Oatmeal Bath?

[Breigh]

I read about oatmeal baths for hedgies... is this just like quaker oats stuff? You just toss it in the water and bathe them in it?

How does this work? How much of it do you use? Can someone explain this to me exactly?

Harley's skin looks sort of dry to me so I'd like to do something to help him.

[Chin89]

I use a product called Aveeno body wash (unscented) for my hedgie. It is made with oatmeal apparently. Not sure if you can get it where you are...

[LunaMidnight]

I use Aveeno Oatmeal Body Wash too (the unscented one).

I just put Luna in warm water (just enough to cover her feet because I find she really hates water and I don't want to upset her too much), use a cup to slowly pour the warm water on her back (watch the ears and nose :p) and rub a nickel sized blob of Aveeno into her quills. I used a toothbrush once but it made her mad so I just rub it in myself which she seems to enjoy (one time she leaned against the sink and made a happy noise when I did it) since it feels like a back rub I guess. To rinse you just gently pour water over them again and make sure you get it all off so their skin doesn't get drier. Then you hold them in a warm blanket until they're completely dry. Some people use hair dryers set on low but I know Luna would freak if I tried. :laugh:

[herbiesmom]

I do the same thing. Put the hedgie in the sink with just enough water to cover their feet. Pour warm water over them with a cup but not on the head. I wash their head by hand. Put Aveeno baby bath on them. I use the toothbrush to do their quills and snow's super poopy toe nails and my hand to do their belly and legs. I take the hedgie out long enough to put fresh water in the sink. Then put them back in and rinse by pouring water over them. Then I sit on the couch with the hedgies wrapped in warm blankets for an hour until their belly is completely dry. They usually fall asleep during this time.

[LunaMidnight]

Oh yes, I forgot that you need to change the water halfway through. No matter what hogs will always pee and/or poop in their water. :laugh:

[Vincent]

I use actual oatmeal. :) I have tons of pairs of old pantyhose, so I stuff the foot of one leg with oatmeal, and hook it over the faucet. The water runs through the oatmeal, but you don't get any floaty oatmeal bits. It's kind of like making tea, but on a much bigger scale... and with oatmeal. Lol!
I've never tried the Aveeno Oatmeal Body Wash stuff, but plain oatmeal works wonders on my hedgie's skin, and seems like a more natural option. :)

[LunaMidnight]

Wow, that's really neat! I never thought of doing that before. Good idea. :p

[melbur10]

actualy im working on that very thing! in powder fourm! itl be for sale as soon as i have some spare time to work out a few things!

[petsugargliders]

I have used the Aveeno as well, unscented. They also sell a "powder form" you can mix in the water if you desire at the local natural foods/herb shop. (It is a small family owned business) I am sure you could find it online as well. I bought it for myself...but didn't think to use it on the hedgies....

[Mouser'sMommie]

I use(d) the Aveeno body wash also, but the store where I work (and shop..) is no longer carrying it. I don't want to use the Aveeno packets since it would be wasteful, and expensive. We do have the Aveeno Baby bodywash, so I got that instead. I haven't used it yet, so we'll see....