Mites?

[hedgehog_girl]

I got a new hedgie from a pet store last week and am wondering if the amount he scratches is normal. When I have him out he never scratches, but at night when he's in his cage he'll sometimes playing or running on the wheel to scratch himself for a few minutes at a time. Is it normal to do some scratching, or is it likely to be mites? I'm using a hypo-allergenic paper based bedding, so I don't think that's the problem. Thanks.

[Ododad]

Bedding is only one possible cause of mites. Also, some hedgies just love to scratch.
My suggestion is a first time vet visit. This should be done anyway to ensure that your starting out with a healthy hog. I would spend the extra bucks and ask for a full exam. Including mouth, belly, ears, genitals, skin scraping, the works. Your hog may have to be gassed for a full exam. This is normally a safe procedure and is usually not very expensive.

[hemi_mygirl]

Also, some hedgies have minor allergies to some beddings. You said the bedding you used was hypo-allergenic, though, so maybe this won't help. But try cage liners. I know my girl used to scratch alot (mites were ruled out in her first vet visit), and when I switched her off her shavings onto liners, the scratching almost totally stopped. Now, she scratches maybe once a day for about a minute in total.

[Steph]

It should also be mentioned that if he's young he could be quilling which can cause scratching and irritation. Dry skin is also a common cause of the scratchies. Definitely a first time vet check is your best option and then you'll know for sure what you're dealing with. :)

Congrats on your new addition!!

[Ododad]

It should also be mentioned that if he's young he could be quilling which can cause scratching and irritation. Dry skin is also a common cause of the scratchies. Definitely a first time vet check is your best option and then you'll know for sure what you're dealing with. :)

Congrats on your new addition!!
I had not thought about the possiblity of quilling. Good point!

[hemi_mygirl]

I totally forgot about quilling! Duh...LOL

[illinidairychic]

If you take your hedgie to the vet you can at least rule out mites, which would be your best bet at this point. I have some that just have dry skin and for that a good bath with a baby shampoo that has oatmeal in it works well.