Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are unique and fascinating animals. They need  an adequately sized cage to get proper exercise.  A 24" X 24" cage is a great size to provide room for a hedgehog and furniture. Hedgehogs need a house to hide in or a blanket to hide under, a wheel to run in and a few toys to entertain themselves with.  An open cage with a solid bottom and wire sides and top is a good cage. Hedgehogs are pretty good climbers so the cage must have a top or lid.  The bedding can be cloth, shavings or other small animal bedding. Cedar shavings should not be used but all others are safe for the hedgehog. The food bowl should be a non-spill type or heavy enough so the hedgehog cannot spill it because they love playing with their food dishes. There are commercially produced hedgehog diets you can use to feed, but a good dry cat or kitten kibble is equally as good.  Hedgehogs must be offered insects 3 or 4 times a week, and occasionally some vegetables, fruits or boiled eggs. Hedgehogs anoint themselves when encountering new or strange smells.  They froth at the mouth some and then lick their quills. The saliva has a mild toxin in it, and it usually causes irritation to their enemies. It bothers some people's skin by causing a mild itchy sensation, but it to others it does not bother their skin.
Hedgehogs can be trained to use a litter pan - with time and persistence - they poop a lot!