new hedge hog

[dab_20]

do they spike you?? do they like to run free? cuz i could hedgy proof my smalll bathroom and let it run free under supervision. and some great hedgy sites you know of would be much appreciated!

[jesse_3]

When you say spike, do you mean like a porcupine, with the quills comming out?-If you do, the answer is no. Their quills don't come out (once in a great while they will shed around one quill..)

They do jump and hiss to scare you when they are nervous or frightened, and if your hand is close enough, the quills could hit you. It does hurt a little, but, the pain quickly goes away. (When they are scared, they pump blood into their quills to make them basically stand up to protect it more)

With Splinter, we only use a glove to pick her up, then she calms down and we can hold her with our bare hands..It really depends on how they are raised and cared for.

You can let them run free with or without a ball..Just to forwarn you, if you do get a hedgie, they are wonderful escape artist, and can easily hide from you! Strong supervision will be a nessecity (sp?) when they are not in a ball. With a ball, they don't have to be watched as carefully, as long as they aren't by stairs or other pets that would like to "play" with them.

Here is a couple of more sites!: http://www.angelfire.com/wa2/comemee.../hhcare8A.html

Let us know what you decide on!-
Steph and Splinter

[CathyBogart]

luckies4me has a pair (or more) of rescued hedgies, she can probably tell you a LOT about them. I would recommend a hedgie over a chinchilla, because hedgies are much easier to take care of and easier to handle in my experience.

http://www.chins-n-quills.com/forums/ is a site for chinchilla and hedgehog owners, I'll bet there will be a TON of good info there.

I have to say that I strongly disagree with neeshkabeesh. A hedgehog's needs are easily met in captivity, and you should have no problem finding a captive-bred one. Also, if they are legal in your area, there are probably a good many vets with plenty of knowledge about caring for them

[jesse_3]

chins-n-quills is the forum I am part of. I don't go there often though. They are wonderful, and would gladly give you information! I also found a site on colors of hedgehogs..Here it is!-http://hedgehogclub.com/colorguide.html

Steph, Jesse, and Splinter

[CathyBogart]

^That's a neat link! If they were legal here, I would want a "Chocolate chip" hedgie!

[jesse_3]

Thanks! Splinter looks exactly like the brown hedgie! That is the closest I can get to a pic of her right now..

I didn't know that hedgies were illegal in places! I did double-check in MN(they aren't), but I never thought that they really were illegal!
Steph and Splinter

[dab_20]

yah, they arent illegal here. but i know they are in california. and, what do you feed a hedge hog?? do they have hedgie food at pet stores?

jesse_3, that last link about the hedge hog colors didnt work. thanks for the sites everyone! i will check them after school. we get off 2 hours early today