new hedge hog

[jesse_3]

I noticed that the link wasn't working just now! Sorry, I don't know what happened..

With the wheel, just make sure that it is one where they can't pinch there feet, and they usually LOVE balls!

I would feed them cat food..I don't know about kitten food though. Same with the Iams, I will come back, I have to go for a couple of hours!

Steph, Jesse, and Splinter

[jesse_3]

Okay, I am back..A good wheel for them would be a Super Pet Comfort wheel. Here is a pick of one:

or you could get this..A Run Around Mesh Wheel:


Also, you NEED a pet igloo, or something for a hedgie to hide in. Here is an article about it, if you are interested: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/ar...id=347&aid=808

Here is the link on hedgie colors too..http://hedgehogclub.com/colorguide.html

I'm sorry, but Ihave to disagree with Tikeya's Mom, you see, only some hedgies are that way. It really depends on the hedghog too. Splinter is shy around strangers, but loves to be around people (and cats) that she knows. Okay, she doesn't like dogs, but, I can't blaim her. I don't know if you were here when my hedgie Pepper was "set free" and past on (long story) but he was shy with everyone. So it really depends..I'm not trying to get in an argument though, I am just simply stating what Chins-and-Quills members have said, and what I have experienced!

Wow, that was A LOT more than I had intended! lol!
Steph and Splinter (Jesse too!)

[dab_20]

that purple wheel is the exact one i got him! (see 'hedge hog food' thread for info on my new hedgie!)

p.s. oh, and i did find hedgie food at petco.

[Karen]

Hedgehogs are wild animals, they are not pets. I don't recommend getting a hedgehog as you may not be able to give it the proper diet and probably won't be able to get good vet care for it. Hedgehogs are nocturnal wild animals, they aren't like hamsters, they aren't cuddly and fluffy. I haven't got a clue where you'd get one from, I hope you don't get one. Please if you want another pet consider visiting your local rescue centre and seeing what they have there. Read about the animal thoroughly before you get it. Hamsters, mice, rats, chinchillas, rabbits etc can be kept as pets, I really don't think hedgehogs should be kept as pets.

These are not the hedgehogs you in the UK have wild in your garden, they are usually African Pygmy hedgehogs, and are far different critters, as they have been kept as pets for generations (hedgie generations, anyway).

[Flatcoatluver]

We don't have hegies in are area for pets, what do they look like when there domesticated???? they sound like a awsome animal!

[dab_20]

they look like a regular hedge hog. but friendlier.

i will get a pic soon, my camera battery is dead.

[BitsyNaceyDog]

These are not the hedgehogs you in the UK have wild in your garden, they are usually African Pygmy hedgehogs, and are far different critters, as they have been kept as pets for generations (hedgie generations, anyway).

I was just about to say the same thing.

African Pygmy hedgehogs make great pets. They are much easier than chinchillas IMO.

[dab_20]

yes, that is the kind of hedge hog i got. a little male 7 month old salt and pepper african pygmy hedge hog. what a sweetie he is too so if you want a small pet-easy to take care of-no smell (unless you dont clean the cage) get a hedge hog! of course some are little buggers to tame, so have alot of patience.

[luckies4me]

Hedgehogs ARE domesticated. They have been bred for many years, come in all sorts of colors, are tame critters that can make fabulous pets. I've owned hedgies now for about ten years and will always keep the little critters. They are great pets! If you have any questions about care etc. just ask me. I've had tons of experience with them.

Also, they CAN be cuddly. Flower cuddles with me all the time. Sometimes we even fall asleep together. If your hedgehog is tame enough they will keep their quills layed flat, meaning you won't get poked.

[megannlizzy]

Hi as far as food i was told cat food can be given as a treat i have been looking into them for months now will be getting one after xmas. I know their diet is simular to an iguana "which i own" but was told its a little more diffucult. They need the greens veggies and fruits like an iguana. along with meal worms and different kinds of animal protien. I know the sell hedge hog food at pet stores and they should be given that along with the other things i mentioned. I have heard good stories of people owning them and also heard horror stories. That goes with any pet tho, if taken care of right and loved on alot they can be wonderful pets, "same with an iggy" I know if fed the right food and housed just right they can live very long, i am 90% sure i will be getting one. They are just to cute, also will be rescuing it. as i did all my animals, good luck check out thihttp://netvet.wustl.edu/species/exotic/hedgehog.htms page

[dab_20]

thanks. hes gotten used to us and is really nice. i know what i am doing now

[jesse_3]

I'm glad that you have gotten the hang of it!

We don't have hegies in are area for pets, what do they look like when there domesticated???? they sound like a awsome animal!

Here is a pic of my RB Pepper:


Steph, Jesse, and Splinter

[dab_20]

pepper sure was cute!! looks like my spike.

[jesse_3]

Thanks! I miss him, and I hate how he passed, but, he had a good life before the accident..

Steph, Jesse, and Splinter

[equi47]

First off, new member here, but long time owner of hedgies. Here are some great websites: www.hedgehogwelfare.org, www.hedgehogclub.com (go here to register your hedgie in the International Hedgehog Club), and hedgies.com.

There are also quite a few good hedgehog websites. They need a lowfat cat diet (like Blue Buffalo, Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul, etc), not Iams, Science Diet, or Purina cat foods. The packages hedge hog foods are not the best for the them and most hedgies really prefer the cat diets. Also, most hedgies aren't big on the whole fruits and greens thing. But most do love the occasional meal/silk worm and a small serving of cottage cheese or yogurt (my Aubrey, a 1.5 year old female Chocolate Chip) LOVES strawberry yogurt.

Best wishes with your new pet. Do plenty of research and remember that you shouldn't use cedar or pine shavings in his/her cage. Aspen or a nice velux cage liner works (and is much healthier) for the hedgehog.

Good luck!
equi