Hedgehog Website

[Super Chin]

As many of you may know, I am in the process of getting the law changed in Fairfax County so that hedgehogs are legal. I am in the process of making a website so that prospective hedgehog owners can visit and learn. There should be some publicity when this law gets changed (a 12 year old changing the law) and we are going to put the web address in the newspaper or wherever the story gets told. I'm in the process of writing the pages, and am wondering if I can get some help revising them. I'm all up for constructive critisism. Here is the section on toys:

Toys: When it comes to toys, hedgehogs are very inexpensive. Hedgehogs will play with simple things that you might normally throw away. There are a few restrictions when it comes to getting a hedgehog toys, but they don’t make it much harder to find good toys. Since hedgehogs aren’t rodents, they don’t constantly need to chew. Therefore, toys that would be inappropriate for other small animals are okay for hedgehogs.
Restriction 1: No sharp edges.
Restriction 2: No loose ends/strings. (This comes in to play when giving them a stuffed animal)
Restriction 3: Not dangerous: This has to do with common sense. Don’t give them something that could be swallowed or smelled and would be a danger.

Wheel: Having a wheel is very important for a hedgehog. Hedgehogs are prone to obesity, and so a wheel is a must have. Make sure the wheel you get has a solid running surface-otherwise hedgehog’s feet can easily get caught. A 12" wheel usually works well for a full grown hedgehog.

Toilet Paper Tube: Most hedgehogs love “tubing”. Tubing is when a hedgehog sticks its head into a toilet paper tube and starts thrashing around. When an owner first sees this the hedgehog may look uncomfortable, but if you pull the hedgehog out you will probably just get a dirty look. The hedgehog will then most likely start tubing again. If you are really worried about your hedgehog getting stuck, you can slit the tube down the middle. Unfortunately, some hedgehogs will ignore slit tubes.

Trucks and Cars: Small cars and trucks (ones without sharp edges) can be great toys for hedgehogs. Hedgehogs will enjoy pushing them around and climbing on them.

Beanie babies: This refers more to small beanie babies and plush toys, such as the ones given out at McDonalds. Some hedgehogs will treat it as a friend--carry it around, eat with it, sleep with it, etc… Just make sure there are no loose threads.

Ferret/Cat toys: Many hedgehogs enjoy ferret and cat toys, such as the plastic balls with bells inside. Just make sure there are no sharp edges.

Boxes, blankets, tubes, and more: Hedgehogs love climbing and hiding and burrowing and running, so many everyday household items can be great hedgehog toys. Just make sure they don’t have sharp edges or loose threads.

Scale: Ok, so a scale isn’t really a toy, but it is essential for owning a hedgehog. Hedgehogs are able to hide if they are sick until it becomes very serious. Weighing them every week or so can help tell you if there is a problem. Scales (preferably gram scales) can be bought on-line or at stores such as Wal-Mart.

[kaiteedyd]

So, are the laws changing for sure?! If so congrats!!!! My dad lives in Fairfax county. (Not that he would ever want a hedgehog)

PM me, I'm a part time web designer I could totally help you out with the actual site layout and graphics.

[glamgal]

hmm, one thing comes to mind for me, and that's when you mention small cars and trucks be sure they not only have no small edges, but that the wheels or other parts cannot come off and cause a choking hazard...

[Super Chin]

Kaiteedyd-PM sent

Glamgal- Thanks, I missed that. I'll change it right away.


Here is the BREEDING page:

I don’t have much to say about breeding, except for the number 1 rule:

Leave breeding to the experts!

Breeding with any animal isn’t something that should be taken lightly. One of the most common reasons for breeding is to have cute baby animals. Unfortunately, this causes many deaths and just puts more homeless, helpless animals out in the world. Before one should even consider breeding, one should have at least a year if not more of hedgehog experience. This means knowing about genetics, breeding risks, how to take care of a mother after she has babies, and every other aspect of breeding. If you are seriously considering breeding, first own a hedgehog for a while. Learn everything about them. Then talk to experienced breeders. Then, if you are still serious about it, go ahead. I’m not saying that no one is qualified to breed, I’m saying that it is something to seriously consider.

[teela1342]

Teasels Mom had a really great response about breeding on this thread.

http://www.chins-n-quills.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73219

The point I like that she makes is that successful breeding hedgehogs is particularly difficult. It doesn't make a difference if you have had litters of hamsters or kitties or whatever. Hedgies are a different category.

Just think of it like pandas. Most bears don't have problems breeding in captivity. But no matter how experienced the vet, panda breeding programs are a problem. It is just a fact.

You should PM Teasels Mom and ask her to contribute to this section of your site. She is very well spoken (written?) and delivers factual information in an easy to digest way.

[Super Chin]

She's already helped me some, and I am hoping to get some more help from her, thanks. :) I guess I need to add a few things.

