You should bathe your hedgehog infrequently, generally once a month is sufficient, or only when visibly dirty, to prevent skin dryness, using shallow, warm water and mild, tear-free baby shampoo; foot baths for "poopy boots" can be more frequent but full baths should be minimal, often only 3-4 times a year for some owners, focusing on the hedgehog's individual needs for cleanliness versus skin health.
“Bedding will need to be changed frequently. I recommend daily spot cleaning to remove feces, a midweek change of bedding, and a thorough cage cleaning (everything removed and the cage washed) at the end of each week,” says Dr. Kehoe. Their cage should offer a place to hide and sleep during the day.
Lots of hedgies don't like baths so I would be inclined to say no. Wild hedgehogs have been seen swimming short distances or just generally being out and about when it's wet or raining in search of insects, slugs, and worms.
Hedgehogs require daily handling in order to socialize them. It is best to handle your hedgehog with bare hands instead of blankets or gloves so they will be better acclimated to your touch. If your hedgehog has its spines erect, use your hands as scoops on either side and gently scoop him up from the bottom.
Hedgehogs are known to be very communicative when it comes to their needs, and often make a low purring sound when they are happy or content.
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.
Rinse all the soap from your hedgie because soap residue can cause dry skin as well. Wrap your hedgie in a dryer warmed towel or warm up a towel with a hair dryer on a low setting. Keep one hand in the towel with your hedgehog so you can make sure your hedgehog is not getting too warm.
Signs of stress
Many hedgehogs are busy and want to try to explore but a stressed hedgehog will be much more persistent and not easily distracted. The stressed hedgehog may also twitch or shake its head nervously. It is almost as if the hedgehog is saying “Sensory overload. I can't take it anymore.”
As pets, hedgehogs can recognize and remember their owners' scent and voice, making them a loyal and affectionate companion. They can also quickly learn routines and habits, such as when it's time to eat or play.
Leaving food and fresh water out in the garden each night will encourage visiting hedgehogs to return regularly. Try tinned meaty cat or dog food and crushed cat or dog biscuits. Place the food and water in shallow bowls so they can access them easily. Refresh daily, disposing of food if it's not been eaten.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal, but they do need periods of light and darkness to remain healthy. A hide area is a place where your hedgehog can hide, feel safe, and relax. Wood boxes, pet igloos, tubing, half logs, or tunnels can all be used as a hide area.
You can also put bedding inside the box to give them a head start, such as leaves, straw or hay.
Hedgehogs have prickly quills along their back to protect them from predators. They are shy animals and will roll up into a tight ball and hide their face if they are frightened. Always approach a hedgehog slowly and handle them with a small towel so you don't prick yourself on one of their quills.
Bathing Your Hedgehog
A recycled newspaper bedding (Carefresh or similar product) should be used as a substrate for your hedgehog. Make the bedding several inches thick as hedgehogs like to burrow. The bedding should be replaced at least weekly, and changed more often as needed.
If your hedgehog is unusually still in the evening—sleeping in short, restless bursts, waking and dozing repeatedly, or staying sluggish when they would normally explore—it can be a sign of unhappiness or even illness.
This decline is partly due to a loss of natural habitat, which provides both shelter and food for hedgehogs. Fencing, pesticides, garden hazards (like ponds, strimmers and netting) and development and construction also have an impact. And of course, cars are a major threat to hedgehogs, killing thousands each year.
This is what we call 'splooting'. Spreading themselves out to increase their surface area to cool down. This was on one of the recent very hot days. We use self cooling pads they can lie on. They claim to automatically cool down when an animal lies on it.
Hedgehogs don't love bath time, but it's important to give them a bath every now and then to keep them clean and healthy. Here are a few tips to make bath time easier: Use a shallow container filled with warm water. Hedgehogs don't like deep water, so a small tub or basin is ideal.
A sign that your hedgehog is too hot is that it is spread out with its nose pointed upward and is panting. Its skin will also appear to be flushed. Do not place your hedgehog cage on a radiator or on direct heat. They need to be able to get away from heat if they get too warm.
Insects are a favorite for hedgehogs. You can offer live bugs, which will also give your tiny buddy the chance to 'hunt' his dinner. Frozen ones are fine as well. Mealworms, wax worms, silk worms and crickets are all good options.
What not to feed hedgehogs The following foods should be avoided when feeding hedgehogs:-
Best Toys for Hedgehogs