It’s important to do this after every feeding. Hedgehog Supplies. Nina is getting bigger ! Warmer temperatures (between 72°F to 80°F) will discourage hibernation from occurring. What would you say is a regular basis for grooming? Juvenile hedgehogs weighing less than 500 grams during late autumn will need help to survive the winter - download our factsheet caring for autumn juvenile hedgehogs (PDF 416KB) for advice. Nov 11, 2014 - How to Take Care of a Hedgehog. The minimum recommended cage size is 4 x 2 feet. That is the Plastic is generally preferred because it’s easy to clean but fabric and cardboard is inexpensive and can be thrown out without breaking your budget. If you decide to intervene, here's what to do: There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing to bring your hedgehog home, as well as some things to be aware of to help him get settled in to his new home. However, once you get everything set up, they make great, low maintenance pets. Buying a hedgehog from breeders will involve several steps and requirements before getting your pet. A lover of animals, peace and quiet, and reading. Although relatively easy to raise and take care of, like most animals, pet hedgehogs need to be cared for properly in order to remain healthy and happy. on Step 9. As a hedgehog owner I have spent the past few years reading articles and researching hedgehogs and everything about them.Through nursing them back to health, giving them spa days, cleaning their cages, and determining products that are not safe for them, I feel I have come up with some quality advice for first time hedgehog owners. Remember that babies need a lot of sleep so allow your hedgehog some alone time. Leave areas of the garden 'wild', with piles of leaf litter and logs. If you take in an orphaned hedgie, then you have to be prepared to hand feed as often as necessary. Some popular accessories include plastic igloos and sleeping bags for sleep and security. The process can be concerning to new hedgehog owners because of how they contort, but do not be alarmed. Of course, a refuge. That is the It also serves as a barrier to protect the hedgehog from any other pets you may have. Avoid placing your pet hedgehog’s cage near drafts, heaters, air conditioners, and windows because hedgehogs are sensitive to temperatures that are too hot or too cold. Even in the wild, hedgehogs do not live in a colony and will only seek company during mating season. Socialized hedgehogs are less likely to bite or puff their spikes out at people and more likely to relax with you. Enjoy your new baby and cuddle him or her often. Feb 17, 2014 - How to Take Care of a Hedgehog. Male hedgehogs should never be housed together because they will fight, leading to injury or death. First, make it a habit of washing your hands both before and after touching the little one. This means they feed primarily on insects such as slugs, beetles, or termites but they will eat other small prey, like mice, bird eggs, and frogs when given the opportunity. Sometimes kids can be overzealous with their affection causing a hedgehog to become afraid and extend his quills. We’ve heard from owners that their hedgehog was spooked by the loud noise of the bathtub filling up. Luckily, you have some say in the matter and can help your hedgehog avoid this behavior entirely. As well as food, an accessible source of freshwater is invaluable. You can also re-purpose fabric scraps and cardboard boxes for this purpose. 2 years ago As long as it has a solid bottom, most guinea pig and rabbit cages will work well for housing your pet hedgehog. Wax buildup is a common culprit for ear infections in your hedgehog but sometimes the culprit can be mites or fungus. We prefer to do this in the sink because it’s a little easier to manage everything and control the temperature of the water your hedgehog is standing in. Question While you can’t do a lot about genetics, you can help keep your pet hedgehog safe by feeding them a balanced diet high in protein, familiarizing yourself with common ailments, accessing veterinary care, and keeping them safe from other pets and outdoor predators. 2 years ago. This can vary as well, depending on the supplies you choose for his habitat.. Just don't go scuba diving with it and don't leave it on the dashboard of your car every single day. The first signs of WHS is loss of full muscle control and weakened muscles. Change the hog’s bedding daily during treatment to ensure that the infection doesn’t return, and keep the hog away from other animals and people. Some hedgehogs, especially those from pet stores, can become ill depending on its environment. To lull a hedgehog out of hibernation, place them on a warm spot to warm up, like under your shirt on your stomach. Other signs of a sick hedgehog include lethargy, panting or labored breathing, a dull expression, discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, coughing and paralysis. !” but you’ll be happy to know that nothing is wrong with your little prickly pal. They take time to get used to humans but can be … Always keep a wheel in your hedgehog’s enclosure to ensure regular exercise. There are many things that can go wrong during this time. These can cause a range of problems starting from GI distress to death. Take your hedgehog to the vet anytime he’s acting lethargic, not eating or otherwise behaving oddly. To trim a hedgehog’s nails, hold the hedgehog on its back on your lab and gently hold one of its paws. A desk lamp is a good