Thinking about getting a hedgie

[cherubchins]

First off let me say how weird it is to be posting in the hedgehod section and not the chin section lol.

Ok, so I am contemplating buying a hedgie. I met someone that owned one several years ago and since then I have loved them. I am doing research, but I am confused as where to start. I have been researching their diet and housing so far.

I need help here. I know the basics, like they are nocturnal, handle them everyday, cage size, etc. But I keep hearing different things about diet. Some people say only dry cat food, insects and veggies. Others say mix several cat foods and dog foods and veggies and insects.

What diets do you guys feed your hedgies? Do you feed them cat food, hedgie food or both? Also, do they chew plastic like chins do? Because I have several plastic igloos here but I wouldn't want them eating them.

Thanks for your help in advance.

[kaiteedyd]

I think mixing two or three high quality cat foods together would be your best bet to make sure your hedgehog is gettting the best nutrition. I feed only one high quality cat food and supplement with treats like mealworms, crickets, cottage cheese, chicken baby food..

I don't think dog food is recommended. Generally Hedgie food is not good. Spike's Delite is ok but it's hard to find and expensive.

They do not chew like Chins. They may nibble, but I doubt they'd deystroy a plastic igloo.

[cherubchins]

Thanks:) I didn't think dog food sounded right either. I knew that hedgies could have certain types of baby food but I didn't know about cottage cheese. I have another question-do hedgies jump? I have a big sterilite container (or whatever they're called), it is about 12-18 inches high I have to measure it. Would a hedgie ba able to climb out? Or I am better off buying a lid and putting mesh in it?

[kaiteedyd]

Hedgehog's dont jump but they do climb. If there is anything in the cage they might use those items to climb from. A lid with a mesh top is a good idea. As is lots of little vent holes in the side of the cage.

[cherubchins]

Thanks again:) I am on a waiting list for a chocolate chip male. The female is due in March I believe. So I have lots of time to keep doing research and get everything I need.

[kaiteedyd]

Exciting! Where are you getting him from?

[cherubchins]

I can't remember her name! lol Omg, I am so forgetful. I think her name is Tanya, she is a breeder in Calgary.

[Ododad]

Actually, hedgies CAN jump. Not to the extent that they would jump out of a cage or anything like that but twice Frodo was laying in my hand while I was sitting down on the couch and she jumped straight up in the air about 5 inches and landed on the couch on her feet about 6 inches away from me. Like a frog would jump. I have never heard of any other hedgie doing this nor have I ever seen the other two I have do anything like this. Also, Frodo believes she can walk on air. I have seen Marco and Odo climb down from the couch but Frodo will simply walk off of it. I have to keep a close eye on that one! lol

[cherubchins]

lol! My hamster will walk right off of the couch too. I am trying to find a lid to fit the container. If I can't I'll just buy a different cage, maybe a mansion;) I am so excited:D

[HedgePigLove]

Congrats on your new arrival :) One thing that other folks haven't mentioned here, but that I find is important when chin folks evolve into also being hedgie folks - hedgies need to be kept at a warm temperature - 72-78 degrees F seems to be the optimum. I know that chins like it on the cooler side, so thought I'd toss this in.

On another note, would you, perhaps, be interested in a couple of rescue hedgies? We've a couple that've been added to our rescue/rehoming list that are located in Calgary and Edmonton. If that strikes you as something you'd be interested in, shoot me an email at: hedgie@lauraslist.org and I'll get the contact information on the rescues out to you.

Best wishes! Laura