal to own as pets, or require a permit for ownership. It is very

important to contact your local wildlife and fisheries, or local animal care and control to check your local laws onowning, shipping in/out, or breeding.

Hedgehogs are known to be illegal in the following states:

MaineMaineArizonaArizona

CaliforniaCaliforniaGeorgiaGeorgiaHawaiiHawaii

Pennsylvania (City)Pennsylvania (City)New York City (City)New York City (City)

HousingDIY lovers will enjoy creating their own hedgehog habitat, as many common housing choices include a little creativity.... Sterilite Box/Plastic Bin.Sterilite Box/Plastic Bin. The bin must be clear in color. It must be at least 105 quart in size. Holes must be drilled at thetop of the walls to allow proper ventilation if a lid is kept on. If you choose to use the lid, it is suggested to cut themiddle out and replace the area with mesh screen. (Or create your own mesh screen for the top of the bin.) Some binwalls may be high enough to render your hedgehog unable to escape, but it’s best to guarantee their safety. C&C cages. C&C cages. C&c cages are made using grids and coroplast. It is important to find grids with squares small enough soyour hedgehog is unable to squeeze through. Read more about c&c cages here. Aspen, dust-free paper, or fleece are good bedding choices.Avoid Cedar.

TempratureThe cage should be placed in an area that maintains a relatively constant temperature. Sudden shifts in temperature arenot healthy for hedgehogs. If the room your hedgehog is in ranges 70-80’ Fahrenheit, it should be comfortable enough.If it is lower than 70’, or you can not keep your house warm enough, additional heat sources are available.Hedgehogs are sensitive to light, and may become less active if given a heat source that emits excessive light in order toheat the area. Additional heat sources include:Additional heat sources include: Ceramic heat emitters: Ceramic heat emitters: CHEs produce little to no light, but the setup can be costly at first. CHEs are good for open cages,but may over-heat bin setups and tanks. (100 watts is about standard) Heating pads: Heating pads: Heating pads can be used for extra heat (for those ill or old). They can be placed under the sleeping area(under the cage.) They should be monitored carefully in order to prevent overheating of the cage. Heating pads will notheat the entire cage – only a portion of it. Heating pads for reptiles (ZooMed) are most commonly used.

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g y p g p p y Space heaters:Space heaters: Space heaters may be used in the room your hedgehog will be housed in.

Thermostats are a must in order to monitor temperature in your hedgehog’s cage.Thermostats are a must in order to monitor temperature in your hedgehog’s cage.Additional heat sources are not always necessary so long as the cage stays above 70’ Fahrenheit.

DietHedgehogs may be fed a high quality cat food. There are commercial hedgehog feeds, but they can be hard to find.They may also be given cooked poultry and cooked egg. Never feed these items raw. To read more about hedgehog kibble specifics, please refer to think link: Hedgehog Diet Mealworms and/or crickets (purchased from a pet store) can be given as diet supplements and treats as centipedes, ants,and other small insects are a part of their diet in the wild. Hedgehogs may also be given fruits and vegetables as an occasional treat. Feed these items sparingly.Refrain from offering these treats daily. Vegetables:Vegetables: Turnips, Carrots, Asparagus, Corn, and Broccoli.Fruits (remove pits/seeds):Fruits (remove pits/seeds): Berries, Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Papaya, Mango, and Watermelon. GroomingBaths Hedgehogs have many hard quills. They can be given water baths on occasion.Water temperature should be warm – but not too warm. If you would bathe a human baby in it, it should be comfortablefor your hedgehog. You may bathe your hedgehog without using soap, but some owners choose to use tear-free babyshampoos. Remember that a little goes a long way.Soft bristle tooth brushes can be used to loosen debris on the quills and feet.Avoid water and soap in the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth.Be sure your hedgehog is completely dry before returning it to the cage.

NailsNails will need to be trimmed on occasion. Baby nail clippers can be used for this. Carefully trim the nails to avoidhitting the quick.Ask your veterinarian if you are unsure how. Cornstarch can be used to clot the quick and stop bleeding if you cut tooshort.

ExerciseHedgehogs should be given a solid-surface wheel for in-cage exercise. The wheel should be at least 12’’ in diameter.

One or Two?Hedgehogs are most commonly housed alone. However, it may be possible for two females to cohabitate if the cage isequipped with two of every item. (Two wheels, feed bowls, bottles, etc.)Males should never be housed together to prevent fighting.

HealthIt is important to find a vet experienced in hedgehogs, as well as an emergency vet for after-hours care. Hedgehogs donot require routine veterinary care, but can fall sick or injured just as any other pet. More common health ailments to watch out for include:

Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome

Wobbly hedgehog syndrome is a condition that has no cure. It causes paralysis to spread through the legs andthroughout the body over a period of time. There are treatments for WHS that can extend the life or quality of life, butagain, there is no cure. The hind legs are often the first affected. There are other conditions that can mimic thesymptoms of wobbly hedgehog syndrome, so it is important to visit your veterinarian if you suspect WHS and/or noticeany of the following symptoms: ‘’Wobbling’’ when standing still, loss of use in limbs, and/or weight loss.

MitesMites are a common health ailment among hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are also prone to bacterial infections. If you notice quill loss, itching, or flaky skin – visit your veterinarian.

Tumors/CancerIf you notice a lump/s on your hedgehog, it is best to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Obesity

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yObesity is a condition that can cause severe health problems in hedgehogs.

If you notice a large jump in weight, it is best to cut back on feeding pellets, or look into a feed that is lower in fatcontent. Wheels are essential to hedgehogs for proper exercise to prevent obesity.Hedgehogs generally weigh 250-550 grams as healthy adults. It’s important to weigh your hedgehog regularly (at leastonce a week) as weight can be a good indicator of health problems.

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