Housing:
The cage must be a minimum of 4 square feet. It should have some sort of slippery side a minimum of 8 inches high, as well as a secure lid. It must have good circulation and lighting, but must not be left in direct sunlight during the day. Aquariums are not suitable as they don’t allow adequate circulation. The cage should be placed in a warm area free from drafts and preferably not in the main room of a home. (70-80 degrees F or 18-27 degrees C)
Bedding:
Fleece is the most economical and safest option for bedding. It can be washed and reused, and does not cause and health issues. I use a combination of fleece and carefresh. NO CEDAR, it releases fumes which are toxic to small animals. With wood bedding there is a risk of mites so it should be stored in a freezer for a few days prior to use to eliminate this risk. Yesterdays news can also be used. Corn cob bedding can be used safely for females and adults but should not be used on young males. It can get caught in the penile sheath and cause urinary problems, inflammation and infection. With all bedding there should be a 2 inch layer spread evenly along the bottom of the cage and should be changed frequently.
Food and Water:
Both should be put into large wide heavy ceramic dishes to avoid them being tipped over. Water bottles are not recommended for hedgehogs as it is an awkward angle for them to drink. They may also cut their tongues or break teeth chewing to try and get enough water, this is dangerous and should be avoided. All food and water should be changed daily.
Wheels:
This is an essential piece to any hedgehog set up. Hedgehogs can run up to 9km in the wild. Pet Hedgehogs require a wheel for exercise and entertainment. The wheel should be one solid piece with an open front big enough for the hedgehog to get in and out easily. A 12 inch wheel will be big enough for the hedgehog throughout its life. A bucket Wheel, such as a comfort wheel, or Carolina Storm Wheel are the best commercially available option. Flying saucer wheels are the next best option (which is what I use). Silent Spinners SHOULD NOT be used if it can be avoided. The slits in the bottom can catch hedgehog’s toes and rip them off. They are also curved which makes them hard to get into and they hold pee and poop in them making them very dirty. Also they seem to use their wheels to poop and pee on so be warned that you WILL have to clean it daily.
Hiding places:
All hedgehogs should have a place to hide and feel secure. This can be something as simple as a shoebox, a piece of 4 inch pvc pipe, an overturned pitcher or flower pot, or a commercially made igloo or hide. Avoid wood hides or hutches as they can harbor mites if not sealed.
Litter boxes:
Some hedgehogs will use a litter box if one is provided (not very many actually use it but it is worth a try) The best place to place a litter box is under the wheel, as this is where a hedgehog will most likely be excreteing. The litter box should have a low side for the hedgehog to get into and be plastic so it is easy to clean. Litter should be a non clumping, unscented non clay litter. You can use aluminum drip pans for litter boxes as well
Toys:
Not all hedgehogs will have an interest in toys, but they should be provided any ways. Hedgehog toys can be very inexpensive. Things such as , Toilet paper tubes split down the middle, dinky cars, solid cat balls, bells, stuffed animals, ferret crinkle tubes, and pvc pipe are favorites among hedgehogs. Some other house hold items can make good toys as well. My hedgehog loves those little vending machine toys. They are cheap and easily replaced. Make sure all toys have no small pieces, loose strings, or small holes where noses or toes can get stuck.
The cage must be a minimum of 4 square feet. It should have some sort of slippery side a minimum of 8 inches high, as well as a secure lid. It must have good circulation and lighting, but must not be left in direct sunlight during the day. Aquariums are not suitable as they don’t allow adequate circulation. The cage should be placed in a warm area free from drafts and preferably not in the main room of a home. (70-80 degrees F or 18-27 degrees C)
Bedding:
Fleece is the most economical and safest option for bedding. It can be washed and reused, and does not cause and health issues. I use a combination of fleece and carefresh. NO CEDAR, it releases fumes which are toxic to small animals. With wood bedding there is a risk of mites so it should be stored in a freezer for a few days prior to use to eliminate this risk. Yesterdays news can also be used. Corn cob bedding can be used safely for females and adults but should not be used on young males. It can get caught in the penile sheath and cause urinary problems, inflammation and infection. With all bedding there should be a 2 inch layer spread evenly along the bottom of the cage and should be changed frequently.
Food and Water:
Both should be put into large wide heavy ceramic dishes to avoid them being tipped over. Water bottles are not recommended for hedgehogs as it is an awkward angle for them to drink. They may also cut their tongues or break teeth chewing to try and get enough water, this is dangerous and should be avoided. All food and water should be changed daily.
Wheels:
This is an essential piece to any hedgehog set up. Hedgehogs can run up to 9km in the wild. Pet Hedgehogs require a wheel for exercise and entertainment. The wheel should be one solid piece with an open front big enough for the hedgehog to get in and out easily. A 12 inch wheel will be big enough for the hedgehog throughout its life. A bucket Wheel, such as a comfort wheel, or Carolina Storm Wheel are the best commercially available option. Flying saucer wheels are the next best option (which is what I use). Silent Spinners SHOULD NOT be used if it can be avoided. The slits in the bottom can catch hedgehog’s toes and rip them off. They are also curved which makes them hard to get into and they hold pee and poop in them making them very dirty. Also they seem to use their wheels to poop and pee on so be warned that you WILL have to clean it daily.
Hiding places:
All hedgehogs should have a place to hide and feel secure. This can be something as simple as a shoebox, a piece of 4 inch pvc pipe, an overturned pitcher or flower pot, or a commercially made igloo or hide. Avoid wood hides or hutches as they can harbor mites if not sealed.
Litter boxes:
Some hedgehogs will use a litter box if one is provided (not very many actually use it but it is worth a try) The best place to place a litter box is under the wheel, as this is where a hedgehog will most likely be excreteing. The litter box should have a low side for the hedgehog to get into and be plastic so it is easy to clean. Litter should be a non clumping, unscented non clay litter. You can use aluminum drip pans for litter boxes as well
Toys:
Not all hedgehogs will have an interest in toys, but they should be provided any ways. Hedgehog toys can be very inexpensive. Things such as , Toilet paper tubes split down the middle, dinky cars, solid cat balls, bells, stuffed animals, ferret crinkle tubes, and pvc pipe are favorites among hedgehogs. Some other house hold items can make good toys as well. My hedgehog loves those little vending machine toys. They are cheap and easily replaced. Make sure all toys have no small pieces, loose strings, or small holes where noses or toes can get stuck.