playtime questions

[painterjane]

I just became the proud new owner of an adorable hedgie about 2 weeks ago, and I have most things sorted out (been doing lots of research!). But I have a couple of questions.

1. I know Tomo is still getting used to his new home, but is there anything I can do or give him to encourage him to play? When we take him out he tends to just curl up or look for somewhere to hide. On the other hand, it's only been 2 weeks, so perhaps he still needs more time to adjust? He only comes out of his igloo on his own late at night, but I know he uses his wheel because it gets...dirty ;) So at least he's active.

2. The cage setup he came with has a water dish, but I'd like him to use a water bottle instead. Is there a way to get him to use it? I'm afraid to take out the dish in case he won't drink from the bottle.

Thanks for your help everyone!

[incrovaj]

I do not know that it is necessary to change from a dish to a bottle. I guess maybe if the hedgehog is always tipping it over, or going to the bathroom in it or something, but other than that the dish should be fine. If you are sure you want to switch your hedgie over, I would leave the dish in there until you know your hedgie can use the water bottle. I would show the hedgie how a water bottle is used, but until you see it being used independently, definately use the dish. Even after the hedgie learns to use the bottle, you might want the dish there to catch any droplets. Mine doesn't leak too much, but I don't want any of the bedding to get wet.

[HedgieMate]

Congrats on getting a new hedgie! :)

As for your questions, (1) Some hedgies are more timid/cautious that others. Give him more time to get used to you. Bribing with treats is a good way to earn his trust faster. Just having him rest on your lap or chest while he sleeps, perhaps in his hedgie bag, also is a good way to have him get used to your scent.

(2) I opt for a water dish. I recall a veteran hedgie breeder in this forum mentioning that a water bottle imposes some risks, such as a tongue being caught with the rolling ball or chipping teeth. Some people mentioned that hedgies anatomy, especially their neck position, doesn't suit drinking from a bottle very well either. Our hedgie started to drink a lot more water once we switched from a bottle to dish as well.

[painterjane]

yep, right now I mostly have him sit on my lap just so he can get used to me. And I do give him treats when he unrolls and stuff. I'll also put a tshirt of mine in his igloo so he can get more used to my scent. I don't have a hedgie bag for him though...are there good online stores to get those? He does use his wheel at night so I'm not that concerned about him getting exercise when he's out.

After looking around online it seemed like there were people on both sides about using water bottles. But maybe I'll just stick with the dish. He doesn't seem to use it as a toilet so that's not a problem.

Other than that, I'm very happy. I just want to make sure he's happy too! :)

[hemi_mygirl]

The biggest point about a dish is how natural it is for a hedgehog to drink from it, versus a bottle. In the wild, hedgehogs don't have water bottles hanging from trees for them, (Could you imagine?)

It seems you're doing the right things to help your little guy adjust to you. I got my hedgehog's bag from Nancy, another user on here. Her website, The Hedgie Den, has wonderful things. The address is: http://www.freewebs.com/thehedgieden

[Melody]

There are several members on here who make hedgie things. I ordered all of my hedgies' "wardrobe" (summer bags, winter bags, blankies, disk covers, etc!) from NANCY on here and her stuff is just wonderful! She has a huge selection of patterns, fabrics, and designs, and will even monogram your hedgie's things.

Re: water. I like the bowls better - I use the crock kind so they don't tip over. Mine do not mess in their water, they just drink it. My youngest girl was "on the bottle" when I got her, but I was concerned about what I read on here about the tongues getting caught etc. I haven't had any probs with the crocks.

[razzle]

Well, before I continue with any information, you must post pictures of Tomo for us to enjoy. :laugh:

First of all, congrats on your new baby!!! It does take some time for new babies to get used to you and their surroundings. But also, it depends on when his playtime is. Most hedgies won't come out in the light of day, and will only come out when it is relatively quiet and dark. You might even have to stay up half the night to catch him! I know that my little one comes out around 8pm (or later now that it is staying lighter out longer) to eat. He then may wheel for a bit and do poo. He may run around for a few minutes, but then it's back into the igloo. It's not until late at night and into the wee hours that he really goes to town. It is hilarious to watch. I have stayed up watching him and they are just bundles of energy!!!

As far as the water bottle/bowl thing: I have used both. Razzle came to me with a water bottle, but I switched him to a bowl thinking it was more of a natural way to drink. Also I heard hedgies could hurt their teeth on the bottle. But the biggest deciding factor for the bowl was - it's easier to clean! :)

[painterjane]

hee hee! I just went on Nancy's site and her stuff is adorable. I emailed her about getting a hedgie bag. Thanks for the rec!