Hedgehogs make wonderful pets. Hedgehogs are adorable and require very little maintenance. However, they can be a great pet for anyone who doesn’t have a cat or dog.
People are often not familiar with proper care for hedgehogs. This includes buying the right size cage. This is a crucial decision as they can suffer from poor health if their enclosures are too small. Hedgehogs may also be able to escape from cages that aren’t made for them.
We’ll show you how to buy a hedgehog cage so that you and your pet can be happy with their new home.
Assess your available space first
Hedgehogs do not require much space. A cage of 1’x2′ is considered the minimum. However, your pet may need more. You should aim for at least 2’x3′.
The exact amount of space you give them is up to your discretion. The hedgehog will use whatever space you give it. It’s up to the hedgehog owner to decide how much space they’d like to have in their enclosure.
Before you start looking for a cage, assess your home and choose the best place to put it. You’ll be able to determine the size of your cage based on where it will be placed.
Keep Doors in Mind
Access to your hedgehog’s enclosure will be necessary, regardless of whether you need to clean it or take your buddy out to play. This means that the habitat will require a door. Make sure you have enough space for the door to open and close.
This means that certain tight fittings, such as shelves, will not be allowed or certain enclosures will not be accepted. Although this is not a major problem, it can be difficult to find creative solutions. You don’t want to buy a new expensive enclosure and then find out that your hedgehog can’t fit inside.
It should be easy to clean. This means that it shouldn’t be too high or in an awkward place.
Vertical Space is as important as horizontal space
Hedgehogs love climbing and exploring so you will need a cage that has multiple levels. Many habitats for hedgehogs are made up of a series of enclosed tubes that run all around the area. Hedgehogs can fall from climbing and have poor vision.
To be able to build all the ramps and tunnels you need, make sure that your tank has plenty of vertical space. Vertical space is usually easier to find in homes than horizontal space so it shouldn’t be a problem.
Make sure to ventilate. Fresh air is essential for your hedgehog. When looking at vertical space in your home, ensure that nothing blocks airflow or encroaches on the cage.
Consider What You Will Put in the Cage
To stay happy and healthy, hedgehogs need a lot of stimulation. You’ll need to offer yours plenty of entertainment options. You can use a ball, tunnels, mirrors, and other entertainment options.
It’s a great way to spoil your hedgehog. You should expect that you will buy quite a few toys for your friend. This means that there must be enough space for all of them, so consider their sizes when choosing the tank.
Also, consider the size of your hedgehog
There are three species of domesticated hedgehogs. They can be anywhere from 5 to 9 inches in length. It is likely that larger hedgehogs will require more space than smaller ones.
A small enclosure won’t slow down the growth of a baby hedgehog, so it’s best to avoid doing this. They will become stressed and cramped if they are too large for their environment.
Keep multiple hedgehogs together in one enclosure. Hedgehogs are not social animals and two of them could get into a fight. Hedgehogs should be kept in a single room. This reduces the need for additional space.
Keep in mind that your entire house will become their cage — at least a portion of the time
Although hedgehogs need a lot of space, they love to explore the outdoors. Your little buddy will love being allowed to roam your home. This will also be beneficial for their mental and physical health, provided they are not bitten or stepped on by cats.
If you don’t plan to let your hedgehog run free for the majority of the day, a properly sized tank will be essential. The guide has hopefully helped you to make an informed decision about purchasing your hedgehog’s next home.
Do hedgehogs have a lot of poop?
Hedgies have a lot of feces! And if your hedgehog has a wheel, when they race on it, they’ll end up running in their own excrement, resulting in poop boots.” But don’t give up hope.
Do hedgehogs eat on a daily basis?
An adult hedgehog should be fed one to two teaspoons of kibble every day, along with a teaspoon of fruits and vegetables, and insects. Larger and more active hedgehogs may require more food, however, the weight of your hedgehog should be maintained using a baby scale.
How should a hedgehog be bathed?
You may clean your hedgehog using Aveeno Baby Wash, Baby Shampoo, or a mild unscented liquid hand soap. Pour a dime-sized amount into your palms and lather it up before gently rubbing it over your back, tummy, and legs, avoiding the face and ears.
Do hedgehogs require daily care?
Hedgehogs are ideal for persons who have the leisure to handle and socialize with their pets on a regular basis. They fare well when kept alone and do not require other hedgehogs to be kept with them, but they should be taken out of their cages at least once a day for exercise and social contact.
What are the drawbacks of a hedgehog?
The Drawbacks: Possessing a Hedgehog Allergy sufferers will be bothered by hedgie hives. Hedgehogs expel and defecate while walking. Noisy places aren’t good for their sensitive ears.
How long does it take a hedgehog to feel at ease?
Promote the bonding process. The first two weeks with your hedgehog are crucial in forming its personality and how it will respond around you! When you go home, you may notice a transient personality shift from when you choose your hedgie, which is entirely natural.
Are hedgehogs nocturnal?
Hedgehogs can generate a lot of noise for such small animals! And, like the worst loud neighbors, they usually begin in the garden at night. When you are cuddled up in bed, attempting to sleep.
What should a hedgehog cage contain?
Before Taking Your New Hedgehog Home Cage, Make a Supply Checklist. Hideaway/Hiding Hut. Liners for bedding and cages. Heating. Wheel of Exercise. Food. Food Items. Water bottles and dishes.