Hedgehog Fest!?

[Cmedeiros]

Hey Guys,

I just got an email about a hedgehog fest??? !!!! :) (this is in MA).

Here's a link to the website with all the info.

http://www.hedgehogfest.com/

It definitely sounds like fun! :winkgrin:

[Hathery]

Looks fun--wish I could go! :)

[Loves2LoveChins]

It does sound like a lot of fun however most of the games contests are IMO not appropriate. These are the ones I am talking about and they can be found under the "Events" tab.

Run-a-bout Ranger - Hedgehog in run-a-bout ball timed on a track.

Worm Wrangler - Hedgehog who finds and eats the most mealies in the shortest amount of time wins. Mealies are 'hidden' behind toys and other distractions.

Bowling - Hedgehog in run-a-bout ball runs down a lane to knock over pins.


Balls can cause foot/toe injuries and mealies should be limited by no more than 3 a day. They are too high in fat and eating a lot can upset a stomac.

[Hathery]

Don't most shows have "hedgehog Olympic" style events with Ball Races and so on?

[Loves2LoveChins]

From what I've seen they do, however since many people here have advised against the balls I don't see why shows should be any exception. Thats just my own personal opinion.

[Zoomom]

I'm going! It is a little under an hour away from me. I've always wondered how Noni would do in a show, and now I get to find out. I don't know if she will play in any of the games, only because I don't know if she'd actually do anything, or if she'd just ball up and huff because it was too bright and too many people would be around. I think we'll do a "practice" and see how she does. And I don't think more then three mealies or a little bit of closely supervised ball time is going to hurt anyone when done once in a great while.

[illinidairychic]

From what I've seen they do, however since many people here have advised against the balls I don't see why shows should be any exception. Thats just my own personal opinion.

Every show I have been to has at least a few events with hedgehogs in the run around balls. It's a very common occurance. Also in the IHOG events there are two that the hedehog is in a ball.

[mmartinez1987]

We need these shows/fests in Florida. I'm a little jealous!

[Loves2LoveChins]

I don't doubt its a common event in hedgehog shows. But it does amaze me with how so many on this forum who are very knowledgeable about hedgehogs and have expressed the concerns of these balls to new hedgehog owners, that this event remains so popular.....

[April7901]

I don't doubt its a common event in hedgehog shows. But it does amaze me with how so many on this forum who are very knowledgeable about hedgehogs and have expressed the concerns of these balls to new hedgehog owners, that this event remains so popular.....


.... well, honestly, it's the same as anything else. Some VERY experienced breeders will tell you no mesh wheels. Some VERY experienced rescues sell mesh wheels and have never had a problem. Some VERY experienced people say just kibble is fine... some say no. It's certainly not the first conflicting information I've seen, on this board, on Hedgehog Central, on the HWS email list, and on websites. You can get twelve different pieces of advice on the same exact topic, and none of them are the same twice...