allergies?

[jacer0311]

Last night my fiance and I had our new hedgies out playing with them. We both got poked....a lot,lol. But where ever my fiance got poked the area itched a lot and started get little welts. The welts went away after a couple hours and it never happened to me so I was wondering if he might be allergic to them. I'm currently using vellux blankets to line their cage and I didn't notice them annointing(sp) doesn't mean it didn't happen I just didn't see it. If he's allergic to them what can we do?

[teela1342]

I've heard this before. Some people have said it goes away after their skin gets used to being prickled. Some people have said that they are affected by shavings. But you are using a liner, so that probably isn't it.

Make sure your boyfriend washes his hands well before and after handling. Maybe even a couple time during playtime, depending on how long you guys are playing. If the welts are still a problem, he could try some Benadryl pills or cream. It might be just be the problem he suffers with for the sake of hedgie love. :rolleyes:

[Ododad]

Last night my fiance and I had our new hedgies out playing with them. We both got poked....a lot,lol. But where ever my fiance got poked the area itched a lot and started get little welts. The welts went away after a couple hours and it never happened to me so I was wondering if he might be allergic to them. I'm currently using vellux blankets to line their cage and I didn't notice them annointing(sp) doesn't mean it didn't happen I just didn't see it. If he's allergic to them what can we do?
There was another thread about this, somewhere,,, yes, there it is.
http://70.85.19.92/forums/showthread.php?t=64322

[Nancy]

That very often happens with new hedgie owners. Well old ones too. :laugh: Usually washing your hands well after playing with hedgie get rid of the welts almost immediately.

Sometimes it is the bedding they are kept on but I notice you use velux. What about in the litterbox?

Sometimes giving hedgie a bath helps and sometimes just a few weeks of ownership and the reaction will quit happening.

I find when I have a pregnant mom on shavings it happens to me. :)

[jacer0311]

Thank you all for the advice. i think the previous owner used shavings so maybe it's that. I haven't set up a litter box yet but I was planning on using dust free kitty litter, is this ok? thank you for the thread link I will read it. I really appreciate all your help.

[Ododad]

Thank you all for the advice. i think the previous owner used shavings so maybe it's that. I haven't set up a litter box yet but I was planning on using dust free kitty litter, is this ok? thank you for the thread link I will read it. I really appreciate all your help.
A non-clumping litter like Yesterday's News or Carefresh are most recommended.
Clumping litter or clay based litter can get stuck in gential areas. :)

[jacer0311]

Thanks ododad. I just made a new thread to see what everyone thinks is best.

[giry76]

occasionally I get little welts from holding Doris. It isn't all the time and normally they aren't all that uncomfortable and go away in an hour or two.

[lyndaj]

That is very common with hedgys. I think some of the reaction might have to do with them annointing themselves.

[Pringlesmom]

Try scrubbing their quills gently with a baby tooth brush and Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo. (no tears!!) Then rise thouroughly and dry well. I sometimes broke out under my wrists on acccount of his spikes being a bit dirty from running on the wheel and going to the bathroom at the same time.
Denise and Pringle