Question about adding a new hedgie to the mix

[incrovaj]

Ok guys, now I have another question. I am thinking about getting another hedgie :hyper: . I know that they do not like to share pens, but often do like to play together. My question is, what do I need to do to safely introduce a new hedgehog to my home. I know from raising other animals that there is usually a quarantine time if they are coming from different places. Is this true of hedgehogs as well (I would assume so). If so, how do you guys do this? How long should it last? Any other wonderful words of wisdom???
Thanks a million!
Jamie :p

[hemi_mygirl]

Make sure only same sex hedgies play together to prevent breeding. I know females will get along well, but you'll really have to watch males, I think.

Quarantine is necessary. I'm not sure of the exact length of time, but I've heard both 14 days and 30 days floating around here.

Since I've never introduced two hedgehogs together, I'm not an expert on it, but I think it's pretty similar to any animal. For the first few times, put them in separate pens beside each other, so they can get used to each other's smell before anything else. Let this go for a week. Then, if they don't appear to fight through the pen wall, put them in the same pen and watch them closely for the entire playtime. They may be fine, and they may not...some hedgehogs just don't like other hedgehogs.

So basically, just supervise closely, and give them time to get used to one another. And, if it was my hedgies, I'd swap a toy or something, so they could get used to each other's smell (but only when the new hedgie is vetted and 100% healthy).

[paris26]

I quarentine all incoming chins and hedgies for a minimum of 30 days. I watch for mites, eating habits, bathroom habits, etc. I also make sure my hedgie sees my vet for a wellness exam in that period too.

I have all of my girls out for play time in a large playpen. I add one hedgie at a time and make sure there are enough toys and hidey places for them. I also make sure that I have the time to supervise the whole play period. I have one girl who has a favorite house and she will get pushy when another hedgie comes near it.