Depressing. Should I?

[SuperCow]

As some of you may know, I have two albino hedgehog boys whom I acquired in September of last year. I was only supposed to get one, but the breeder asked if she could send two because she was getting out of the business, and I said sure. However, despite my attempts at socializing the two guys, they still don't seem to like me. Okay.

I feel like I'm not giving them enough love and attention. I feel like it's unfair to them that they don't have an owner who can cuddle with them for an hour every night. I'm a full-time student, I work and any free time I have is spent practicing (music) as prep for auditions. I feel like hedgehogs are more of a responsibility than I have time for, and I feel terrible for keeping them for so long without giving them the attention they deserve.

Don't get me wrong, they are not in a neglectful situation. Their cages are kept clean, they get fresh food and water daily, and I do socialize with them whenever I can. But it's averaging out to only about an hour a week, each, which I know is not enough.

It really kills me to think that I should give them away, but I think it might be for the happiness of the boys. Maybe with someone with more time and patience than I have, they could become more social with humans, and thus happier.

I don't know where to put this. Or even if I should have posted this. I guess I'm looking for opinions on what you guys think I should do. I don't feel like I'm being fair to them. But at the same time, I love my little guys. :( If I were to give them up, I'd have to know the prospective owner, and know that they wouldn't breed them, and I would like to keep in touch with them to let me know how the boys are (not daily or anything, but ever once in awhile). They would be free, minus shipping cost. I don't want any money for them, I just want them to be happy (cheesy, but true.)

[Love4Hedgies]

Aw. How sad :( But I think you would be doing the right thing. If you truely cannot give them what they deserve and care about their wellbeing then they should be in another home. I know this must have been really difficult for you to write. I admire your honesty and the fact that you just want what is best for them. I hope you can find them a great home!

[hedgewood]

I have a male that just will not tame........he does not like being handled at all. He is the biggest, huffiest, grouchiest bugger. Ive come to the conclusion that he just prefers to be left alone. Not all hedgies are social butterflies. He is very well taken care of by way of cleanliness and nutrition and us by no means neglected. I talk to him, and give him treats but other than that he is just happy to be left alone. He plays with his toys, runs on his wheel and is let out once in a while for baths. He seems very content. What I am trying to say is maybe your boys are truly happy with the amount of time your spend with them. Perhaps they prefer to be left to do their own thing. As long as they are not neglected, I would not be so hard on yourself. You obviously know their personalities better than I do, so if you feel that it would be in their best interest to be in a home where they will recieve less alone time and more people time, there is nothing wrong with that. You are a very loving mom who is doing what you believe is best for your boys.
I love their names by the way.

[Vampira_666]

pmed you , BTW I have doen alot of research and have owned hedgies in the past

[Pampam]

That's very responsible and considerate of you to write what you did, SuperCow. I'm a full-time student myself, and for some reason, sometimes sneeze my head off when I get near my hedgie, so my bf helps with cleaning his cage and stuff. Especially w/2 hedgies, I'm sure u're doing the right thing by letting them go to a new home where you can keep in touch with.

[Vampira_666]

She found a nice new home for the little guys :) I was hoping to add them to my family but as long as they're in a nice loving home I'm happy for them :D ..good luck

[Ododad]

Thanks for letting us know!