Hedgie travel

[High On Hogg]

My family are avid backpackers. We have planned a trip to the Rockies in about 5 weeks. Our little one, Precious, has been with us for about 3 weeks and has adapted great!

My question is this: How well do hedgehogs travel? Is there a hedgehog backpack that I can use when I am out on the trail>? :walk:

[illinidairychic]

I don't know if lugging a hedgie around on a backpacking trip would be good. That is a great question though. I would worry about over heating or being super kranky from not getting to sleep soundly through the day. I don't really have an answer, just some thoughts. Good luck... :)

[High On Hogg]

We would be up in the mountains, so overheating shouldn't be a problem. But, that is a great point to consider.

[Hedge_girl]

...or being super kranky from not getting to sleep soundly through the day.
I've walked through some moderately rugged areas before and it was not smooth going. I'm guessing this is what Ilillinidairychic is referring to. Even if temperature isn't an issue, constant movement probably will be. (And some hedgies even get motion sickeness, or so I hear!) You may have understood that all ready in which case you can read this as an attempt to say "yeah, what she said!" :P

[PrettyHate]

I personally wouldnt do it for the following reasons-

-chances are they will be wild animals up there that might be interested in your hedgie as a midnight snack

-lugging around all that your hedgie needs will difficult. What would you use to safely keep her in at night? Keep in mind that it would have to be a fair size to allow her room to roam around. What would you use for bedding etc? I doubt her wheel would be able to come along.

-It gets cold up in the mountains at night. If the temperature drops below 73 she may try and hibernate.

-While taking your hedgie out with you for short excursions during the day normally isnt a problem, I would be worried that taking her away from home and moving around for days at a time might really stress her out.

If it were me I would start looking for someone to look after her while youre gone. I think she would be much happier being able to sleep soundly during the day, and run around/ wheel at night in the comfort of her own "home".

[Super_Girl456]

I think Laura make a real good point. It might be best just to find a good pet sitter.
I can tell you from experience, That it is NOT a good Idea. Last year for hurricane Ivan My Family wanted to leave and get to safer grounds before Ivan hit. I know that Evacuating (sp?) is different then taking a vacation trip but It might be in some ways.
I only had 2 hedgehogs (Nuka and Zoey) I was in no way prepared for this but I made do with what I could. They both had a sterile tote for them selves not to big and not really to small. They were only a few months and very small themselves. I threw ripped up new paper in so they could hide and kind stay warm. Well, That wasn't really the best Idea cause it was HOT out side and the car I was riding in didn't have AC. I didn't want to put them in the car with AC because I was afraid they'd freeze. After getting out on the road I took out half the paper and took tops off to let a small amount of air in. With them just getting to trust me they were not happy. After being on the road for an hour or two, we stopped to eat and I made sure they drank something before we got back on the road. Wasn't really sure when we'd stop next. After so many hours (Thinking about 10 hours) we made it to a camp site. Luckily they had one spot left and we got it. We had a pop up camper with us that we were gonna sleep in. The AC in it wasn't working and it was hot as ****. Hotter in the camper then outside. So I had these 2 poor hedgehogs that we not happy campers AT ALL. They were so hot and miserable. Gosh I hated seeing them so miserable. It was so hard for them. I tried letting one out and letting them run a bit to try and feel the breeze. Nuka would just lay out and he'd get so mad if I'd put him up. Zoey went after water more then everyone else did. I had a hard time getting them to eat and to be handled was a nightmare. I'd have to watch for the bugs being around their little faces. I'd chew up Ice and drop it through the holes in the totes. Zoey would go nuts trying to get it in her mouth and Nuka went nuts trying to lay on it. The hole day was just so bad. My sisters tried helping and Zoey would try biting them. I couldn't do anything but what I was doing. The next day got better because one of the cabins were open and we got that and I let Nuka run around in one room and Zoey in the other, they were in haven then because the floor was cool.
Anyway, I'm not saying this is gonna happen to you, I'm just letting you know If you want a miserable hedgehog then there ya go, but to put them through that is just wrong and I will not make my group go through that. I didn't know it was gonna be like that, that is why they went through that. Now I have a hurricane savings that I have so I'll know I have a little money to buy a room for them. It really wasn't just the heat, It was the long drive and the unfamiliar smells. I hope you make the right decision for your little ones sake. Good Luck.

[Steph]

I wouldn't take her either. I live in Wyoming and even in my house it sometimes gets too cold on Summer nights. Like right now it's 66 outside which would be chilly for a hedgie.

Aside from that there are bugs that could carry parasites and we couldn't even begin to guess how something like say West Nile would effect hedgies (might not at all but we just wouldn't know).

I really would just find a sitter, a vet, a kennel, etc... and leave her home for her safety and comfort as well as yours. She'll be fine when you get home.

[High On Hogg]

Good things to think about. Might not be a good idea. We were hoping the body heat generated in our tents would keep him warm. We also bought citronilla pads to put around his "cage' to keep the bugs away.

Guess we'll just look for a local sitter or vet. Probably will be eaiser.

[PrettyHate]

I wouldnt put the citronella anywhere near his cage. That stuff can be pretty strong, and hedgies have sensitive noses. Plus I cant imagine sleeping with that in my tent...ick. Cant be good for you- or your hedgie.

I also seriously wouldnt count for your body heat to keep him warm. Ive been camping up in the mountains many times and I know from experience that while its toasty warm inside my sleeping bag, it gets **** cold outside of it. Definently not good for a hedgie- even dangerous.

Looking for a pet sitter like you said would be alot easier, AND SAFER for your baby. And safety is what matters.

[Ododad]

Guess we'll just look for a local sitter or vet. Probably will be eaiser.

Wise decision. ;)