HEDGEHOG CARE
THEY ONLY NEED YOU
Hedgehogs are solitary animals. The only friend that your hedgehog needs is you. If you house more than one in a cage together, they will not get along and will fight.
HOUSING
Cage- When picking out a cage for your hedgehog, it should have a solid bottom to prevent foot injury. I recommend and use the clear plastic bins. They are lightweight and easy to clean. You will need at least a 90 quart size. They are an inexpensive alternative to the traditional cage.
Water- Fresh water should be freely available at all times. You can use a water bottle or a water dish. If you choose a water bottle you will need to attach it to the outside of the cage. This will prevent your hedgie from climbing up it and fall and getting hurt.
Igloo-Hedgehogs sleep in small burrows. They will need something like a plastic igloo so that they will feel secure and safe.
Wheel- They will need a wheel for lots of fun and exercise. Most hedgehogs love their wheels. Make sure that your wheel is large enough for your hedgehog and that it does not have wire bars, They can cause serious injury to your hedgie.
Bedding- Hedgehogs love to burrow so we use pine bedding. Cedar should never be used as it gives off fumes that can be harmful. Bedding should be changed at least once a week and spot cleaned and refreshed daily. Hedgehogs normally do not have much of an odor, but they will if their cage is dirty.
Temperature- African Pygmy Hedgehogs come from a warm place (Africa) and need to be kept from getting to cold. Best temperature for a hedgehog is normally between 70-75 degrees. If your hedgehog gets to cold it will try to hibernate. This is not good for the health of your hedgehog.
VETERINARIAN
I recommend that you find a veterinarian that specializes in exotic pets and have your hedgehog seen at least once a year for a check up. And if you have an emergency come up you will already have a vet to take them to. They do not need vaccinations like a dog or cat do.
BATH TIME
When your hedgehog looks dirty you can give him a bath. Most hedgehogs love the water but some don't.Fill your sink or tub up with a few inches of warm water. You want your hedgehog to be able to keep his nose above the water.Take a little of "Baby Aveeno Oatmeal" and put it on a soft toothbrush and gently brush the quills toward the tail. Than rinse with warm water. Go over each little foot carefully to make sure you clean his little toes and don't leave anything under his nails. When he is all nice and clean it is time to take him out and put him in a towel and snuggle with him. It is now snuggle time, snuggle with him until he is nice, dry and warm. This is also a great bonding time. Make sure you do not over bath as hedgehogs are prone to dry skin.
DIET
Hedgehogs need a high-protein, lower-fat diet. I use and recommend Purina One Chicken and Rice Cat Food. I start all my hoglets on the Purina One Kitten food and as they mature switch them over to the Purina One Chicken and Rice Cat Food. You also offer them some fresh fruits and vegetables. Some will love the fruits and veggies and some don't.If they don't, don't worry about it. They are insectivores/scavengers in the wild so they only eat veggies when they can't find anything else. You will also find that your adult hedgehogs will love to hunt and find some mealworms if you hid them in their cage.