Q: Which sex makes a better pet?
A: Both males and females make wonderful pets--there is not a difference. Unlike some other animal breeds, males and females have the same temperaments as long as they have been held and socialized regularly since they were babies.
Q: What kind of food should I use?
A: It is best to use a mixture of high-quality cat foods. Most foods that are made specifically for hedgehogs are not good. Never use brands such as Vitakraft, Brown's, Pretty Pet, etc. Never feed seeds or nuts; these can pierce the intestines and cause a slow and painful death.
*Good foods include: Felidae, Solid Gold, Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul Lite, Wellness, Innova, and Blue Buffalo.
It is also a good idea to feed a variety of treats. Since hedgehogs are insectivores, they naturally love insects. Mealworms and crickets are always a hit. You can either use live or canned insects (like the Zoo Med's brand), but NEVER feed insects you have caught in your yard as they may have gotten into insecticides or pesticides that are a hazard to your hedgehog's health. Other good treats include: apple (small bits), banana, blueberries, cooked carrots, cooked peas, chicken with no seasonings whatsoever in moderation, hard-boiled egg, yogurt (plain low-fat), and Wellness canned cat food. Only feed treats 2-3 times per week.
Q: What is the best kind of cage?
A: When choosing a cage, make sure you purchase one that has a solid bottom and is no less than 2 square feet in floor space. Also, do not get a cage that has multiple levels; hedgehogs have horrible depth perception and may fall off of upper levels. Aquariums are not a good choice because they do not offer proper ventilation and are heavy. Tupperware containers are an option, but they are also hard to alter to provide enough ventilation. The best and easiest way to go is to purchase a rabbit cage like My First Home (teal) or something similar; the only drawback to these is the fact that your hedgehog may climb up the sides and possibly hurt a leg.
Q: What kind of bedding should I use?
A: There are many different choices of bedding out there. I would have to say the most common beddings include Carefresh, pine pellets, and fleece/vellux liners. By far, liners are the best, in my opinion. You don't have to worry about your hedgie being allergic, getting mites, breathing in saw dust, or ingesting the bedding. Every 1-2 days, you just have to take out the liner and replace it with a new one. Pine pellets are acceptable, but not only is it uncomfortable for your hedgehog, but when it gets wet, it becomes dusty, which could be harmful for your pet to breathe in. NEVER use cedar for bedding--it is poisonous to your hedgie.
Q: Do hedgehogs smell?
A: Not really. Hedgies that are housed in a cage that is cleaned regularly do not give off much of a smell. When necessary, make sure to give your hedgie a bath to get rid of any odors.
Q: Should I be worried about my hedgehog around my other pets?
A: Cats you usually don't have a problem with around hedgehogs. They'll be curious for a while, but once they get poked on the nose or on the paw, they'll learn to respect a hedgehog's boundaries. Dogs can pose more of a threat depending on their size. Dogs and hedgies can get along, but you must be careful with your hedgehog around larger breeds and dogs that have ever shown aggression. Keep your hedgehog's cage in a room where no other animals can get to it and possibly hurt your hedgehog while you're not looking. Remember, it only takes a second for something to go wrong, so I must emphasize: Constantly supervise your hedgie while it is out playing or being introduced to another animal!
Q: Where should I place my hedgehog's cage?
A: Put your hedgehog's cage in a room that is warm, well-lit, and away from drafts and direct sunlight. You have to keep your hedgehog's environment at a temperature between 73 degrees F and 80 degrees F. If your hedgehog gets too cold, it will go into hibernation and possibly die.
Q: Do you have any recommendations for good vets?
A: Vets listed on either of these web sites should be okay. Call and make sure ahead of time though.
http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/vetmichigan.shtml
http://www.mihog.org/vets.phtml
Q: Are hedgehogs good pets for people with allergies?
A: Hedgehogs usually don't bother people with allergies. If you should develop allergies after acquiring your hedgehog, it is most likely from the type of bedding being used.
Q: Can hedgehogs be litter trained?
A: It all depends on the hedgehog. Some hedgehogs take to it very well, while others just don't. In my experience, my hedgehogs generally don't go in a litter box, but it's always worth a shot!
THIS PAGE IS A WORK IN PROGRESS
