Caring for Your Hedgehog
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Life expectancy: 6-8 years
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Omnivore
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Solitary
In a way, hedgehogs look like miniature versions of porcupines, but they are not related. They are related to shrews and moles. These tiny mammals, which grow from ½ to 1 ¼ lbs, have a peaceful and curious nature. Their small size and easy-going, affectionate nature allow them to fit into just about any pet owner’s home.
Hedgehogs have a very good sense of smell and hearing, and will quickly roll up into a tight prickly ball when they hear or smell danger. Unlike other small animals, hedgehogs are virtually odour free. They can make a variety of sounds, from snuffles to grunts to soft purrs. They are intelligent, fun to play with, and enjoy being paid attention to. Hedgehogs will bond with their owner for life.
Self-Anointing
Your hedgehog may exhibit a behaviour that can be very unusual if you don’t know what they are doing. As previously mentioned, hedgehogs have a keen sense of smell. When they encounter a smell that they do not know, they will try and lick or nibble at it. Backing off, they will arch their body while foaming at the mouth. They will lick this foam off with their long tongue and distribute the foam onto their spines!
Handling
Hedgehogs have a quiet, gentle disposition, which makes them an easy pet to hold once you learn how. To hold a hedgehog, use both hands to scoop from underneath. If they are in a ball, try to distribute their body weight over your hands to reduce the pressure put on your hand by any one spine. For additional cushioning, pick up some of the substrate with the hedgehog. Ensure hands are washed before and after handling.
Our pet counsellors are small animal lovers; because they are, they hold and play with all the small animals in our store. Our guests also play a big part in our small animal’s social skills. This is why Petland’s small animals are quick to bond with their new owner.
To provide a happy, healthy atmosphere for your hedgehog, Petland recommends the following necessary and fun accessories. We have listed them as your new pet’s 4 Basic Needs: Environmental, Behavioural, Nutritional, and Maintenance. When you meet these needs and provide a loving environment, your hedgehog can live a long and happy life.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Enclosure – An aquarium that is long rather than tall will work well as your hedgehog’s home. A comfortable size will be approximately 24" x 36" (61 cm x 91.4 cm). An enclosure with a wire floor can be difficult on their small feet.
No matter how large the living quarters, your hedgehog will need physical and social stimulation, which no cage can provide. Take your chinchillas out daily with close supervision. Hedgehog-proof the area for safe play. Never leave your hedgehog unattended.
Hiding Place – Every creature needs an area to call their own. Hiding places are necessary to reduce stress and help make them feel secure. Their home can be made of ceramic or wood, but make sure your hedgehog can get in and out easily. Your hedgehog will grow, so choose a hiding place that will fit them when they are all grown up!
Ceramic Heat Emitter – Hedgehogs prefer an ambient temperature of 75°F – 85°F (24°C – 29°C). In order to maintain this, it will be necessary to use a ceramic heat emitter. This will provide heat without lighting up the environment, which is necessary for your nocturnal pet. In some Petland stores, the ceramic heat lamps will be located in the reptile department.
Wire Fixture – A wire fixture for the ceramic heat emitter is recommended, as a regular fixture may be a fire hazard due to lack of airflow and could shorten the heat emitter’s lifespan.
Thermometer – The use of a thermometer is the only way to know if the enclosure is maintained at the correct temperature. Place one thermometer where the heater is located and another at the other end of the enclosure. Care must be taken to ensure your hedgehog does not have access to the thermometer, as they may try to chew it.
BEHAVIOURAL
Toys – In the wild, hedgehogs are used to exploring large areas, keeping them mentally alert. Although your hedgehog is captive bred, they still require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Plastic cat balls with bells, bird toys, and ferret-safe toys make great options. Although some hedgehogs may ignore them, others may surprise you by playing with them. Creating made-up games during daily out-of-cage time will be fun for you and your hedgehog!
Exercise Wheel – Your hedgehog needs to stay healthy, which is why it is important they are provided with a means to exercise. In the wild, a hedgehog will explore 1 or 2 km a night. Providing them with a wheel that has a solid surface will alleviate boredom and keep them fit!
NUTRITIONAL
When choosing what food to purchase for your new pet, keep in mind that small animals often get diarrhea when new foods are introduced too quickly or during stressful events like adoption. Stick to familiar foods, including the same pellet brand, to support digestion. When adding new items, especially fresh foods, introduce them one at a time and watch for changes in behavior, appetite, or stool.
Hedgehog Pellets – Pellets are formulated to contain a correct balance of all the essential nutrients that your hedgehog needs each day, and is their primary diet. Follow the recommended guidelines on the bag of food to know how much should be offered daily, although free feeding is an option as well. If your hedgehog is starting to become overweight, reduce the portion size and encourage more activity.
Treats – Packaged treats can offer variety to the regular diet, and meet behavioural requirements (such as foraging). Treats encourage interaction between you and your pet, and build a bond between you.
Fresh Foods – These foods are considered treats for hedgehogs rather than a staple in your pet’s diet. Great options include bell peppers, carrots, parsley, and pea pods. Only offer 3-4 times per week, and remove after 30 minutes.
Protein Treats – Offer mealworms, crickets, and/or a small amount of canned dog food (1-2Tbsp) 3-4 times per week as a treat.
Moss Hollow Adapt – Using Moss Hollow Adapt, while minimizing stress, can help your new pet adapt to their new home by promoting relaxation from stress caused by the environment (Echinacea), offering a prebiotic for building gut flora (Burdock Root), easing diarrhea (Psyllium Husk), increasing palatability (Wheatgrass), providing a natural dewormer (Diatomaceous Earth), and nutrient-rich clay (Bentonite). This veterinary health product uses natural ingredients which can aid all small animals before symptoms emerge.
MAINTENANCE
Ceramic Dishes – Ceramic dishes are easy to clean, cannot be chewed, and are difficult to tip over. You will need three: one for pellets, one for fresh foods and protein treats, and one for water.
Substrate – Paper-based bedding or pelleted litters are recommended for your hedgehog, as substrates like pine or cedar can negatively affect your hedgehog’s sensitive respiratory system. Use a litter scoop to spot clean the cage regularly.
Litter Box and Litter – With a little patience, your hedgehog can be potty trained! A small animal litter box is easy to remove, reduces the time and cost of maintenance, and cuts down on odour. Place the box in a corner and add a small amount of soiled substrate inside using a litter scoop so that the hedgehog can sniff it out for next time.
Cage Cleaner – Use a pet-safe cleaner, ideally one that is enzyme-based to break down stains and odours. Clean the cage weekly with the cleaner or hot water and mild soap, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid bleach and other household cleaners, as they can irritate your pet’s respiratory system or cause even worse problems.
Cleanliness and Safety
All pets can potentially carry diseases that may be contagious to people. Young children, infants, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems and the elderly are at greater risk of infections and should use caution when in contact with pets or their environments. Regular cleaning of your pet’s environment with a pet safe cleaner may help avoid the spread of contaminants.
Hygiene procedures such as washing your hands before and after handling your pet and/or after having any contact with their habitat, is a necessary routine. Children should be assisted with hand washing and always have adult supervision when interacting with pets.
CHECKLIST
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Enclosure
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Hiding place
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Ceramic heat emitter
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Wire fixture
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Thermometer
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Toys
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Exercise wheel
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Pellets
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Treats
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Protein treats
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Moss Hollow Adapt
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Ceramic dishes
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Substrate
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Litter scoop
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Litter box and litter
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Cage cleaner