[POLL] Did you do research before acquiring your hh? Be Honest.

[LuvHedgies]

[LuvHedgies]

The reason I made this poll was because on another board I frequent occasionally, someone was complaining about certain questions that are asked of novice hh owners. This person stated that it was too bad that people didn't do research the internet for information on hedgehogs before acquiring one. My thoughts were that after doing tons of research (books and internet sites) I still ended up having lots more questions after getting my hedgie. I'm sure there are people out there who buy hedgehogs (and other animals) on impulse, but I don't think that they should be treated badly because they're trying to get information to give their animal a better more comfortable life. Am I right? I'm happy to answer any questions I possibly can of these folks as I remember how I felt when I got my first hedgie. Anytime you get a "first" of any type of animal - it is always a bit confusing. I would say that of having your first child as well...they don't come with a manual. There are several different ways to raise a child. Just as there are several different opinions on how to raise a hedgehog. Nobody has ALL the answers, or there would be ONE hh book out there that everyone would follow.

All I can say is I'm glad there are forums like this one where people don't get all nasty if new owners ask basic questions. I did do lots of research for years before getting my first little one and this place was a savior of my sanity as I wasn't very confident in my ability to take care of this prickly ball of quills. Now we're doing great - in large part due to the many nice people at this forum and my egroups lists.

One more thing...haven't alot of you found that there is conflicting information on the internet as well as in several books regarding hedgehogs? I know I sure have.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

[nannyogg]

I think there are a lot of great, responsible people who do their research and still have questions (particularly about areas where there is conflicting information out there), and I think that is fantastic!
What I find depressing is people who refuse to do their reading and expect others to answer their every little question several times. And then get mad when you refer them to a website. I've spent a lot of time putting my website together so that people will hopefully have a good general idea of what they are getting into, what the hedgie will need, the costs, etc...! Virtually every day I get letters from at least 2 or 3 people who say they got my addy from the website and they want to know how to take care of a hedgehog, or how to make their hedgehog more friendly (there are 2 or 3 pages on this) or how much does it cost or how much does it cost to ship... even after referring them to the pages that specifically answer these questions, they ask again, and again, and again! It's these kind of people that I think folks are most frustrated with. I figure if they can't be bothered to do a little reading, there's a problem there!
When I got my first hedgehog (1995), there was very little information available but I read everything I could get my hands on (the Kelsey-Wood and Vriends book, and then a hhog mailing list on the net, pretty much! And Nathan Tenny's website). Since then knowledge about hedgies has expanded by leaps and bounds, and people have started to understand that there isn't just one right way to raise hedgies, and that there is still tons more to learn! =) That fact right there is a reason for much of the conflicting info, and when it comes down to it, people have to be able to use logic to sift through the answers and decide what works best for them and their hedgehog (while also discriminating what is outdated and may actually be dangerous).

Tig

[Kalandra]

I've been debating answering this, as I'm one that really didn't research much. When I first was introduced to hedgehogs there really wasn't any information on the net, I found a few pictures, but that was basically it. Plus I was exposed to my moms breeding herd for over a year, and knew what she fed them and what to expect behavior wise from them as I had played with so many babies.

After I took Little Momma in, I ended up joining a mailing list (i think it was the nerg mailing list). I remember the day I walked into the pet store to buy more aspen and my husband noticed something that said hedgehog on it for the first time. It was the Vriends book, which we purchased. I also remember the first time the store got 8n1 treats.

I don't think there is any amount of research that can really prepare you for these guys. I still experience things that I have never noticed before in over 4 years that I have had them in my home.

[nannyogg]

I definitely can agree with that... that no matter what you read beforehand, they will always surprise you with new stuff that no one has ever mentioned before!!! That's why I really appreciate forums like this and the mailing lists, because there's room for everyone to learn together! =)

Tig

[libbyz]

I am a new owner of a hedgie, and I did do my research before purchasing him. I read books and articles on hedgehogs and a lot of them where already out of date because hedgehogs are so new that everyday new things are being learned. Most of these books contradicted each other anyway. I think that new owners ask a lot of questions because they want to make sure that everything is perfect, that is what i am worried about. That is why this forum is perfect, veteran hedgie owners can help us novices. What seems like an easy question to the veterans, can really help someone like me. I just want my hedgie to be healthy and happy.

Here is a happy little sidebar. Yesterday was the first day i tried to cut my hedgies toenails and he was such a gentleman. He let me cut them with no hassles, then i gave him a little bath, and he was fabulous about that too!!! Because of all the questions that people asked about toenail clipping, I felt comfortable to try it on my own.

Libby

[beetle]

I did not do any real research before taking on my hedgehog. This is not the way I would usually approach acquiring a pet, but she needed a home right away-her only other real option was the SPCA, and I knew if I took her, at least I would look up the pertinent info ASAP. The day I brought her home, she was in a tiny 10 gallon aquarium with a log and no wheel. I spent several hours on the net and the next day I made her a makeshift enclosure on my floor and bought a rat wheel which I covered in duct tape so she could get some exercise.
And I have to say that sites like this one have been phenomenally helpful in providing much-needed information. The pet shops up here simply don't carry these cuties, so they don't often know much, if anything at all, about them!
Thanks for all the help, everyone!

[LuvHedgies]

Thanks for all your input everyone. I agreed with a lot of what each of you said. I especially could relate with what Libby said about a lot of the questions new owners ask are asked because we want everything to be perfect for our hedgies. That's exactly how I felt/feel.

I also agree that the many great sites on the internet like this particular forum where the folks are so patient and kind really do a lot of good!!! :) I try to recommend this forum to anyone who has questions. Even if they're too shy to jump right in and ask, they can read all the previous questions and answers and I do believe it's really helped many people.

It doesn't make much difference to me whether anyone has done their research before acquiring a hedgehog or not...what counts is they're trying to get as much information as they can once they get the pet. That must mean something. In all honesty, I did tons of research before getting Thistle, so by the time I saw Needles I felt more comfortable, until I got Needles home and she was so different than my first little gal. :D

Thanks again to all who participated!

Sandi

[debby]

I had never even heard of people owning hedgehogs as pets until Shannon got hers....she had done some research and had told me quite a bit about them, as did the lady she got hers from....I was not planning on getting one, I just went along for the ride. One look at that adorable face and I was hooked!!! I HAD to have one...so a month later, I got one. I did try to find out as much as I could beforehand, and even bought a book, but honestly, the best info I have gotten is right here on these forums... Thanks guys.

[Jen & Cozmo]

Hi all.

I did do some reading before Cozmo came to live with me. I am glad I did. But I definitely still had learning to do once she came. We get along very well. It is a lot different once you have that little one in your hands then to just see pics of them in books or on the web.

Cozmo was my first experience at holding one so it took some getting used to. But I think I was adaquately prepared.

But this is definitely a great site to get info.
I am not sure many people find it before they get the pogs. But it is here and that is nothing but a benefit.