scratching

[shirleytx]

My new hedgie is scratcing. Is this normal? how much scratching is too much?

[Titanium]

Is she scratching with her hind leg (like a dog)? I have found this to be common with my guys if I use a different brand of litter/shavings. But, if she does this frequently, it could mean some sort of insect infestation (fleas,mites,etc...) I haven't had any experience with bugs so I can't offfer any expertise there. :( Sorry!

[shirleytx]

Yes she scratches with her hind leg kind of along the side of her body. Every time we have had her out on the floor she scratches. I am taking another one of m critters to the vet tomorrow and will take her along also. She is two years old and the previous owners never took her to the vet.

[HedgieSpirit]

It may be mites or just dry skin. A visit to a vet is a good idea :) keep us updated.

[shirleytx]

Thank you, I'll keep you posted.

[Ododad]

Yes, let us know what the vet says. Odo and Frodo will have a scratch or two from time to time. It dosen't mean anything. Consistant or continued scratching for a prolonged period means something is wrong.

[Nancy]

Some just like to scratch. If she does shortly after she gets up and not again she is probably just scratching cause it feels good. Sort of like stretching. :laugh:

[mrgew]

I took my two to the vet, and had them checked for mites just incase cause they seem to always scratch when they wake up and a little inbetween when they are up, and they are mite free and have silky smooth skin so the vet told me that more than likly they just like to scratch, he said even people like to scratch sometimes and hedgies are just the same.

[shirleytx]

Very comfortomg to hear. I would hate for Daisy to have mites.

[shirleytx]

Well daisy went to the vets today. I had to get her up early for a 9am appointment and I had trouble getting her in the carrier as she was very upset at being woken and was all quills.
I could not believe it at the vets she was all sweetness and light, was climbing into the vet’s hand sniffing her stethoscope, and acting like a star.
She does most likely have a mild case of mites she was treated with a dose of revolution which I have to repeat in 3 weeks. But other wise she is fit and healthy.