compromise, situated so that it... 3. When bathing a hedgehog, fill a bath tub, sink, or small bucket with lukewarm water. Just keep it conditioned and you're fine. Sudden changes can suggest health problems that can be treated more effectively to more carefully you observe your hedgehog. Like most animals, hedgehogs aren’t immune to ailments and diseases. How to Take Care of a Hedgehog Step 1: Make Sure Hedgehogs Are Legal in Your Place of Residence.. Giving your hedgehog a regular bath is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent them from getting mites. Hedgehogs are notoriously shy, and it might take some time (and a lot of patience!) Size: Five to eight inches long. If you place a wheel in their enclosure, they will move enough so … Before you start to research breeders or buy supplies, make sure that hedgehogs are allowed in your state. If a hedgehog with young is disturbed, she may well harm or abandon her young. Get your hedgehog from a proper breeder that has experience (preferably in … Hedgehogs now and then enjoy playing, and are notorious for making sport out of toilet paper tubes. A hedgehog needs the correct food and a proper habitat to live a long, happy, and healthy life. Hedgehogs can be trained to use small litter boxes, which should also be lined with a paper-based litter and placed in the corner of the cage. 16 days ago Pick a reputable source. Hedgehogs aren’t actually the “slug munchers” of legend, but they do eat some and there has been suggestion that the pellets may also poison them, not just the slugs and snails. To do the flipping method, simply place the towel over your palms and gently grab the hedgehog from it’s back. It is a clean animal and has very little smell. It takes weeks, even many months, for hedgehogs to be accustomed to your scent and your handling. Eventually, your hedgehog will start to enjoy your company. How much a hedgehog should cost. The average lifespan for a pet hedgehog is between 4 and 6 years but they can live as long as 10 years. A hedgehog may not be a suitable pet for small children. Hedgehog Statistics. Lifespan: … During this time be aware of where you step, as this is worse than stepping on a Lego brick. Sonic the hedgehog may have been all blue and cool in the Sega video games but the real animals have their own special appeal that only hedgehog lovers can understand. Read on as we explore the pros and cons of having a pet hedgehog. Avoid using any fabrics with small loops in them because, as hedgehogs can easily get their toes stuck and the string can cut off the circulation to their feet and toes. Even if you do not live in any of these states, you should still check in case your municipality or region has policies different from the rest of your state, such as Douglas County, Nebraska. they are terrific pets if one takes the time for them. It’s really important that the bottle is not allowed to go cold or it will do more harm than good, so change the water frequently. Name: African pygmy hedgehog. Before bringing him home you should have his cage set up and ready with food available. When finding a healthy cat food to feed your hedgehog, make sure it has a low fat and sugar content to prevent health problems that ensue with obesity, such as Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome. Take out the paper on the bottom and bin it. Although the purpose isn’t fully understood, many people believe it’s how they determine if something is toxic before eating it, a useful trait for an animal living in the wild! Question The first two weeks with your hedgehog are the most important in shaping your new companion’s personality and how they will react around you! ), insectivorous animals (shrews, moles), chicks and eggs of birds nesting on the ground. Once you have the hedgehog settled, call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) on 01584 890 801. Symptoms are similar to human colds – lethargy, loss of appetite, and heavy breathing. Signs of hibernation include cold stomach, lack of appetite, lethargy, in-ability to un-ball, and wobbliness. Know your Hedgehog Care and Treatment of Sick and Injured Hedgehogs ... take care to avoid infection if they break your skin, so it is recommended that you wear (gardening or rubber) ... unsweetened baby rusks or cereal with vitamins and pro biotic powder (See appendix 3). It’s a good idea to throw in a couple of drops of olive oil with the bath as well. Hedgehogs fall in two color groups, White-Bellied and Algerian. Baby hedgehogs are called hoglets – female hedgehogs are pregnant for an average of 30 to 40 days and give birth to 4 to 5 babies per litter. Make sure you pay close attention, and make a good little list of what hedgehogs eat that you can keep handy, to make sure your little pal doesn’t get sick from food. Loud noises from TV’s, vacuums, and small children are very likely to disturb the hedgehog’s hypersensitive hearing. Always fill the sink empty because the running water can startle your hedgehog. You now know the basics when … Some hoglets will instantly attack the syringe and gobble the lot down, others take a while to get the idea. At-Home Care for a Sick Hedgehog. Toys and accessories are beneficial for enrichment and fulfilling the instinct to burrow. ***Hey everyone! You should try to buy only one hedgehog first as sharing a living place is not in the nature of these animals. Be sure to check out the Supplies page, featuring favorite products used and recommended by Hamor Hollow Hedgehogs.. Therefore, the