Its been estimated that Hedge Hogs have been around for millions of years. They will eat a variety of animal and plant life, but they are primarily insectivores and love to sleep during the day while hunting for prey at night.
Its been estimated that Hedge Hogs have been around for millions of years. They will eat a variety of animal and plant life, but they are primarily insectivores and love to sleep during the day while hunting for prey at night.
The most noticeable feature of the Hedge Hog of course, are his quills, which are sharp hollow hairs and are used for defense. If the Hedge Hog feels threatened, it will curl up into a ball with it’s quills extended. . The quills usually have white tips with brown bands and act as camouflage. Other color variations can be brown, black, cream, gray, and even albino.
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One of the most popular Hedge Hogs and most common sold for that matter, is the African Pygmy. It can grow anywhere from about six to ten inches. This specie will live anywhere from six to four years, but can live up to ten years if well cared for. The Hedge Hog is considered a solitary animal and while it prefers to live alone, they do make great pets.
Your Hedge Hog will require a large cage even though it’s a relatively small animal as they are quite active creatures and need space. The good news is that many large cages are available, and at reasonable prices. In addition, your Hedge Hog will need to explore the area around his cage, so give your pet some out-of-the-cage time to explore and run around.
Hedge Hogs are nocturnal creatures and are typically best suited for those who are home during the evening hours and at night. A hedgehog is not necessarily a suitable pet for a small children. Some children can be overzealous with their affection causing a hedgehog to extend his quills and become afraid. This may lead to injury of a child or pet.
Home is key to a happy Hedge Hog as it will spend quite a bit of time in a cage, so lets ensure we get your pet the best cage for the money and a number of good accessories. A proper habitat will ensure that your Hedge Hog is safe, feels secure and is well entertained. We’ve taken time to prepare a list of items that your pet will need to make his life a pleasant one.
Cage
Hedgehogs are small but active and as a result, requires quite a bit of space his or activities. As a minimum suggestion, four feet long and two feet wide, but stick to your budget and get your pet a larger cage if at all possible. Bigger is always better when it comes to your pets home.
Multi-level homes make great cages for the this specie as they love to climb. A wire-constructed cage can be used be we highly recommend one with a hard floor finish otherwise, the wire meshing may hurt your pet. We here at Petware House have many excellent commercial cages available that will work wonderfully.
Ensure the cage is placed away from air conditioners, heaters, drafts, windows and other locations where the temperature is prone to fluctuation. The ideal temperatures should be between seventy-five to eighty degrees degrees fahrenheit. It’s also a good idea to leave its cage in an area where the Hedgehog can experience both daytime and night time. They are nocturnal by nature but will require periods of both sunlight and darkness to remain healthy.
Bedding
The bottom of the care will require bedding or substrate. There are a variety of different types of bedding that is ideal for the hedgehog. The fluffy bedding made from recycles paper or pulp is an excellent choice. Try to wood shavings since some can be toxic to your companion.
Hide Area
Often times, when your hedgehog is feeling a little stressed out or just needs a break, he or she will seek out a hide area where it can feel safe and relaxed. A wood box, tubing, pet igloo or a tunnel can be used as a hide area for your pet.
Litter Box and Litter
We suggest some simple potty training for your hedgehog so he may go about his or business while keeping the environment clean. Littler pellets made from recycled paper can be used in the box. Do not use clay or kittle litter for this purpose.
Water Bottle
Your pet will need a continuous supply of fresh, clean water. Ideally a stoppered water bottle is often the easiest and cleanest way to provide water, but a bow can also be used. We suggest using a water bottle though as your Hedgehog will step on the rim of the bowl which may cause it to spill over.
Food Bowls
Its generally a good idea to provide your pet with two separate food bowls. One will be used for dry food and the other is for moist food. The bowls should be heavy or easily attached to the cage in order to prevent your Hedgehog from turning it over. Be sure to clean out and disinfect food bowls on a daily basis and ensure that your pet has enough food and water available.
Toys
Your hedgehog will need a variety of toys to keep him busy, happy and healthy. May we suggest a large exercise wheel in addition to ramps, ledges tunnels and décor? We also suggest a number of a cat or bird related toys for the hedgehog in addition to balls, chew toys and bells We have a lot to choose from here at Petware House, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you need anything.
Playpen
When permitting your Hedgehog out of its cage, be sure to provide a safe area for it explore and play in. We suggest the addition of a playpen, outside of it’s cage. Be sure its an enclosed area where he or she can’t escape from and get lost in your home.
