Hedgehog care sheet pdf

Before bringing him home you should have his cage set up and ready with food available. The african pygmy hedgehog atelerix albiventris, also known as the central african, whitebellied, or fourtoed hedgehog 1, is native to the savannah and steppe regions of central africa, extending from somalia in the east and senegal in the west 1, 4, 20. In the event your hedgie is averse to using a water bottle you can substitute a shallow water dish heavy enough to prevent tipping. A hedgehog needs the correct food and a proper habitat to live a long, happy, and healthy life. When i talk to people about my pet african pygmy hedgehogs they are often initially curious thinking i am keeping wild hedgehogs as pets, but i can assure you there are a lot of differences between african pygmy hedgehogs and our native uk hedgehogs in the wild.

Hedgehogs make great pets for those who are patient and dedicated. This information sheet is designed to give caregivers basic information regarding the care of hedgehogs. As creatures of habit, guinea pigs need to be introduced to changes slowly in regards to feedings and routines. The species most commonly kept as pets is the fourtoed, or african pygmy hedgehog. Since hedgehogs arent big fans of water, if you are having trouble cleaning your hedgehog s feet, try placing it in a shallow bath where just its legs are immersed in water or have it walk on a wet towel. A cage that is at least 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. Caring for and getting to know your new hedgehog is a hedgehog right for you. Making hedgehog homes in the garden and providing food will help hedgehogs. These are simply the most basic of care requirements, some of the other things you should consider. With this information you have a jumping point to learn all you can about your hedgie so that you can be an expert too. The best way to interact with your guinea pig is to play with him on the floor. Juvenile hedgehogs weighing less than 500 grams during late autumn will need help to survive the winter download our factsheet caring for autumn juvenile hedgehogs pdf 416kb for advice. May 30, 2019 if you are looking for a fun and unusual pet to raise and nurture, consider getting a hedgehog if theyre legal in your state. Hedgehogs the african pygmy hedgehog atelerix albiventris, also known as the 4toed or whitebellied hedgehog, originates from central africa.

This is a general rule, if your hedgehog is a little younger but a good weight and size it can be alright to give them a wheel early, if your hedgehog is 12 weeks and still quite small it might be best to limit the amount of wheeling time or hold off giving one until its older and stronger. Care sheet all the items your need to care for a pet hedgehog. Hedgehog care sheet provide fresh food and water daily the first thing you will need is a habitat for your new pet. The species most commonly kept as pets is the four toed, or african pygmy hedgehog. A hedgehog can be a wonderful addition for someone who wants a unique and entertaining pet. A vet is a priceless member of the hedgehog care team. Also, your guinea pig may popcorn bounce excitedly and repeatedly to express happiness. A hedgehog is a small, insectivorous insecteating mammal. How to take care of a hedgehog with pictures wikihow. For more indepth information, several web links are provided at the end of this article. Pet african hedgehogs a complete guide to care free pdf. You will find all of the information you will need to learn about owning hedgehogs as pets, proper hedgehog care, and even advice and fun activities from current hedgehog owners over on our hedgehog owner corner. Hedgehogs are an ancient species and have only been living with humans for a few years, so they still retain the majority of their natural instincts.

If your hedgehog is experiencing any of these symptoms, please start slowly warming your hedgehog by holding them on your skin under. The first thing you will need is a habitat for your new pet. A pdf version of this entire book is available for free download at the website listed. Hedgehogs are an ancient species and have only been. Know your hedgehog care and treatment of sick and injured hedgehogs published by the british hedgehog preservation society, hedgehog house, dhustone, ludlow, shropshire sy8 3pl uk part of the series. Vale run the authorised hedgehog course which is backed by the bhps so you can rely on this information being current and used by many rescues. A complete guide to raising pet hedgehogs pethelpful. Pet african hedgehogs a complete guide to care free pdf user name. A pdf version of this entire book is available for free download. A light weight food dish provided by ccs and a water bottle without a spring loaded ball attached to the outside of the cage going through the wall of the tote, should be provided. Below is a list of items you will need to care for your pet. A hedgehog s toenails need to be trimmed when they become long. Hedgehog care sheet caging needed the cage will need to be at least four square feet a room. Although a lot of people wouldnt even consider hedgehogs as a viable option for a pet, just like hamsters, ferrets, and other small mammals, raising these cute little animals can be both fun and a rewarding experience.

It should answer most if not all general questions new members on hhc usually have. A light weight food dish and a water bottle attached to the side of the cage should be provided. Hedgehogs are crepuscular creatures active at dawn and dusk that spend much of their daytime hours sleeping. Jan 21, 2017 hedgehogs cages should be spotcleaned 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.

