#hedgehogsoftumblr

[tiktaali]

[hellohuffypuffs]

The cutest Frankenstein’s monster around! 🧟‍♂️ #foxhedgie #hedgehog #hedgehogs #hedgie #hedgies #hedgehogsoftumblr #hedgiesoftumblr #fall #autumn #autumnvibes #spoopy #spooky #spookyhedgie #spoopyandspiky #halloween #halloweenvibes #knarl #ellentube #dodooftheday #ellendegeneres #ellenratemypet #hedgehoglover #hedgehogcommunity #weelyfluff #dailyfluff #petsoftumblr https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn6vExrAfYK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=112vdrrkaywp3

[pickles-prickles]

Someone didn't like bath time

[ice-tea-ocean]

Teehee

[injoie]

We went to the beach today. 🌊

[hellohuffypuffs]

PLEASE REBLOG!!! Here is the link to vote 👉🏻 https://www.carolinastormhedgehogs.com/christmas-contest-2017.html

[hellohuffypuffs]

HEDGEHOG CARE?

I am often asked (actually, ALL THE TIME), how I care for my hedgehogs. So here goes:

FOOD: I currently feed (cat kibble:) “Organix by Castor and Pollux” Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe, “Good Natured” Chicken and Barley Recipe w/ Vegatables, “Royal Canin” Mama and Babycat (for the girls who need fattening up), (canned cat food:) “Natural Balance” Kitten to Adult Indoor Recipe, “Blue Buffalo Wilderness” Salmon Recipe for Kitten. The canned food is for Fox.

BEDDING: I just buy fleece blankets at the dollar store to lay at the bottom of their cages. I spot clean daily, then wash weekly.

WHEELS: I usually go for the “Kaytee” Comfort Wheel, for it’s safe to use and can be found locally. If I could, I would use Carolina Storm Wheels, but I’m not willing to pay $70/wheel for ten hedgehogs 🙄

LITTER: I try to use litter boxes under everyone’s wheels, and I usually just use paper bedding, since I don’t use it as actual bedding. I’m still looking for something to use for a litter box.

SNUGGLE BAGS: (these are the little pouches I have them in often). I have bought two large ones from pet smart (which works well for the four girls). But, I’ve had mine made by an awesome friend, Tanya de Bruijn. I found a bunch of fleece the other day and another friend is making some more for me.

TOYS: crinkle cat balls are okay (supervised), toilet paper rolls (Hedwig and Phoenix are obsessed with them), and mint sticks are awesome. Avoid jingle cat balls—hedgies can get their jaws stuck, which can be fatal.

CAGES: I never buy cages commercially—I’ve made all of mine. Each cage is 4.5 square feet and is made using storage squares found at Walmart. I found it easier and safer to use the solid squares, but have previous used wire ones.

HEAT: hedgehogs need heat or they can go into hibernation, which unfortunately, is fatal for this species of hedgehog because they do not have enough fat on their bodies to go through a proper torpor. To avoid this, they should be kept relatively warm. With just one hedgehog, I would recommend using a Ceramic Heat Emitter (a lightless heat lamp) to keep them warm, but because I have so many, I just keep the heat up in my apartment.

TRANSPORTATION: I often take my hedgehogs out on errands, or visits. I use snuggle bags, and if it’s cold, and I’m carrying more than one hog, I use a heat pad (for pets) in a large snuggle sack, a blanket and a cat / small dog carrier. I try to be discreet and only use bags that people wouldn’t think contained a live animal.

GROOMING: Hedgehogs have nails that grow relatively quickly, and they also require baths. I clip their nails every two or three weeks (if I can—Phoenix hasn’t let me clip his nails yet). For bathing, I do this as needed so I don’t dry their skin out. I place them in warm water about an inch deep, that has some aveeno lavender baby wash in it. I have a toothbrush for exfoliation. I squirt some baby wash on the brush, dip in water and exfoliate for about 5 minutes. I then rinse them off with warm water, exfoliate again with my hands, and then use the toothbrush to add a dash of coconut oil on their skin. They all hate it but it needs to be done. I always make sure they are 100% dry before putting them back in their cage.

BONDING: Each hedgehog requires daily bonding time (or as I do it, every other day). I usually have them in my lap and they sleep while I watch TV or edit photos or paint or whatever. I try to do this in the evenings. Having snuggle sacks helps with the bonding sometimes, too. I do this with one hog at a time—it makes them feel more comfortable. I usually try to have background noise on as much as possible, too.

SHOTS?: Hedgehogs honestly don’t require much vet care such as shots and checkups. It’s nice to have an exotic vet that can do yearly have checkups, but they don’t require vaccines.

TAMING: Hedgehogs are naturally very defensive creatures. They are “scared” of humans unless hand tamed at a young age. To avoid a defensive hedgehog (like Phoenix), hold daily, for as long as possible, with BARE hands (allows them to get used to your smell better). It hurts, but your hands do develop a defense over a few weeks. Pet firmly (no poking with a finger). Avoid jumping or reacting to any noises they make. It only helps their case.

I feel like I’ve covered everything but if I have missed something you’d like to know, feel free to ask. 🙂

[buckybisonstravels]

Lil hedgehog boi, showing me his good sides.