Cleaning
Hedgehogs do not omit bad odours, so with a little care maintenance of his or her living area, you should have a relatively free bad-odour-zone. Be sure to replace bedding about once per week and the bottom of the cage and décor cleaned with warm water and soap. Ensure any cleaned accessories are dry before returning it to it’s cage.
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Hedgehogs, don’t really appear to be picky eaters and will devour fruit just as quickly as they would a worm. They are however primarily insectivores and love to feast on insects, slugs, baby mice, frogs, fish, worms and even eggs.
As with any pet, you want to ensure he or she is fed a well-balanced diet that is high in protein. The portions fed should really depend on your pet’s activity and metabolism. If your pet is gaining weight, cut back on his portions.
If your not sure what’s best for your pet, don’t panic, we’ve compiled a list of food types and some related information below to help you make smarter choices.
Dry Hedgehig or Cat Food
Here at Petware House, we carry a variety of commercial brand name products for your pet, so don’t hesitate to ask in-store for it. Some cat foods such as meat or chicken food that is high in protein is a respectable alternative. Dry food should be the primary portion of your pet’s diet. Let Petwoare House guide you in the right direction when it comes to feeding of your pet.
Moist Foods
Feeding your pet moist food should also be a priority for your Hedgehog diet. Canned cat or dog food will work well for your pet. Be sure that food provided is in high in protein and is made primarily from meat or chicken.
Moist Food
Feeding your pet moist food should also be a priority for your Hedgehog diet. Canned cat or dog food will work well for your pet. Be sure that food provided is in high in protein and is made primarily from meat or chicken.
Water
Always provide your Hedgehog with a clean source of drinking water. We recommend use more than one stoppered water bottle, depending on the size of your pet’s enclosure and changed daily. We don’t suggest leaving water in a bowl as your Hedgehog will likely use his front legs to balance himself over the bowl while drinking and flip it inadvertently.
Treats
While we don’t necessarily consider a cricket or meal worm as being a particularly appetizing treat, your hedgehog will bask in its delight. Treats are also a good way to add variety to his or her diet, but do this only in moderation. Other good choices are moist dog or cat treats and cooked foods such as hamburger and chicken. A small piece of your food is an easy way to provide treats.
You need to make your hedgehog feel safe and secure, so don’t pick up from above or sides, instead, gently scoop him up from the belly where you will feel some fur and avoid his quills as well. Once you have him in your hand, you can use your other hand to protect and support his back.
Allow your Hedgehog some time to relax, if he happens to roll up into a ball, be patient with him. He will take a moment or two to calm down if agitated and being to sniff and try to explore you.
Whatever you do, don’t wear gloves when handling your pet. The quills appear to be a hazard but they are not very sharp and rarely cause injury. You ultimately want your hedge hog to get used to your smell and become comfortable around you.
Hedgehogs don’t see out much attention, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t handle your pet. Some hedgehogs don’t really like to be handled, some don’t mind it, while others are indifferent. It all comes down to their personality.
Hedgehogs are naturally clean animals and they work hard at maintaining self-cleanliness. Taking care of the it’s enclosure and ensuring it remains clean is a relatively simple process, so ensure this is completed weekly. Other than this very little grooming will be required of you.
At times, dirt, bedding or other matter may become lodged in his quills, or your pet may just be dirty and need a bath. You will need towels, a toothbrush, a sink and some soap. If you choose to use some shampoo, all you really need are a couple of drops in the water if needed.
Fill your sink with about an inch of water – ensure the water isn’t too deep or too hot. Place your hedgehog in the sink and wet his back with some warm mater. Avoid getting his eyes, ears and face wet.
Take a toothbrush and gently scrub his quills from front to back. Then reach under him with your hands and wash his the fur on his belly. If you used some shampoo or soap, you may have to empty your sink and refill it a couple of times to ensure the soap or shampoo are completely rinsed off.
One he or she is clean, place your hedgehog in a towel. Gently dry him and try to remove as much water as possible. Use a second towel if necessary and ensure your pet is completely dry before returning him to his cage.
Hedgehog Care Sheet
Your hedgehog Toenails are one part of the hedgehog that will require some frequent maintenance since its habitat doesn’t aid in the wearing down of his nails, they may become sharp, and need to be trimmed.
Using a small pair of human nail clippers, gently grab one foot at time, allow for a moment or two to pass while he settles down, then trim his nails. If he’s stubborn, please exercise patience with him or her.
Use caution when clipping his nails. Do not clip them too deep. If you cut into the pink area of the nail, you will case bleeding. A nail cut too deep will bleed profusely, so take all the time necessary when cutting his toe nails. If you inadvertently case bleeding, use a styptic pencil, flour or corn starch to stop it.
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