Hedgie bedding...

[RaGe0rge]

Hi, I am getting prepared to get a lil hedgie of my own... I am just getting everything together, cage, food, wheel etc... I was wondering what my best bet for bedding was.. I've read that using cedar (pine shavings) could cause respiratory problems but I've also read other places that people use this. I read that shredded newspaper makes for a comfy safe bedding... Any input would be greatly appreciated.. thanx :hyper:

[Super Chin]

Cedar is definately a NO! Newspaper is a possiblity, but it doesn't absorb moisture so you would have to change it once, maybe twice every day. Some more common beddings include:
--Vellux Liners-(you can buy a blanket a Walmart, then cut it up)-they are reusable (just throw them into the wash), aren't messy, and are perfect for people with allergies.
--Kiln Dried Pine is also a common bedding choice. It looks good, works well, is inexpensive, and is easy to find. The only down side is that you will have to vaccum around the cage every day or so because it gets everywhere.
--Carefresh is also a good one, but not as common.
--Yesterday's News is being used more and more frequently as either a litter box filler or as a bedding. It is pretty inexpensive (if you buy the giant bags that are advertised for cats [they are exactly the same as the ferret or bunny type, but pound for pound they cost less]) You do have to make sure, though, that your hedgehog does not eat any! It could possibly cause impaction if consumed.

These are pretty much the best hedgehog beddings you will find. I would suggest getting one of them instead of shredded newspaper. With the execption of vellux, they can all be found at your local Petco or Petsmart.

Well, I hope this helps! :)
Lance

[Beck79]

My mom made a liner for my cage. But after having to wash it every day because my 7 week old hedgie doesn't have the strongest bowel control yet and goes wherever she happens to be in her cage I've switched over to carefresh ultra and will probably stick with that until she's hopefully potty-trained.

[Ododad]

I use Aspen bedding.

[Super Chin]

Ahh! :banghead: How could I forget to mention aspen? A lot of people use aspen too. :)

[hemi_mygirl]

Billy...I thought you used to use pine? At least, I think I remember reading something you wrote in reply to someone else's bedding question. Did you switch or am I just really losing it? If you switched, why?

I'm thinking of switching Hemi from aspen to pine just because the aspen I find around here sucks. The big bag of pine I saw is nice and fluffy - I'd probably even sleep in it. :P

[Nancy]

I use liners for all of mine except the pregnant girls. I used aspen for my first pregnant girl Cinder and she sneezed the whole time she was on it plus it started my asthma acting up which hadn't happened in years. I found aspen to be very dusty and it darn near killed me to use it. I decided if it bothered me that much I didn't want my girls on it.

Of course that is just my own experience with aspen but I much prefer kiln dried pine. :) I really wish the girls could just stay on liners but that would be gross.

[hemi_mygirl]

Okay, thanks Nancy! I was just kind of worried because I've heard alot of horror stories from people on this forum who use Pine. I didn't want my sweet little girl to get sick due to the pine. I'd stay with the aspen...but it's so gross. Not fluffy at all. I didn't really start considering until i saw this nice big bag of fluffy pine at the store. LOL.

[Nancy]

Why not go with liners? They are the best and safest. :)

[hemi_mygirl]

I debated it...but Hemi refuses to use any kind of litter box. She goes in one corner, but still, I sort of prefer shavings. She loves rooting in them, and she likes to snuggle in them, in the nest she rebuilds every night. I may try them when she's a bit older and possibly outgrows her baby antics.