A little help?

[Gidget]

So I am obviously a new hedgie owner, what with all my posts thus far. Okay first, clipping my hedgies toenails, what do I use? And how do I do it, if my hedgehog refuses to unball whenever she is in my presesnce. Second question-bathing, is it absolutely necessary if my hedgehog does a pretty good job of cleaning herself, and if so, how often?? Thirdly, how can you deter biting? My little one bit onto my friends bf's finger and gave him a right good gash ( I assume it is from qulling discomfort, because she is only 13 weeks old), but does anyone else have a bitter? Any Help??

[Super Chin]

Toenails-Unless her toenails are really long, it might be best to wait a little until she is used to you. Baby toenail clippers work fine. Once she is used to you, clipping toenails after or during a bath works best because they have to unball when in water. If you do a search for "hedgehog toenails" you would get plenty of different ways to clip hedgie toenails. :)
Bathing-It really depends on if your hedgehog gets dirty.
Biting-Not sure. I believe that i heard that blowing on their nose would make them stop, but i'm not completely sure...

[PrettyHate]

1. Clipping nails-
Most people find that human nail clippers work best. Some people buy baby nail clippers with the big handles so that they are easier to hold onto.

Clipping nails during bathtime is often the best way to do it simply because your hedgie cant ball up in the water. I know that when it comes to doing Murdocs nails it takes two people- one to hold him, and another to clip.

There are many threads about nail clipping (as well as baths) in the Heath and Hygeine section.

2) Baths- fulls baths should be given sparingly- since you dont want to dry out their skin. However, sometimes when dry skin, or quilling is an issue, baths can actually help. A little vitamin E added to the water, or some oatmeal, can help soothe dry, itchy, sore skin.

Most people give their hedgies foot baths. Which usually consists of filling up the bathtub with an inch or two of water, and then letting their hedgie run around in it. This is usually done as needed (sometimes everyday, sometimes only once a week, sometimes less than that- it depends on the hedgie) and is to get rid of "poop boots" that are a direct result of pooping while running on their wheels.

3) Biting- Firstly always make sure hands are washed (perferably with a non scented soap) so that you dont taste good. Usually hedgies will lick before they bite. If you notice your hedgie licking, then distract her so that she isnt given the chance to latch on. If biting is a real problem, you may consider holding them in a blankie, or hedgie bag.

[paris26]

Laura gave you lots of good tips! I like to trim nails in the tub too because the nails are softer and cut easier. As for biting, some babies go through a biting stage because everything tastes good. Try to write down what you did before she bites so you can see if there is a pattern. My Wally who was a biter would exhibit the same pattern. He would sniff, lick my fingers, run away, and then CHARGE! After he bit me once, he was good to go for the night :)

[Gidget]

Okay, thanks guys!!