Save the Hedgehog!

[KingBoris]

I'm not sure if this is the correct place to put this thread or not, but I thought I'd try. Earlier today, my boyfriend and I stopped into the Pine Tree Pet Super Center in Libertyville, IL (although we swore we wouldn't go back there). There was a hedgehog there for $129. The woman said that he has been there since August. They have been feeding him that stupid Vita Kraft. When I held him, he opened up and didn't huff much, but his skin looked very dry and scaly. My boyfriend said he thought his eyes were bulging out. Also, his nails were becoming really long and could definitely use a trimming. We don't know what to do. (We previously bought a hedgehog from there because we felt bad because he had been in that situation and no one was buying him or holding him or doing anything good for him.) The woman did make sure to ask if we had ever held a hedgehog before. She also said that he had come from a distributor and that he wasn't a baby when they received him. I didn't say anything, but I really wish we would have said something. The last time my boyfriend was in there, he argued (or maybe yelled) with them about why they carry hedgehogs if they don't know how to properly care for them. The person's answer was "because people buy them". Isn't there anything that can be done? We no longer live in the area but are just down for the day. Is there something the Hedgehog Welfare Society can do? I'm afraid our efforts aren't much, and if we try to "rescue" the hedgehog, we'll just be proving their point that people buy them. ;) (Disgruntled, the face looks more like a disgruntled face than a wink)

[KingBoris]

Would you be so kind as to respond immediately! If we need to, we can go back this weekend to try to do something about the situation.

[Kayte]

There's a recent similar thread here: http://www.chins-n-quills.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112679
Hope that's helpful.
Kayte

[HedgePigLove]

Hi - I'm going to cross-post your message to the HWS group at Yahoo in the hopes that there's someone close who can look in on the little one.

I would encourage you to go to the HWS website - http://www.hedgehogwelfare.org/ - and select the "USDA Information" link - that'll give you some information about how to find-out if the pet-store is authorized to even sell hedgehogs and other exotics. Also, at the bottom of the page is an email address for Jennifer Plombom - she's worked with educating pet stores and I'd recommend sending her an email to see if she has an information/assistance for you.

The HWS may not be able to provide much help, but I'm sure they'll try - it's probably going to fall on you, though, to adovocate for the care of this animal - you can try taking in some hedgehog care sheets/brochures. You can also report the store if the animal's care level is so bad that you're concerned for its life.

One thing that I've seen work in the past is to become a regular at the store - go in with nail-clippers and offer to trim the little guy's nails, offer him some mealies or other insects as a treat (just a small amount, though) - basically let the staff know that you're concerned for the hedgehog's welfare and that you're going to be keeping an eye on his care. They may get fed-up and just dump the animal on you.

Hope this helps a bit - I'm going to post to the HWS list, now. Laura D

[KingBoris]

We called the USDA. The pet store is not lisenced to sell hedgehogs, but the inspector basically said they had other prioroities and that they would look into the pet store when they have time.

[ravenqueen]

We called the USDA. The pet store is not lisenced to sell hedgehogs, but the inspector basically said they had other prioroities and that they would look into the pet store when they have time.

I would go back to the store and ask to speak to the manager or owner. I would tell them that you called the USDA and were told they are not licensed and that the USDA will be contacting them (Or have your BF do it, since sometimes people take men more seriously.) Maybe that will scare them enough to stop sellling hedgehogs.

What a shame! I always have a hard time walking away too, but I do it because I know that I inadvertantly end up supporting their cruelty. If I thought an animal was truly in danger, I might be forced to act. I think you did the right thing in this circumstance.

[HedgePigLove]

Well ...

If you have the space to take in and quarantine the little guy, you could try going into the store and pointing out to the management/owners that you know they're not licensed for hedgehogs and offer to take the little guy off their hands.

I know that several of the rescues in your general area have waiting lists for adoptable hedgies and they might be able to help you with placement (I can put you in touch with some folks, if that'd help).

I'm also going to post your experience to the HWS group again and ask for ideas about what to do - it sounds like the hedgehog needs to get out of there.

Thanks for following-up on the little guy.

[Mimi's New Mom]

I have a similar situation at a nearby pet store. They have too many hedgies and a few of them are friendly. The guy there was very open to me talking about them and I offered to clip their nails, which he was grateful for. I was sorry I could not take them all.