Hedgehogs by Petland Canada

CARING FOR YOUR HEDGEHOG The hedgehogs at Petland are an African species, which have been bred in captivity for over 20 years. Although to some, hedgehogs look like miniature versions of porcupines, but they are not related. They are, in fact, related to shrews and moles. There are approximately 14 species of hedgehogs, all of which have an array of colours from snowflake to chocolate to cinnamon. Unlike other small animals, hedgehogs (hedgies) are virtually odour free. With patience, some can even be litter box trained! These tiny mammals, which grow from ½ to 1 ¼ lbs, have a peaceful and curious nature. They have a very good sense of smell and hearing and will quickly roll up into a tight prickly ball when they hear or smell danger. Hedgehogs can make a variety of sounds, from snuffles and grunts, when they are foraging around for food, to soft purrs when they are content. Hedgehogs have a quiet, gentle disposition, which makes them an easy pet to hold once you learn how. However, small children should always be supervised since hedgehogs have such prickly exteriors! Hedgies will bond with their owner for life, which can be anywhere from six to eight years. They are intelligent, fun to play with and enjoy being paid attention to. Their small size and easy-going, affectionate nature allow them to fit into just about any pet owner’s home. Both males and females make good pets. *Hedgies may not be the cuddliest pet for a small child. If you own a hedgehog, hand washing before and after handling is important. One Hedgehog, Two or More? Hedgehogs are solitary mammals, so they are content with being on their own. They will also come to enjoy daily companionship from you. If breeding is what interests you, one male to one female is a fine set up, although the male must be removed before the babies are born. Self Anointing – Your hedgehog may exhibit a behaviour that can be very unusual if you don’t know what he is doing. As previously mentioned, hedgehogs have a keen sense of smell. When they encounter a smell that they do not know, they will try and lick or nibble at it. Backing off, they will

arch their body while foaming at the mouth. They will lick this foam off with their long tongue and distribute the foam onto their spines! To provide a happy, healthy atmosphere for your hedgehog, Petland recommends the following necessary, and fun accessories. We have listed them as your new hedgehog’s four basic needs: Environmental, Nutritional, Maintenance and Behavioural. When these needs are met, along with a loving environment provided by you, your hedgehog can live a long and happy life! ENVIRONMENTAL Your Hedgehog’s New Home – An aquarium will work well as your hedgehog’s home since this enclosure will help to maintain their preferred ambient temperature of 75°F – 85°F (24°C – 29°C). Your hedgehog will enjoy a home that is longer than it is tall. A comfortable size of home for your hedgehog will be approximately 24" x 36" (9.4 cm x 14.2 cm). As long as they have a solid flooring surface, and do not have wire floors – the more space the better! Hedgehogs are nocturnal, which means that they are most active in the evening. Many hedgie owners report that their hedgehogs prefer to be up and active with them and tend to follow their routine. Regardless of when he sleeps, your hedgie will need a minimum of eight hours in a 24hour period. HEATING Ceramic Heat Emitter – In order to maintain the proper temperature your hedgehog requires in his environment, it will be necessary to use a ceramic heat lamp. This will provide heat without lighting up the environment, which is necessary for your nocturnal pet. In some Petland stores, the ceramic heat lamps will be located in the reptile section. Thermometer – The use of a thermometer is the only way to know if the enclosure is maintained at the correct temperature. Stick-on thermometers are useful, although for accuracy a digital electronic thermometer is better. Place one thermometer where the heater is located and another at the other end of the enclosure. Care must be taken to ensure your Hedgehog does not

have access to the thermometer, as he may try to chew it. Hiding Place – Every living creature needs an area to call their own. Their hideaway is necessary in reducing stress and makes them feel secure. Their home can be made of ceramic or wood, but make sure your hedgie can get in and out easily. Your hedgie will grow, so purchase a large enough home to fit him when he’s all grown up! NUTRITIONAL Food – Hedgehogs are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. Hedgehog dry staple food will be your hedgie’s primary diet. This may be fed free choice. Keep in mind that hedgehogs can easily become overweight. For some hedgehogs, their eating habits are in preparation for a hibernation that never comes. Since they cannot hibernate – a balanced diet and exercise are the answer. If he is eating more than a suggested portion, reducing his portion size may be just the thing. The second reason for obesity would be lack of exercise. In the wild, a hedgehog will explore 1 or 2 km a night. Left in a cage without a wheel and/or out-of-cage activity, he may become over weight and certainly depressed. Encourage activity by letting him run around daily. As well, be certain he is provided with a wheel in his home. Treats and Other Diet Variations – Packaged treats provide your hedgehog with the variety he craves and the behavioural requirements (such as foraging) he needs. The following foods need to be offered three to four times per week; vegetables (removed after 30 min.), mealworms, crickets and a small amount of canned dog food (1 – 2 Tbsp). Salt and Mineral Stone – Providing your hedgehog with a mineral stone will ensure that he gets the extra salt/minerals if needed. The salt will also encourage him to drink and the water will aid in his digestion. MAINTENANCE Litter – Bedding made from wood pulp fiber (e.g. Carefresh) aspen shavings and pelleted newspaper litter are all good choices for

hedgehogs. While the wood pulp fiber litter is appreciated for its softness (perfect for making a bed), the aspen may be fun to dig and bury themselves in. Your hedgie’s cage will need to be spot cleaned daily with a litter scoop and stripped once per week using hot soapy water; rinsing and drying well. Do not use bleach or other household cleaners which will irritate your hedgehog’s respiratory system. Litter Pan, Litter and Scoop – Some hedgehogs, with a little patience and persistence, may be litter trained. Litter training your hedgie will cut down on the amount of time you spot clean and certainly will keep his home tidier. There are many sizes and colours of litter pans to choose from, however, try to get a corner pan as it will fit snuggly into his cage. Small animal safe litter filled ¼ to ½ way full must be used. When spot cleaning with your litter scoop, always leave a little poop left over in his pan so he remembers that is where he is supposed to go. Deodorizer – Hedgehogs really don’t have much of an odour, however, everyone’s sense of smell differs. To be sure his cage is odour-free, a small animal deodorizer that contains enzymes may be used. Crock Bowls – Your hedgehog will need one for his staple food, one for water, one for salad and another for mealworms (with a lip so the mealworms stay in the dish!)

with a means to exercise. As previously mentioned, this will alleviate boredom while keeping him from becoming overweight. A Book about Hedgehogs – Hedgehog books are now available! To help keep your pet happy and healthy, for a quick reference and to learn more about your special friend, ask your Petland pet counsellor for the latest book on hedgehogs.

HEDGEHOGS

Please ask your pet counsellor what other items pertain to your hedgehog's needs.

Experience Level: Intermediate

*Ask about the volunteer programs at your local Petland. Cleanliness and Safety All pets must be kept in a clean environment to avoid the spread of dirt and contaminants to yourself and others. Always keep your pet’s home clean, and wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning his home. Please remember that all pets may bite or scratch, and may transmit diseases to humans. Young children, infants, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems and the elderly are at greater risk of infections and should use caution when in contact with pets or their homes.

BEHAVIOURAL Toys – In the wild, hedgehogs are used to exploring large areas; during which time they experience all sorts of fun and sometimes dangerous encounters! These activities keep a hedgehog mentally alert. Although your hedgehog is captive bred, he still requires mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Plastic cat balls with bells, bird toys and ferret safe toys all may be offered to your hedgie. Although some hedgehogs ignore them, others may surprise you by playing with them. Daily out of cage time and made up games will be fun for you and your hedgie! Exercise Wheel – Your hedgehog needs to stay healthy, which is why it is important he is provided

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