If this link stops working please go to the vale website and look for the documents for rehabbers. If you need additional information, please refer to the sources on the following page or contact your veterinarian as appropriate. A plastic tote can be used to house your pet to allow for proper housing and temperature control we recommend 105 quart or larger. African pygmy hedgehog care sheet african pygmy hedgehogs. If your hedgehog responds well to being held, hold it in your lap on top of a cloth so it can get used to you and your scent. Typically, hedgehogs dont like their heads being pet and will roll into spiked balls when scared. Whiskas, iams which is high in protein and also has the advantage of allowing the hedgehogs to exercise their teeth thus preventing dental problems.

The african pygmy hedgehog atelerix albiventris, also known as the 4toed or. Hedgehogs are solitary animals which means they like to live by themselves with no companionship. Heating requirements hedgehogs have to stay at a body temperature of 7280 degrees fahrenheit. Developed with and approved by a qualified veterinarian. Hedgehogs are notorious for becoming obese, so daily exercise is essential. Hedgehogs are exotic pets that require specialized care. Hedgehogs do not make good pets for a large portion of the u. Petting a friendly hedgehog can be compared to petting a hairbrush bristly, not prickly. African hedgehog care sheet this information sheet is designed to give caregivers basic information regarding the care of hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are easy to spot thanks to their compact size usually reaching 5 to 8 inches in length, the thousands of quills covering their backside 5,000 to 7,000 on an adult.

A hybrid of two different wild species native to africa, the african pygmy hedgehog, is a domesticated species known to be intelligent. When i first started caring for exotic animals there was no facebook and there were no facebook groups to join and discuss animals with. Rinse the hedgehog thoroughly and cuddle the hedgehog in a towel until completely dry. This is a completely, entirely free pdf of my book which covers all aspects of hedgehog care new owners, i strongly recommend reading it. Its not maintained hedgehogs will go into a hibernation attempt which can. A hedgehog is a small, insectivorous insect eating mammal. This chart is for records of individual animals and will need to be forwarded to dr toni bunnell who is. Habitat a cage that is at least 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. You have found the most uptodate hedgehog care sheet that will help you prepare and care for your bundle of quills.

They prefer to sleep during the day and are active at dusk and in the evenings. Theyre a hybrid between a whitebellied or fourtoed hedgehog andor the algerian hedgehog. Short spines cover the crown of their head and back, while coarse, dense fur. Sdore sonic the hedgehog running edible 14 sheet image frosting cake topper birthday party by sdore only 7 left in stock order soon. As a breeder i have experienced many trials and errors in my evolution of keeping hoggos. Housing careful consideration should be given to the size of accommodations for your new hedgehog.

A new care sheet can be given at anytime if needed. Sometimes hedgehogs will start to climb the inside of the cage after you bring it home from the stress of transition. How to care for pet hedgehogs basic hedgehog care guide. So, with that being said, we assure you that we learn from and network with successful. Hedgehog care 101 your home for pet hedgehog care information. How to care for your pet hedgehog small animal hospital.

If your baby is a climber, simply fasten 48inchtall panels of cardboard, acrylic sheets, or chloroplast corrugated plastic sheets used for sign making to the inside of the cage. Hedgehog care sheet, hedgehog housing, hedgehog accessories. Careful consideration should be given to the size of accommodations you are going to provide for a hedgehog. If youve decided a hedgie would be a good pet for you, or are on the lookout for new supplies for your hedgehog. Although they are small animals, they do need a lot of room. Wild hedgehogs are opportunistic eaters and consume a variety of things, but the majority of their diet is comprised of insects. A plastic tote, aquarium, or a plastic childrens pool can be used to house your pet. Weve seen improper information and opinions be sprinkled around the internet, and discovered that it is hard to trust one source. A hedgehog is fun to watch, quiet, not aggressive, and is fairly easy to care for. This hedgehog care sheet will help you because owning a hedgehog can be rewarding but challenging. Hedgehog care 101 was created to serve as the most complete, easy to navigate, onestop resource for all things hedgehog.

The information in this care sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. Hedgehog water a water bottle is appropriate for a hedgehog, but some do not take to using one. Our care sheets provide important information about the proper care of your animal. Diet the vast majority of existing literature considers the basic diet of an african pygmy hedgehog to be a good quality dry cat food e. Find out what to do with an injured or sick hedgehog or an orphaned young hedgehog.

This hedgehog care sheet will help you with everything that you need to know. Apr 29, 2019 to help your hedgehog get used to handling, approach it slowly and gently pick it up from underneath, since you want to avoid getting pricked by its quills. A hedgehog wobbles if anything is wrong with it, such as temperature, dehydration, an illness, so do not automatically assume wobbly hedgehog syndrome and worry. If youre thinking about adding a new hedgehog to your family, youll first want to consider whether he or she will fit your lifestyle and personality. The african pygmy hedgehog is a native of west and central africa. Petco is committed to responsible companion animal ownership.