Cloth cage liners are great for
Only solid bottom cages are suitable for hedgehogs, any wire bottom cages could trap their legs or rip off toenails. Provide a soft bedding free of dust, such as recycled paper pellets or if you use wood shavings use only kiln dried pine or aspen. Do not use cedar shavings as they could irritate your hedgehog's lungs.
Hedgehogs are excellent escaper's, so you want a cage that closes completely or one that has a top. Cages should protect the hedgehog from drafts, while allowing good ventilation. Use a sturdy cage stand or elevate your cage off the floor.
Acceptable bedding materials include shredded paper, newspaper, recycled pelleted/absorbable material, and wood shavings, such as aspen or untreated pine. Avoid corncob bedding as it tends to grow mold when wet.
Pine shavings: This is a classic small pet bedding but is not good for most small pets. The wood shavings aren't very absorbent and there is some discussion that the pine oils can cause health problems in your hedgehog and even cut up their tiny, delicate feet. It is best to just avoid this wood product altogether.
Transporting hedgie home
Hedgehogs are burrowing animals, so a fleece blanket will help make your carrier comfortable and warm. Hedgehogs feel safest in small confined spaces, so a small animal carrier or a small cat carrier is best. If your enclosure is bigger, put a larger blanket in it so your hedgehog can hide.
Fleece Flippers or Cages Liners from Guinea Pig Market give you soft, absorbent bedding which is easy to clean and maintain. Fleece is the bedding of choice for hedgehog owners!
Bedding such as towels without loose threads, fleece, paper bedding such as Carefresh™ or other shredded paper products should be used.
Hedgehogs enjoy rooting around in bedding. A two to three inch thick layer of bedding is recommended for many types of pelleted litter and shavings. Only the soiled portions of the litter need to be removed on a regular basis.
Look for warm dark places where a hedgehog is likely to hide. Be sure to look in, under and behind appliances such as the stove and refrigerator. Refrigerators are very popular because they are warm. Couches and recliners are dangerous because an unassuming person can sit on one and squish a poor hedgehog.
Whether you make your own or buy one, fill the chamber of your hedgehog home with a layer of dead, dry leaves. Hedgehogs prefer small leaves such as birch, oak, hawthorn or hazel. Then screw the roof to the box so that you can remove it in future to clean the box out.
During the day, and during winter hibernation, the hedgehog will sleep in a specially built nest in thick undergrowth, under a shed, in piles of leaves or unlit bonfires. It will never sleep or hibernate outside a nest.
Hedgehogs will make their own nests from materials in the surrounding environment so the best thing to do is ensure there are plenty of leaves near to the box. You can also put bedding inside the box to give them a head start, such as leaves, straw or hay.
Disassemble the cage and wipe all surfaces and wires with hot water and soap. Do the same with hideaways, the running wheel, food bowls and toys. Rinse everything thoroughly, make sure there are no soap or vinegar residuals left. Dry the parts in the sun or use a towel.
Clumping kitty litter should be avoided because it can stick to the delicate areas of your hedgehog. Some people prefer dust-free litter but it is not absolutely necessary. Refer to the Bedding Guide for more substrate ideas.
So keep this in mind if you want to give your hedgehog something fun to do. Reptile sand is a popular substrate as it is used for animals that frequently ingest their bedding while eating.
Bedding should be replaced weekly. Food and water bowls should be cleaned daily with soap and water. The cage should be spot cleaned once a day to remove and feces, wet/soiled bedding, and leftover food.
One day each week, you should completely clean your hedgehog's cage. If you consistently spot clean it, it should be safe to do a full clean once every other week.
The best place to put a hedgehog house out is a quiet, shaded position in your garden (ideally facing east to south), where the entrance hole will be shielded from bad weather.
As you know now, there are multiple ways to keep your hedgehog warm while travelling, so you don't have to worry about him falling into hibernation. Be sure to provide your hedgehog with lots of insulation, with bedding and blankets.
Durability: Good quality hedgehog houses are typically built from water or weatherproof materials such as Eco-Plate and should ensure your hedgehog house has longevity. Treat those built from solid wood with varnish to improve durability.
Put some shredded newspaper and dry straw inside to start the nest. Cover the box with some roofing felt or pond liner. This will keep it dry and extend its life. Finally cover the box with leaves, compost, soil or branches to provide insulation and improve the overall appearance.
Hedgehogs are sensitive to temperature changes. The ideal range is between 75°F and 85°F. However, they will tolerate temperatures between 72°F and 90°F. Hedgehogs can go into a hibernation-like state of inactivity when temperatures are too hot or too cold.