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Old 04-21-2016, 10:57 AM   #1
M3gan
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Default Hedgehogs?

Does anyone own or has ever owned hedgehogs?
I a thinking of getting one. What are peoples opinions?
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Old 04-21-2016, 11:19 AM   #2
AmityvilleHams
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Default Re: Hedgehogs?

I know some basic things about them.From what I know,they're not very fond of being held but some can be tamed similar to hamsters.They're mostly insectivores I believe,and you have to feed them a high quality diet with lots of insects included so if insects make you squeamish it isn't a good idea.In terms of wheels,the best option is a bucket wheel which you may be able to get DIY'd for you but there are some different hedgehog groups and websites that have information on how to do that and it seems fairly simple!They do need a lot of space too,and can be housed on the same substrate as hamsters(no pine(even if kiln dried)or cedar,and no fluffy cotton wool things etc)but that's about all I remember so far.Definitely look into hedgehog groups and such since this is of course a hamster forum and it might be hard to find information here!Definitely possible to find good resources for wheels and things though,so hopefully others have resources for Ireland that'll help even more.

Did a bit of searching,and the cage would have to be quite large(3 feet by 2 feet or 91.44 cm by 60.96 cm)so probably a DIY cage of some sort.It also needs to be very short,so a large rat cage wouldn't be a good idea by being too small in most cases and too narrow most of the time as well as far too tall for a hedgehog.You'd need a high quality food that is all animal protein based which isn't easy to find.They are not herbivores or anything like that,they are naturally insectivores!

Last edited by AmityvilleHams; 04-21-2016 at 11:30 AM.
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Old 04-21-2016, 01:22 PM   #3
CMB
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Default Re: Hedgehogs?

You can get a hedgehog food especially designed for them. A pet shop near me sells hedgehogs and also the special food. The staff their also advised that you can feed them dry or wet cat food (any meat or chicken variety but not fish). The staff said not to use insects as the main diet, but you can give them occasionally as a treat.

They are similar to hamsters and can be litter tray trained and like to run on wheels. Most require a heat lamp especially during winter.

There are hamster forums, so you could check out/join one and find out more from actual owners.
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Old 04-21-2016, 01:51 PM   #4
M3gan
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Default Re: Hedgehogs?

Thank you for your replies. I have the diet sorted thanks to an amazing cat food I already feed to my cat. It has I think something like 40% protein and 12% fat. I would feed baby food and wet cat food as well. I a totally fine around insects so a few meal worms and crickets wouldn't bother me (no alive as they can harm to hedgie) I did find a forum which as directed my to an online book which is helping. I was told a regular 12" wheel is fine but if he/she grows big you would need a bucket wheel. Substrate I've been told that paper based beddings are best. So the cheapest looks like shredded newspaper as carefresh is some ridiculous price like 15 euro a small bag! The cage I have is great, not too big not too small.
Thanks xx
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