My New Baby!!

[kirste5]

I finally got a hedgehog! *is very happy* She cost $110 and I think she's a grey or dark grey.

We are leaning towards the name Joanie, for Joan of Arc (is it k?) because she was so brave. I thought she'd ball up the whole way home, but instead came out and explored a bit. She came with a cage (I like mine better) but I think I'll use the little wooden house that's in her cage. I love her! :hearts: yay!! :hyper:


Edity;; Pictures coming soon.

[hularious]

congrats! can't wait for the pictures!

You might want to use a different house thing. Not only is wood hard to disinfect, the wood can harbor mites and their eggs.

[kirste5]

Meep! I didn't know that. I had always planned to make a hedgie-sack and was planning on making that tomorrow. So she'll still have a hidey-home.

[Melody]

Congratulations on your new baby! I would probably keep the wooden house with her (unless you HAVE a mite issue, which you probably don't) b/c she is used to having it and it probably will make her feel more secure in her new environment. At least for a while. I have a wooden hut in with mine and have never had a problem. (I need a sign -- Hedgies - plastic; Chinnies - wood; makes everything usable somewhere).

When you make her hedgie bag, YOU wear it for a while (tuck in under your shirt or sleep on it - lol) to get your scent on it so she will become familiar with you in a secure way.

The first few days, you may need to use a big spoon to scoop her out of the cage (that is what I used) but after a few days, mine learned their names and responded to waking up when I called them. They would then voluntarily unball and unquill. But at first I scooped them up with a big spoon and placed them on a baby blanket on my lap while I watched TV. That way neither of us jumped if they quilled up or huffed or popped (although you are not supposed to react to this gesture, it is hysterical!) And again - provides them with a comfort level of security.

Don't be surprised if he/she seems a little less friendly and outgoing on Day Two or Three etc. Someone on here warned me about that and they were right. Then they REALIZE they are somewhere new, and a little more cautious than curious. Depends on the hedgie (chinnie, bird, dog, whatever). But after a few days, they come back out of their shell, er....ball.

Everything responds to quiet love and attention, so just be patient and ENJOY your little bundle of ....hmmmmm..... quills!

[Alexis]

Congrats! Joanie is a wonderful name!

Be sure to post pictures so we can all "ooh" and "ahh" at how beautiful she is!

[Pringlesmom]

Congratulations! I love the name!