I just rescued a hedgehog

[katz72001]

I just rescued a hedghog from a girlfriends son. The cage, or rather plastic tote, was disgusting. It had not been cleaned in a very long time. And I am not sure when he last had food or clean water. The cage is now clean and he has been eating and drinking. I am not sure what is the normal eating habits for a hedgehog. Right now I have newspaper in the cage. I am doing same reading on hedgehog care.
It is hard to get a good look at him, he makes the hissing sounds and rolls into a ball. Since I am not sure how he was socialized, I am expecting it may take a while for him to get use to me and my daughter. I hope he isn't sick from being neglected. I am open to suggestions on care. Also how do they react to cats? I have seven cats. They have been really courious about the hedgehog. Do the throw their quills like porcupins?
katz72001 :cool:

[mrgew]

Hi,
They do not throw their quills like porcupine. I would personally keep the cats a way for a while just so he can get used to things. I have to ask what are you feeding him? Also they usually do ball up and hiss and pop, but if you dont get scared and push through the hissing and poping then you should be ok and eventually he will do it less most likely. Though it will probably take a while. So I hope this has helped if you have a specific question fell free to ask, cause telling you everything would be a really long post.

[HedgieSpirit]

They do not throw their quills. You should feed them a mix of quality cat kibbles, you may search this forum and find many threads on this topic. Two of the most popular are Royal Canin Slim formula 38 and Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul. In addition to cat food they should get a variety of fruits and veggies a few times a week. You may also want to feed crickets and meal worms as occasional treats seeing as hedgehogs are insectavores. Newspaper in his cage for now is fine. I suggest liners as bedding. Buy a vellux blanket and cut it into the size and shape of the floor of his cage. They do not require sewing at the edges and are very easy to clean, just throw them into the washing machine. The hissing and rolling into a ball is normal. Yes, he will probably take a while to get used to the two of you. It helps to put a worn shirt into their cage because it has your scent on it and then he will get used to it. A hedgie bag (like a sleeping bag for a hedgehog) is also a wonderful tool for socializing hedgies. I watch tv while Chloe sleeps in her hedgie bag on my belly. Many people on this forum make and sell them (teaselsmom, aka Nancy, does beautiful work).

Congrats on the new hedgie! It is wonderful that you rescued this guy and are willing to research his needs. I can't wait to hear updates. Remember, if you ever need anything else, just ask :)

[teela1342]

Yea for rescuers!! :applause: :applause: :applause:

Mine was a rescue too. I got him in Nov when he was already 1 1/2. It is important to handle him every night. Do it for as long as you can, but make sure that it is daily. Even if you only have a couple of minutes. Ignore the fear-inspiring hissing and popping and hold him on your lap. It may help to have a blanket or shirt that smells like you so he can hide. Dim the lights and talk softly. Try offering a treat. And just keep at it no matter what. Jake is still grouchy, but he has made huge progress since I have had him. Rescued adult hedgies will probably never be as sweet and friendly as hand raised baby ones, but they are still fun to watch and mess with.

I also have a 40lb dog and 3 aggressive cats. They are all fascinated/terrified by him. They love to watch him run around in his cage and during play time, but they scatter when he comes too near them. He mostly just ignores them. I'd keep the cats away for a few days until he gets settled in, then let them have a look. My biggest problem is that my smallest cat tries to get into the cage to eat the cat food. The hedgie gets better food than they do!

The newspaper is fine. That is what Jake started out on. The problem there was that he is light colored and the ink made him look dirty. :( But it was soy based, so it didn't hurt him. Once you get some more of the basics down, you can toy with different bedding. I am sure he is just happy to be clean and fed!

You can search the forum for advice on food. Its a big topic. If you have any specific questions, please ask!

By the way, what is his name?

[Ododad]

Everyone above has offered excellent advice. Please take advantage of it. :) also I expect many more questions in the near future from you and hope you discover the wealth of information that is available here. You will find the people here are all hedgie lovers with a few fanatics sprinkled here and there. We love our hedgies!
I don't have anything to add to the advice already given except that the newspaper will probably get ink all over your new hedgie and make him look a different color. :) There are many threads about bedding to be found here along with just about anything else you might need to know but of course, questions are ALWAYS welcomed. Your not alone with your hissing, popping new friend. There will always be someone here more than willing to relate their own experiences with yours. I strongly suggest reading as many threads as you can stand. There are some very happy stories, some sad ones and some very funny ones and you can learn a lot from them. I know I did when I first started. I have 1 petstore hedgie and two rescued ones. I can tell you from experience that you may have a hard time earning this little fellows trust after what he has been through. Sounds like he has had a rough time of it and needs your love and understanding. I also suggest a first time vet visit. A full exam which will include gassing the little guy to get a good exam would be my suggestion. It may cost a little bit, but you can catch any problems he may have now due to his previous care and hopefully treat them before they become life threatening. After he is fully healthy he probably won't cost much in vet bills. Unless something else comes up, he would not need to see the vet very much. Hedgies do not require any kind of regular shots program. Good luck, and look forward to learning more about your new hedgie.

[PrincessHedge]

God Blesss you for rescuing your Hedgie and best of luck to you in the next couple of weeks Poor Baby. You both will be in my prayers.

Many Blessings sent yor way!

[Ododad]

How's that hedgie doing?