Little Live Pets 28403 Hedgehog and House

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Obesity is a huge problem in pet hedgehogs. Obese hedgehogs have pudgy legs and large amounts of subcutaneous fat protruding from under their mantel (the quill-covered top of the body) and in their armpits. These hedgehogs may not be able to roll up into balls like other hedgehogs and may develop brittle bones from calcium deficiency, particularly if they eat excessive numbers of insects. Obese hedgehogs should be offered restricted amounts of food and encouraged to run around either outside of their cages or inside on wheels. Give your mice mum food, water and lots of love. Then it is time to wait until the babies are born. How many will it be Hedgehogs are adorable little insect eating mammals that live, on average, 4-7 years when kept as pets. They are known for being timid little animals, but as any hedgehog owner will tell you, hedgehogs respond to their owner’s voice and appearance and are very interactive if socialized properly. Hedgehogs need a heavy, untippable bowl for pelleted food and a smaller bowl for insects. Some hedgehogs will drink from a water bottle that is affixed to the cage, while others prefer a bowl.

Another disease commonly encountered in hedgehogs is “wobbly hedgehog syndrome” – a neurologic disease of unknown cause that causes nerve damage and progressive paralysis that begins in the hind end and eventually affects the front end. Hedgehogs are notorious for becoming obese, so daily exercise is essential. They also need to be provided with mental stimulation when they are in their cages, such as ramps, ledges, tunnels, and other “cage furniture” to climb through or on. PVC pipe and toys such as balls, bells, and certain chew toys meant for cats or birds are also great for keeping hedgehogs busy. What Do Hedgehogs Eat?

MORE THAN 20 TONES: Lil' Birds know over 20 bird sounds - from whistles and chirps to the sweetest sayings!" When caring for hedgehogs, the housing requirements are not well known to many, as hedgehogs are still fairly new to the pet market. It's thought that the following instructions will provide the best housing options for healthy hedgehogs. Remember: Hedgehogs Are Solo Pets Follow these recommendations to provide your hedgehog with a roomy, safe, comfortable home. Enclosure Size Hedgehogs also can be infected with Salmonella species or other bacteria. Hedgehogs can carry Salmonella bacteria in their gastrointestinal tracts without any signs, or they can have diarrhea, weight loss, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Since Salmonella infection is transmissible to humans, it is critical for anyone who handles a hedgehog or cleans its cage to wash his or her hands afterward.

Hedgehogs require an escape-proof cage. The cage should be as large as possible, such as a wire enclosure meant for guinea pigs, but the cage floor should be solid, rather than wire, so that the hedgehog’s feet don’t get caught. Lined the cage either with newspaper or other paper-based bedding. Wood shavings or other types of litter meant for cats are not recommended, as they can be dusty and are indigestible if eaten, leading to potential gastrointestinal obstruction. Hedgehogs can be trained to use small litter boxes, which should also be lined with a paper-based litter and placed in the corner of the cage.Hedgehogs’ cages should be spot-cleaned daily to keep them free of fecal contamination and leftover food debris, and thoroughly cleaned at least once a week by removing all of the bedding and replacing it with fresh bedding. Fresh food and water should be given daily. The International Hedgehog Association and the Hedgehog Welfare Society are great resources for finding adoptable hedgehogs. And like other animals, hedgehogs can be found in shelters across the U.S. There are also many reputable breeders and pet stores that sell hedgehogs. Older hedgehogs also commonly develop heart disease, manifested by weakness, difficulty breathing, weight loss, heart murmurs, heart failure, and ultimately death. When diagnosed early, heart disease in hedgehogs, like that in people, can be managed medically to prolong life and improve overall life quality. Hedgehogs also commonly develop dental problems, including tartar build-up, gingivitis, and gum infection/abscess formation. Signs of dental problems can include salivation, dental pain, and decreased appetite. Dental cleaning, removal of abscesses, and antibiotic administration is required if dental disease is severe.