Underweight?

[AlbertaGirl]

As I posted elsewhere, I was finally able to get some concrete information about Irwin from the SPCA. They told me he is 2 yrs old and weighs 212 grams. From what I've read on here, and specifically from this thread: http://www.chins-n-quills.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102544 it seems that he is pretty small for an adult. I know there is a great deal of variation among hedgies and that they have to be assessed individually, but I'm thinking that he is more than likely somewhat underweight. What is the best way to get him up to where he should be? Should I just feed him his regular diet (it will be RC/CSFTCLS, mealies, and fruits/veggies), or should I give him something special to get him started? Thanks for your help.

[Nancy]

212 is on the small side and he no doubt could be underweight. It also may depend on the scale they use. Unless they have a small scale, the ones used for cats and dogs are often not very accurate down at lower end of the scale. I know when we go to the vet they always get out a different scale than they use for the cats.

If he is underweight you can feed him adult formula's or even add a bit of kitten into his food until he puts some weight on. I have a couple of slim girls that have to have a bit of kitten in their mix. :)

[AlbertaGirl]

Thank you Nancy! I want my little one to be fat (not too fat!) and happy. BTW I was looking at the hedgie accessories on your site, and you will be hearing from me very soon... :)

[HedgeMom]

And he could just be a wee guy. Before making a decision, he needs to be evaluated. If he's a runner body style, shaped naturally like a Twinkie rather than a teardrop, he may not carry as much weight as another animal the same length. If his sides aren't sunken in when you look top down, if his face doesn't look gaunt, if he doesn't feel boney, then he is most likely fine.

[paris26]

Oliver is my tiny hedgehog. He will be 3 this October. His weight has always been between 199-215 grams. He's had multiple tumors removed, an emergency root canal- other than those medical issues, a healthy boy. He eats and drinks normally and runs on his wheel like a hedgie possessed. He is just a lean hedgehog. A vet exam with a new hedgie is always a good idea.

[AlbertaGirl]

Oh yes - I will definitely evaluate his body type and have him thoroughly vet checked before trying to help him gain any weight. Perhaps he's one of the naturally skinny supermodels of the hedgehog world! Strike a pose, Irwin... :rofl: