Do Hedgies need light or not?

[kah2658]

I understand they are night animals, mine really sleeps alot, but should I have a uvb light on him at all? I saw not to put them by a window, as they dont like light... then read the need light?? Im so confused and a new owner, and only want to do the right thing....
Thanks
Karen

[paris26]

I keep a light on my hogs for 14 hours a day, off 10 hours. That's what worked to slow down hibernation attempts. This is the first year I had to use lights in almost 3 years of hedgie ownership. I will always keep lights on them now!

[kah2658]

what type of light should I use? and when should it be on... they sleep all day? Im confused?
But Thanks!!!

[paris26]

I use a broad spectrum light, but I guess any light will do. I keep it on from 6 am till 8 pm every day. They do sleep all day and that's natural for them. As soon as I turn off the "extra" light, my crew is up within a half hour.

[Jessicy]

I don't have a light on Popples and this is my first hedghog and he seams to be doing good. Well when it starts to get dark we turn on the light in the living room or the kitchen. His cage is in the linving room but our kitchen is like attach to the living room we have a one bdrm appt. so right now that is the only place for him.... But we are looking at geting a 2 bdrm appt in september. So he will have his own room.

[Nancy]

Yes they do need light during the day even though they are in bed sleeping. I have a girl who attempts hibernation if she doesn't have enough light.

Broad spectrum is the most ideal as it mimics natural daylight but a regular light bulb will work just as well. During the summer a bright room will not need extra lighting but come fall and winter with shorter days and less sunlight you really do need to leave a light on.

Some hedgies are more affected than others by inadequate light, just as some hedgies require more heat than others. Providing adequate lighting is so easy there is really no reason not to for every hedgehog.

[Love4Hedgies]

It also helps to get them on a schedule. I have two hogs that as soon as the light goes off they are up within 5 mins. :)

[lyndaj]

My hedgys are in a room with a plant fish tank which is lighted for a number of hours a day, plus they do get light in their room through a partially closed blind.

[glamgal]

I think when people suggest not to put your hedgie near a window, it's more for the drastic temperature changes that can occur near windows than for the light factor...I've been told not to keep fish tanks near windows for this reason, but yet you should keep lights on them too...does that make a little more sense now?

Anyway, I just use a regular light bulb for light on both my hedgies, and no problems yet :) It's on for between 10-14 hours a day depending on how long I have to be gone for work...

[rachael0911]

Hi there--
Can I purchase broad spectrum light bulbs anywhere? Also, can I just put the bulb in any lamp and leave it on or should I have a lamp directly over my hedgie's cage?