Should I? - Paw Talk

**Scarlette** · #1 03-22-2002, 03:58 PM

I went into the pet store to get pine chips for the rest of my critters and I made the mistake of going into the "rodent room." There were 4 of the cutest little hedgies I've ever seen. The one I picked up never quilled up once and kept licking my hand and kept trying to climb up to my face. My mom had told me they were there about a week ago and SHE kept begging ME to go get one. I've been wanting one for awhile and have been reading up on them, but still not sure if I should get one. I really really really had to fight the urge to whip out my check book and tell them to put him in a box for me. UGH! That's the first time I've held one that didn't quill up all the time. sigh!!!!!! Decisions decisions. The worst part of all, they had them colored coded so it would be really easy for me to call the petshop and say "Save the green one, I'll be right there!!!!"

***Dena*** · #2 03-22-2002, 04:06 PM

Just make sure they look healthy! Check for mites and check to see if they are scratching too much. HEdgehogs IMO are very easy to take care of. Mine is so cute and I love her to death. All you need is a really big Sterilite container - about $14.00 at Target for a cage. Remember that they can also be potty trained - which makes things even easier. I hope you do get one - we need more hedgie owners!

**Scarlette** · #3 03-22-2002, 04:12 PM

Ya, I checked him/her (sheesh, I was enjoying holding it so much I forgot to look!) over really well. I also watched them in their pen and no one was itching or scratching. Does the skin always look a bit dry under the quills? The one I was holding kept running back to the side of the cage and kept looking up at me. The other 3 popped and hissed and quilled up when I reached in to pick them up.

The lady working there said they're really easy to take care of, not too expensive to feed and house. HELP!!!! UGH!!!!

Would he/she get lonely by itself? I'm a firm believer in getting 2 of a species so they can "talk". My boyfriend always says it's like Noah's Ark around my house because I have at least 2 of every animal I own. LOL

I am so tempted to call them and tell them I'll be right there to get the green one!!!!

***Dena*** · #4 03-22-2002, 04:26 PM

Sometimes (I stress sometimes) girls can get along but unless you are breeding you should keep them alone. They are solitary in the wild. Yes their skin is a little dry looking. I usually bathe my hedgie once a month and I picked up a bottle of liquid vitamin E. I rub it in and it helps. I don't like to bath too often so sometimes I will use a baby wipe and some vit E.

For food you can use a light cat food or if you can get it the 8in! Ultra Blend Select hedgie food - DO NOT USE VitaKraft!

Any questions let me know!

**Scarlette** · #5 03-22-2002, 04:51 PM

So if I only got one I wouldn't have to feel guilty about it being alone? That's a huge relief! LOL

As far as odor, how often do you clean your cage? Also, I know that they like mealworms, how often do you give it to them? I've been reading up on hedgies for about a year now but some of the info is conflicting.

What did you mean by "light cat food"? The cat version of Fit and Trim dog food? LOL I think the petshop had "Sunthing Special" brand hedgie food.

Nancy · #6 03-22-2002, 04:51 PM

The "green one" sounds perfect--I say go for it

**Scarlette** · #7 03-22-2002, 04:57 PM

LOL.....Hmmmm.......the petshop closes in about an hour, it takes me 1/2 hour to get there, plus I'd have to run to WalMart real quick to get the sterilite container........LOL, this isn't getting any easier.

capnsweets · #8 03-22-2002, 04:58 PM

I say go for it! You seemed well informed! Better informed then most people in the pet shop.

***Dena*** · #9 03-22-2002, 05:28 PM

I started out with shavings but my hedgie potty trained very quickly. I use a velux blanket on the bottom, you can use a towel. I throw it in the wash every couple of days because hedgies are a little messy and she does have some accidents. They do not really carry an odor but unlike chins their poop does smell. I am usually able to pick the poops right up if she doesn't make it to her litter box. She always pees in her litter so that helps a lot. Make sure your hedgie has toys that can be pushed around not chewed on. A lot of hedgies will do what they call tubing. If you give your hedgie a TP tube and they go right for it and stick their head in it they tube. Mine is very addicted to it. She won't take it off her head and will even go to sleep like that lol. As far as feeding start with the basics. I would definitely use a light cat food instead of the hedgie food your pet store sells. I suppliment the diet with a little bit of wet food, chicken, cooked ground meat, eggs. They like some fruits, not too many veggies (at least mine doesn't) And meal worms I give as a treat (you don't have to if you don't want to and some hedgies don't like them). I like to hide them in her cage. You may want to do this with some other treats around the room to "scavenge". A tissue box makes a great nest box and some good toys are those litte balls you can hide treats in, big plastic baby keys, balls with bells in them(more dog type than cat type), stuff they can push around. Hope this helps a little. I will be on later, I am sure if you have any other questions.

*Christi* · #10 03-22-2002, 06:08 PM

Quote:


	Originally posted by Dena I hope you do get one - we need more hedgie owners!

I second that!! Go for it!!

Nancy · #11 03-22-2002, 09:29 PM

We'll be patiently awaiting pics.......no pressure

Sassy · #12 03-22-2002, 09:34 PM

Go for it, I have been trying to talk hubby into letting me have a hedgie for a few years with no luck.

The "green one" sounds real nice. Let us know when you get it.

**Scarlette** · #13 03-22-2002, 10:15 PM

I was very tempted to run back out the door and get him/her tonight, but due to my Grandma being ill I decided to go see her instead. I've decided that if the little doll is still there on Monday then he/she will definitely be coming home with me! I have to work Saturday and Sunday, so Monday will be the deciding factor. I'm secretly keeping my fingers crossed hoping it'll still be there on Monday.....or I can just send my mom up there tomorrow......hmmmmmm.........

Nancy · #14 03-22-2002, 10:18 PM

I vote for mom going and getting it...again no pressure...and pics please

Sassy · #15 03-22-2002, 10:18 PM

Send your mom up there to get her. LOL