I just bought a hedgehog and...?

Question

was wondering if any other hedgie owners have any tips for me. Like what toys do you have, feeding, treats, and handling tips.

He is like 3 months old I believe.

I feed him a Hedgehog Formula from the pet store.

I haven't held him yet becuase he isn't used to my house yet.

Any tips would be great.

Whoever helps the most= 10points.

Answer 1

http://www.freewebs.com/sarahshedgies/he...

This is my site and its almost everything you need to know about taking care of hedgehogs... plus if you have any more questions, there is my email so you can ask me..

Edit: Just to make sure, some people have told you to only feed them hedgehog food, but the best food is good quality cat food, with things like fruit, veggs, cooked meat, & worms as a treat.

Answer 2

TOYS:

There are many things you can add to your hedgehog's cage to entertain him. They love toilet paper tubes, sticking their heads inside and running around like crazy (which is absolutely hysterical by the way!!). I cut my tube in half and then slit it down lengthwise to insure my hedgies do not get stuck inside them. I also use those cat balls with the bells inside, white PVC tubes, which are very inexpensive at most hardware stores and come in many different shapes, lengths, and sizes. My hedgies also have a wooden beaded bird toy with a bell on the end which I suspended from the top of their cages. They butt their heads against it all the time to make it ring. Ferret balls are liked by most as well, you put treats in these and as the your hedgehog rolls the ball round, they fall out, 1 or 2 at a time. And you need to have a wheel so that your hedgehog can run it in. =)

PLACE TO HIDE:

All hedgies need a nice, dark, warm place to hide and to sleep in. There are numerous options for bedding, but what I use is a very small cat bed, to which a PIGLOO (a plastic, domed shaped sleeping hut) will fit into perfectly. They come in numerous colors and cost around $5.00 at places like Pet Smart and other larger pet stores. Inside the pigloo I stuff a warm hedgie bag made of fleece and perhaps a warm blanket as well, especially in the winter. This gives my hedgies a really soft, warm comfy, private place to snuggle. Whatever you use, I do not recommend it being made of wood. Wood is difficult to clean and can harbor germs.

LITTER TRAINING:

With luck, you might just be able to litter box train your hedgehog. The main thing to remember is to be patient and not set your expectations too high. I have had hedgies who always used their boxes, others who used them maybe 50% of the time and still others who wouldn't use them at all. The small ferret litter boxes are handy as they are triangular shaped, making them fit snug in a corner easily. For litter, I use a product called CareFresh, which resembles ground up grey cardboard. Beware of cat litters, they can pose many hazards to your hedgies! Start trying to train your hedgie at an early age, if possible. Scoop up their droppings and set them in the litter box to help make them understand where its acceptable to go, and then hope for the best!

WATER:

If your hedgie will drink from a bowl and not overturn it, then that is great!! Make sure the bowl you use is stainless steel or glass, plastic gives off a gas into the water that can be harmful, and unless you know the crock dishes you have are lead-free, that poses a problem as well. Many of those dishes are made over seas, the making of which is not regulated in most cases. If you choose to use a water bottle, make absolutely certain your hedgehog knows how to drink from it. Some do not, and you cannot risk dehydration. Finding out what the previous owner was useing for his/her water is very helpful. Some have reported chipped teeth from hedgies who drink from water bottles. This has not happened to any of mine, but it certainly is something to consider when choosing a water receptacle. Make sure to give fresh, clean water every single day.....and wash the water holders as well. Bacteria builds up quickly in them.

HISSING, CLICKING AND BALLING UP:

Hedgehogs will ball and quill up, hiss, pop, and make clicking noises in reponse to both fear and annoyance. With a new hedgie, it is most likely in response to fear. Your hedgehog hasn't gotten the chance to know and trust you as of yet, but with a little patience and a lot of attention and handling, your pet should come around. Even very tame and friendly hedgies may respond this way when first picked up....especially if you've wakened them, but as in this case, should calm down quickly.

WHAT DOES THAT SOUND MEAN?

Soft Purring and Whistling: This is a sign of pure contentment.

Puffing: Displeasure, uncertainty.

Snorting or "Sneezing": Usually accompanies puffing and means the same thing.

Hissing and Clicking: These are warning sounds of irritation and or fear.

Snuffling: Happily checking things out.

Chirping: Usually done by males while breeding and by nursing babies.

Screaming: Physical pain or fear.

Sounds Heard During Sleep: Snoring, huffing, chirping are all common sounds made while their sleeping".