P.S. Just so you guys know, I have two weeks to get all this information typed and to get it on a website. I may skip a few things in some of the sections so that I have time to get the other sections up. Then I will revise them and add more.

[Super Chin]

Here is the "What is a hedgehog?" section:

There are two main species of hedgehogs. The European hedgehog, and the African Pygmy hedgehog. In this section you will read about the African Pygmy hedgehog, as the European hedgehog is illegal in the United States. Hedgehogs are insectivores, most closely related to shrews, moon rats, mole rats, and tenrecs. Pygmy hedgehogs aren’t actually pygmies, but they are smaller than European hedgehogs. Their weight can vary from only a few ounces to 30 ounces, but they will usually weigh about 15. When balled up, this makes them about the size of a baseball, maybe a little bigger. Hedgehogs are not native to North America. They only ones available in the U.S. originally came from Africa about 15 years ago.

Contrary to popular belief, hedgehogs are not related to the porcupine. They both have quills, but that is all they have in common. When touched, porcupine quills come out and stick into whatever touched them. Hedgehog quills stay attached to the hedgehog except during quilling.

[Super Chin]

Here is the section about SOCIALIZATION:

Getting your hedgehog to be friendly can take a while, but it is worth it.
*
Step 1: Don’t interact with your hedgehog the first few days after you get it. Make sure it has food, water, and toys, but don’t play with it. This will give it time to adjust to its surroundings. Don’t be too worried if your hedgehog doesn’t eat the first day. Many hedgehogs go on strike when they are first moved.
Step 2: Place an old T-shirt or shirt that you have recently worn in the cage so that your hedgehog can get used to your smell. *Make sure that there are no loose threads that hedgehog feet can get stuck in.
Step 3: Take your hedgehog out. Just hold it in a towel and wait for it to un-ball. You can even take it out while it is sleeping and carry it around with you so it can get used to your smell. This is very simple to do, because the hedgehog will be asleep.
Step 4: Let the hedgehog run around. After you have made sure that the room is hedgie-proof (see hedgie-proofing your house) you can and should give it play time every day.

The following information has been copied with permission from "The Hedgehog Primer" by Antigone Means-Burleson. For more information on The Hedgehog Primer click here.

There are four basic hedgehog personality styles:

-Snugglers: These hedgehogs like to be held. Some will curl up at your neck, others like your lap or the crook of your arm. They are usually calm and content to be held quietly. They may also let you pick them up with spines completely down.

-Scaredy Cats: These hedgehogs may unball and snuggle or may explore, but it seems like the slightest thing scares them and they instantly snap into a ball at the tiniest noise or movement. They need a lot of patience and understanding, and with time may learn to be a runner or a snuggler, though most will always retain that high-strung tendency.

-Runners: These hedgehogs just don't want to sit still. They are perpetual motion machines, and squirm like crazy when you try and hold them in your hands. They do well with lots of things to climb on and under, and lots of room to roam. They usually think you're pretty neat to climb, and may want to sample your hair. They stay busy and are a lot of fun to watch or let roam over you like terrain.

-Hermits: Some hedgehogs just want to be grumpy and hide, no matter what. They may be out and about comfortably, but run and hide or ball up the moment they notice a human is about. Some may even bite to let you know that they don't appreciate being handled. They typically have a feisty, fun spirit, but it takes some understanding and patience to learn how they want you to behave. They are not hedgehogs who will voluntarily seek you out, though they may learn to tolerate your presence.

Along with all of this, if you are nervous when handling a hedgehog they may become nervous too. Some hedgehogs have a combination of these personalities, or even a different one, but if you are looking for a hedgehog expect to find one of these.

[Super Chin]

I could really use some help on this.
Thanks. :)

[LovingHedgieMom]

Step 3: Take your hedgehog out. Just hold it in a towel and wait for it to un-ball. You can even take it out while it is sleeping and carry it around with you so it can get used to your smell. This is very simple to do, because the hedgehog will be asleep.

First, I'd like to say that you're doing a great job with everything I've read so far. The only thing I want to comment on is this Step 3 you have listed. It's a very good idea to take your hedgehog out of his cage for daily interaction with you. Most hedgehogs will be grumpy and hiss if you wake them up. It's best to just ignore the hissing and pick the hedgehog up anyway. Depending on the personality of the hedgehog, he might want to stay awake and play, he might go back to sleep on you, or he might hiss and be upset the entire time he's out of his cage. Even if this is the case, continue to hold him in a quiet environment and talk to him softly so that he gets to know your voice and understand that you mean no harm to him.

I speak from personal experience. I have a very un-social male hedgehog. I've taken him out of his cage numerous times and he just hisses and pops with vengenace until I put him back in his cage. Once he's in his cage, I can talk to him and move around the cage as much as I want. He just doesn't like to be held.

You're doing a great job. I just wanted to let you know that you can't pick up a sleeping hedgehog without waking it up and in that case it may hiss and be upset.