The Prickly Truth

This is a blog about two hedgehogs, Brunhilde and Mozart. Hilde lives in MD, Mozart in NY, but they came from the same breeder!

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Mozart is being a little hidey after a much needed foot bath.

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I've betrayed his tiny hedgehog trust :( (but now he's all clean!)

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I brought Mozart to work (don't worry it's quiet and a good temperature!) and he just wants to hide among the comforting warmth of his pink truck pouch.

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Well, today we have to say goodbye to Hilde. My special girl has been such a trooper and has fought so hard these past few months. But now, it's time to let her rest. I am going to miss my funny little princess. But the sadness I feel now is nothing compared to the amount of joy she has brought me and everyone around us.

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Hilde taking a soak on her raft

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Lil' hedgie feets

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Hi! I'm planning on getting a hedgie soon and have a question. The lady selling me it says that a good thing is a gerbil cage with hamster bedding. Is that good for them?? I have read many other things that say it has to be flat.

A gerbil cage is probably going to be too small, but I have heard of many people using rabbit/guinea pig cages. They are okay as long as there is a solid bottom and any ramps are either removed or secured with some sort of wall on either side. A lot of hedgehog owners opt to use Carefresh bedding, it's a fine option if you don't mind changing it out all the time. Otherwise you can use fleece fabric liners, which can be washed and reused.

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Bath and a treat. Of course after eating the treat she now needs another bath.

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Massage time!

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Hi! I was wondering if you could inform me on how you massage Hilde? I'm very curious, thanks!

that's a good question! Not all hedgehog owners are able to, it really depends on the hog. But after her soak in the bath, she was nice and relaxed, so I put her on a blanket in my lap and started gently touching her side. I usually just lay my hand on her for a while until she is used to it being there, then I'll start slowly rubbing her in a circular motion. she sometimes flinches a couple times before she totally relaxes and falls asleep.

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After a long soak in the bath and a nice massage, Hilde is feeling really relaxed. I realized her legs and hips must get sore and might keep her awake. Well she's sleeping now. I'm going to try to continue this routine.

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I love this face.

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I bought Hilde an enclosed wheel so she could practice walking. So far it seems like she thinks it's a pretty good place to take a nap.

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Can we go home yet??

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A grumpy pricklepuss.

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A lot of my time with Hilde is now spent asking her, "did you get stuck there or are you comfy?"

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Hilde played in the grass today. She got real excited and her little sniffer was going nuts. She anointed with some grass, then went back in her carrier to finish up her snack.