hedgehog is best placed in a cage, preferably metal or wooden with a sliding pallet. It might seem strange to wait, but it’s important for your hedgehog to have a relationship with you to help ease them through a stressful visit with the veterinarian. Be aware of foods that are toxic to hedgehogs. Hedgehogs living in their natural environment are known to hibernate during colder months, but this is potentially fatal for hedgehogs kept as pets. Wait for them to relax, and make sure you don’t cut their nails too deep. What Do Hedgehogs Eat & What Should They AVOID In Their Diet? New house It's nap time I want to get out ! I live in Fl and often put my hedgehog at night and I know there’s lots of bugs, spiders, ticks and ants around. When Fern is not working she will be engrossed in a Fiction book or drooling over the idea of going out for dinner. Dry food will make up most of a hedgehog’s diet and is supplemented by moist food, and small portions of fruits and vegetables. Annual check-ups are recommended for hedgehogs because a veterinarian might spot signs of illness that we have overlooked. Now, baby hedgehogs aren’t strong enough to drink from a container, therefore, you will need to use a 1ml syringe. Hedgehogs love to run on the bike. While treating a hedgehog, wear latex gloves and covering clothes that can be easily sanitized. Do not think you can love it or cuddle it better. While you can provide comfort at home, most ailments and diseases will require the assistance of a veterinarian who specializes in the treatment of exotic pets. The length of the weaning process varies from litter to litter. Your seemingly healthy pet hedgehog will start foaming at the mouth and contort their body, so they can lick the foam over their spines. In their natural environment, hedgehogs are considered insectivores. Sometimes kids can be overzealous with their affection causing a hedgehog to become afraid and extend his quills. This behavior increases as the mother avoids them for longer and longer periods as the little ones grow. They also enjoy running around outside.if you want to be cautious, you can purchase a fold-able cage to put outside for them to roam. Hedgehogs are usually efficient groomers, so you shouldn’t need to intervene often if you keep their cage clean. If you find an orphaned hedgehog weighing between 300 and 500 grams between mid October and late February, you can help them survive by providing food to get them up to a healthy weight (usually between 550 and 680). Other signs of a sick hedgehog include lethargy, panting or labored breathing, a dull expression, discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, coughing and paralysis. Try your best to keep your hedgehog’s skin from drying out and try spreading olive oil on its back to lessen the pain or this process. Unlike many small pets, hedgehogs do not need cage mates and will live a happier life on their own. You will want to make sure your hedgehog is completely dry before putting them into their cage, so this might mean using multiple towels. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and run and eat at night. When I got my hedgehog, he was a tiny baby, just weaned from his mother. In the United States hedgehogs are illegal in the states of Arizona, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, and Pennsylvania. How to take care of a hedgehog? With my advice, hopefully there are some first time mistakes you can avoid. Regular trimmings shorten the quick and lower the chances of hurting your hedgehog. Find out what to do with an injured or sick hedgehog or an orphaned young hedgehog. This is where the bathing process will take place. Hedgehogs are wild animals, so being handled is a stressful experience. Hedgehog Supplies. Gently scoop water over their body, being careful to avoid their head, ears, and eyes. I was expecting a step up from a pet rock — a cute but rather dull pet that slept all day. Situations where hedgehog babies should be hand fed include mom neglecting or hurting the babies, or the mother becoming sick and not being able to care for the babies. These are ideal as they can easily be disinfected... 2. Baby hoglets are given Panacur wormer usually at two-weekly intervals, from when they are 3 weeks old. As with most small mammals, hedgehogs can get fleas. Written by: Dr. Justine Hammond, DVM Help! Nov 23, 2013 - How to Take Care of a Hedgehog. If you happen to nick your hedgehog, use cornstarch to make the bleeding stop more quickly. Some female hedgehogs can live with another female but there is more success with this if they are raised together. Self-Anointing is how a hedgehog familiarize themselves with a new scent. Changes in bathroom habits may suggest illness as well as a need for a change in diet. Male hedgehogs become potent in approximately eight weeks, while feminine ones can begin to reproduce in as little as five months of age. To accommodate this, at least two square feet of space is required. It is recommended that you bring your new hedgehog for a checkup around two to four weeks after bringing them home. Be persistent with proper treatment, as cases of ringworm may take six months to fully clear up. on Step 10. For this, purchase a small litter box and litter often meant for ferrets. After you’ve decided that a hedgehog is right for you, have found the right place to buy your new pet hedgehog, and have picked him out, it’s time to bring your new baby home!. Encourage the bonding process. My new hedgehog