SOCIALIZING YOUR HEDGEHOG:

So you have a new hedgehog and he or she isn't much other then a sharp-quilled tight ball of hissing, popping, clicking attitude??!! Don't despair, this happens ALL the time and doesn't mean your pet will be this way forever. Hedgehogs act defensive for any number of reasons, a big one being just plain out of fright. Give your new pet some time to adjust....daily handling is important, even if its just to lay in your lap and sniff at you. Talk softly to your new baby, offer treats by hand (whatever they like the best; mealworms, bits of cooked unseasoned chicken etc). Now, take an old t-shirt, or a similar piece of cloth and wear it around all day long (make sure its nothing with loopy or lose threads). After your scent is embedded into it, slide it into your hedgies bed. This will give him the chance to become familiar with your smell and learn that it is not a threatening thing. Above all, have patience. It is rare for a hedgie to never come around, but it does sometimes take time, perserverance, and consistent handling. You cannot expect a hedgehog who is only paid attention to occasionally to be a loving, tame pet.

NAIL TRIMMING:

Trimming your hedgehog's toenails is something a lot of people feel intimidated by as it's not always as easy task unless you have a very tame and tolerant hedgehog! The easiest way I have found to trim my hedgie's nail are to put them in a couple inches of warm water, as this makes them open up. I then take hold of one foot at a time and useing a nail clipper (I use the same kind made for people), I carefully clip each nail. This can be a little difficult at first, until you get the hang of it as your hedgehog will probably be wanting to move around at the same time you have a hold of his foot. Be very careful not to twist a leg in the process! Make sure when your clipping the nails, not to cut too far back or you will cut the "quick" causing your hedgie to bleed. You can see the quick through the nails...it will look pink. Cut below it. If for some reason you do accidentally cause him to bleed (that happens to the best of us), make sure you keep a product called "STOP QUIK" on hand, dab a little bit on the nail and it will stop the bleeding. Flour will work in a pinch, but it is best to have Stop Quik available and next to the sink. I cut my hedgies nails every 2 or 3 weeks. They grow fast, and can quickly grow, curl under, and cut right into the soft pad of their feet, which will not only cause pain, but will also open them up to infection. Also, nails that are overgrown can cause foot deformities and make it difficult for your hedgie to run on his wheel.

WATCH THOSE FEET!

I feel it necessary to just make a quick mention of paying attention to your hedgies feet, especially if you ever let him roam around you

Answer 3

Congrats! <3

Do not feed commercial hedgehog food! Please use a high quality cat food. You will need a 12" wheel, otherwise your hedgehog will become overweight. When I first got my hedgehog, Luna, I picked her up with my jumper and sat her on my lap. That way she will get used to your smell. Also, take things easy; if he is huffing and puffing then gently stroke him until he calms down. You MUST feed him insects of some sort; I feed mine dried mealworms. Make suyre temperature is ALWAYS over 75 degrees farenheit or your hedgehog will attempt hibernation and die.

For more help, try www.hedgehogcentral.com

They helped me alot! :D

Edit: Also, NEVER use gloves. Your hedgie may seem scary, but gloves will mask your smell and he will never be tame.

Answer 4

First of all, ditch the hedgehog food. It is junk. Find a high quality cat food with a low fat content, such as Wellness, Eagle Pac, Royal Canin, Blue Buffalo, Solid Gold or Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul. These all have Light varieties which are great foods. The hedgehog food doesn't even have meat in it... just corn meal and rice and other fillers. Supplement his diet with mealworms, yogourt, vegetables, cooked chicken, wet cat food and baby food. Mealworms are fattening and should only have 3-4 a week at most. The other treats should be fed on occasion as well.

You can probably start holding him now. After a day or two, he should be getting used to his surroundings. Also, kudos to you for waiting. I know it is hard, but it can make socialization so much easier in the long run. Start introducing yourself. Wash your hands with a non-scented/lightly-scented soap and then sit near his cage and slowly extend a hand towards his nose. Let him smell you and become acquainted with your scent. If he doesn't ball up, you can try picking him up. Put a towel over your knee and carefully scoop him up using flat hands, palm up from either side of his body. He may fuss at first, but put him on your knee anyway. Just wait patiently and he will hopefully come out of his ball and stop huffing in under a minute. Let him explore by himself for a few minutes and then let him back into his cage. Increase the time each day.

My herd all use a 12'' exercise wheel, toilet paper tubes, cat  toys, McDonald's Beanie Babies, baby toys (especially the plastic cars), etc... Even pieces of fleece can be entertaining... the possibilities are endless. Just make sure they are safe and have no swallowable parts.

Good luck!

Answer 5

well.... squeaky toys, they like carrots ,give it a bed 2 sleep in ,they like 2 sit in the middle of your palm,and they like to poke you so wear gloves.... hope this helps =]

Answer 6

Only feed him hedgehog food and treats because if you feed him anything else he will become over weight and that is not good you should start holding him asap! if you don't soon he will become unfriendly!! Hope i helped