Second hedgie coming soon :)

[glamgal]

So it looks like we've got a new addition coming Feb. 20, and I was just wondering if anyone could offer any advice on adding a second hedgie to our home...Juni is 4 months old, male, and I was advised by the breeder not to get a female since I'm not planning on breeding because they'd both be sexually frustrated and it could actually lead to health problems for her being so near a male but not breeding...so we're getting another little boy. They'll be housed separately, of course, but I have a couple of other questions and am open to any suggestions on how to make a smooth transition.

I've read you should quarantine new hedgies. Is this a concern since he's coming from a reputable breeder, Juni's in good health, and they'll be in separate cages, but in the same room? If so, how long should I quarantine him for?

Should we wash our hands and/or change clothes during playtime after handling one and before handling another to prevent stress from scent?

Would it be ok to have them both out of the cage at the same time if I'm handling one and my fiancee is handling the other, or will this cause stress too?

How close can their cages be to each other without too much worry about fussing and fighting?

Thanks for your time and suggestions :)

[Nancy]

Congratulations! :applause:
Yes quaranteen regardless of where he is coming from. A separate room is best.

Wash hand for sure before handling one to the other during the quaranteen. If you have touching your clothes then change your shirt too, just to be totally safe.
They won't be bothered by each others scents so after quaranteen is up, don't worry about it unless someone gets sick.
Certainly have them both out at the same time. Together is not advisable as boys do fight but one on the floor or with your fiancee and one with you will not matter. Some boys will tolerate seeing each other but you just don't want them ever together without being in arms reach.
I have boys side by side and above and below each other and never a problem. :)

[glamgal]

I knew you'd come through, Nancy :) You always give great advice! thank you once again for your help :)

[Nancy]

I knew you'd come through, Nancy :) You always give great advice! thank you once again for your help :)
Swelled head here. :laugh: Thankyou :)

[Love4Hedgies]

Congrats!!!! :)

[HedgieSpirit]

Juni is 4 months old, male, and I was advised by the breeder not to get a female since I'm not planning on breeding because they'd both be sexually frustrated and it could actually lead to health problems for her being so near a male but not breeding...

Is this true? If I were to get a male hedgie should I house them in seperate rooms or could their cages be near each other even thought I am certainly not breeding?

[paris26]

Nancy or another breeder would be one to answer that question. I have 2 boys with 1 more to join my hedgie room after his quarentine (I quarentine for 30 days) with my female and have had no problems whatsoever. Annabelle is also spayed and I have no intentions of breeding. I know others who have males and females in the same room and have had no problems

[HedgieSpirit]

Thanks Paris, I'll still keep an eye out for a breeder's response. I knew that other people on this forum kept opposite sex hedgies in the same room and then I read this post and was wondering if it was true...

[Nancy]

There is no problem having the cages in the same room or even side by side or stacked. I have 21 hedgehogs in a 10 x 20' room in cages that are shelving units basically with doors and they are all fine.
Below is one of my cage units. It now houses 9 hedgehogs and doesn't have the storage in the middle left.

http://www.chins-n-quills.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=27845&d=&bydate=&showthreadcall=1

[HedgieSpirit]

Alright, I'm glad to hear that. :) Nancy, your set up is amazing.