just gave birth unexpectedly! There are around seventeen species of hedgehogs in the world living in parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and New Zealand. If you used shampoo, you will need to rinse your hedgehog in fresh, warm water. Although hedgehogs aren't rodents, their needs and care are similar to those of mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs and chinchillas. This may take the form of a shallow bowl of water topped up as and when, or a pond. Before bringing home and caring for a pet hedgehog, you will need to learn how to care for one properly to avoid poor health, and preventable disease. A lot of great tips! Habitat A cage that is at least 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. Make a hedgehog a home. Like with other pets, purchasing your pet hedgehog from a breeder is recommended over a pet store. There is no substitute for correct medical care and failure to seek it can render you liable to prosecution under the Wildlife Act. Put the tip of the syringe, or rubber tube if it's a very young hoglet, under the lip and gently squeeze out a drop. Diet. This incurable condition leads to paralysis and death within the first 18-24 months after the first signs are observed. Initially, owning a hedgehog can be somewhat expensive, especially with exotic pet vet bills, large enclosures, and the flat price for just the hedgehog depending on where you get them from. Some hoglets will instantly attack the syringe and gobble the lot down, others take a while to get the idea. For more specifics instructions see the “Groom your hedgehog” section. Unlike their wild counterparts, pet hedgehogs are omnivores who need to be fed a well-balanced high protein diet. The bedding can either be a fleece liner or shredded paper bedding commonly found in pet stores. By balling-up, they can hide their head, belly, feet, and legs from perceived predators, exposing their prickly spines. This is not a habit that can be broken, this is biology. Grab hedgehog from the top with a towel. You can use a guinea pig enclosure or a terrarium to house your hedgehog. 2. Wrap the hedgehog in a towel and keep it warm until it dries to avoid any hibernation scares. Below is a list of items you will need to care for your pet. The first sign of cancer is typically the development of a tumor. If your hedgehog is a baby, it will go through a phase called “quilling,” where a baby hedgehog is grumpy and loses baby quills. Every hedgehog in our care is weighed regularly, to ensure proper monitoring. It is usually described as a strange ‘wobble’ when the hedgehog is trying to stand still. Taking care of your Hedgehog Leatherworks product is easy! An unclean environment can promote skin diseases such as quill mites and bacterial infections and well as cause an unpleasant smell that spreads in the enclosed area. Rolling themselves into a little ball is a hedgehog’s response to a potential threat or fear. The mothers usually lick their young to do this. Do you have a pet hedgehog? I'm sure they're happy with the wonderful care give them :). Some young pets may need both until they get used to using the bottle. The enclosure will keep the hedgehog from roaming around and getting lost in your house. Dec 5, 2016 - How to Take Care of a Hedgehog: 10 Steps (with Pictures) You need to trim your hedgehog’s nails regularly to stop them getting too long and sharp. NEVER feed the baby on its back as it may inhale the feed and drown. Question Suitable fruits and vegetables to offer your pet hedgehog are apples, beans, and carrots. Although their spines don’t usually break the skin, they are prickly and will cause discomfort if you try and hold them in this state. 16 days ago Loud noises are capable of spooking hedgehogs, causing them distress and irritability. Signs of an unhealthy hedgehog may include: § Excessive filth surrounding the fur and quills, § Scabs or injuries that the breeder may have not noticed, § Lethargy, a lack of awareness and slow response time, § Sunken, swollen, crusty, or cloudy eyes, § Fat rolls around the armpit and inability to roll up suggesting an overweight hedgehog, § Hollow sides and a concave stomach suggesting an underweight hedgehog, § Green droppings or diarrhea in the cage (Note: Baby hedgehogs go to the bathroom a lot, do not be alarmed by this). Enjoy this time — it … Symptoms include loss of appetite, red/swollen gums, drooling, and foul-smelling breath. Did you make this project? Topical flea medication for cats like Advantage can be used but only under the supervision of a veterinarian. The hedgehog can get confused in the wires, get in there, where he can not get out himself, injure himself or spoil valuable things. Before bringing him home you should have his cage set up and ready with food available. Dirty or dry skin is another reason why your hedgehog might scratch but this can be resolved with a good bath. When this is a new pet for  you, especially if you’ve had other pets with different diets, it can be easy to forget or to slip up – so we just want to remind you to take some extra care – just to make sure! They can be a fun addition to most homes, but their specialized care and timid personalities might be a lot to take on for your household. Handling your hedgehog on a close to daily basis will socialize your hedgehog and make it accustomed to human interactions. This behavior uses a muscle that runs along their body called the orbicularis muscle. A domesticated baby hedgehog has an unstable life, from their birth until the time they are weaned. (It’s also important to keep the costs of hedgehog care in mind. These are an attractive nest as well as a home for the invertebrates (slugs, beetles) that hedgehogs like to eat. Make sure the syringe is properly sterilized. As far as your pet hedgehog is concerned, there is no such thing as too much space in their cage. If you want to encourage this behavior in your pet hedgehog, you should provide boxes or commercial igloos that are large enough for them to turn around as hedgehogs will always enter and exit their burrows head first. Sometimes, hedgehogs will make noises while balled-up like huffing or snorting to appear more threatening. Lately, Chicago Exotics has received numerous calls and office visits due to unplanned births in recently purchased female hedgehogs. Some hedgehogs will drink from a water bottle that is affixed to the cage, while others prefer a bowl. If you have the room and it’ll fit in your budget, buy the biggest cage you can comfortably afford. Gently scoop water over their body, being careful to avoid their head, ears, and eyes. This will enrich their environment while making them feel more secure in their cage. … A hedgehog needs the correct food and a proper habitat to live a long, happy, and healthy life. Some states and municipalities have strict exotic pet policies. New baby hedgehog How to take care of a baby hedgehog How to feed a baby hedgehog It's a girl ! For toys, most hedgehogs enjoy toilet paper rolls, plastic balls like ping-pong balls or cat toys. A common cause of respiratory infections in hedgehogs is cold environments. Set up a heat source above the box to keep the baby warm. Provide small amounts of hard-boiled egg, baby food, or fruit as occasional treats. Nov 23, 2013 - How to Take Care of a Hedgehog. While it isn’t common, you should be aware of the signs: redness, rashes, and excessive scratching. When you cut to the quick, it can be painful for your hedgehog and often results in bleeding. You should see a small opening where their head and nose are hidden within. Hedgehogs, a pet I have always wanted. That’s not to say all pet stores are inherently bad but you usually have a better idea of the hedgehog’s health, age, and genetic history when you buy from a breeder. Share it with us! Supply water in either a water bottle with a metal tip for drinking or in a small bowl. Allowing your hedgehog to run around outside and in a room is a good way of exercising them as long as you keep track of them and make sure they don’t get lost. Look for any changes in exercise, restroom, eating, and drinking habits. While you can make your hedgehog’s life more comfortable during this time, you will eventually need to visit the uncomfortable decision of euthanasia when their quality of life is severely affected. Making hedgehog homes in the garden and providing food will help hedgehogs. The first two weeks with your hedgehog are the most important in shaping your new companion’s personality and how they will react around you! A hedgehog may not be a suitable pet for small children. Nail clippers, toothbrushes, and body wash are all items used to groom a hedgehog. As exotic veterinarians can be difficult to find, it is a good idea to find clinics before you need care. If you are unsure, contact a specialist group before trying to help. Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS) is a serious degenerative neurological disease that affects hedgehogs around the world; usually between the ages of 2 and 3. If you have ever browsed the small pet food section at your local pet store, you might have noticed there aren’t a lot of options geared towards hedgehogs. Use a small plastic aquarium or a small plastic pet carrying box. Put the tip of the syringe, or rubber tube if it's a very young hoglet, under the lip and gently squeeze out a drop. Of course, "easy" is a relative term, and it's up to you to learn what keeping a hedgehog entails to decide whether one is right for you and your family. Hedgehogs make great pets for those who are patient and dedicated. Hedgehogs need a constant source of water either from a stoppered water bottle or hanging water dish. At around 4 weeks old, baby hedgehogs (= hoglets) start to venture out of the nest with their mothers. When a baby hedgehog is orphaned, it's sure to die without help by human hands or a surrogate. Like your cat and dog, hedgehogs can become infected with fleas and ticks. I've had a few people ask about whether or not they should maybe hand feed their hedgehog babies to improve socialization, but I … The length of a hedgehog’s life depends on several factors: diet, genetics, disease, veterinary care, and subjection to predators. Hedgehogs lick new smells and will poison themselves. Hedgehogs sometimes like to step up on the edge of a bowl when they eat or drink and having a heavy bowl prevents it from flipping over and hurting the hedgehog. If you used shampoo, you will need to rinse your hedgehog in fresh, warm water. Hedgehogs are normally fed dry cat food, fruits, and mealworms. Proper take care of the hedgehogs: Exercise is essential for the hedgehog. on Introduction, Question Follow the adventure of the lost baby hedgehog ! Fern is strangely fond of Vampire movies. African Pygmy Hedgehog Behavior and Temperament . There are several times in your hedgehog’s life when they lose old spines and grow new ones, this process is uncomfortable, and your hedgehog might scratch while the new spines grow in.