Those who are patient and dedicated will find hibachis to be a great pet.A hybrid of two different wild species native to Africa, the African Pygmy Hedgehog, is a domesticated species known to be intelligent, friendly and enjoyable company for a dedicated owner.It's possible to decide if a pet is a good fit for your lifestyle by researching their requirements.Make sure you understand the habitat needs and feeding requirements of hedgehogs so that you're prepared to bring one home and give the best care you can.
Step 1: In your area, it is legal to keep hedgehogs.
Exotic pets are subject to certain laws in your state or county.You may be required to have a special permit in some places.There are laws and regulations regarding exotic pets in your town.If you need help finding out about your state's specific regulations, or need to find a safe home for a hedgehog that you're not legally allowed to have, contact an animal welfare organization.
Step 2: Buy your animal from a licensed breeder.
Chances are better that you'll get a healthy pet if you buy a hedgehog from a responsible breeder because they are more likely to be well socialized.It's important to find a good breeder.If you don't, you could end up with a sick animal.It's important to make sure the breeder has quality stock with no diseases in their line.The breeder is licensed by the USDA.A USDA license is required for hedgehog breeders in the US.They will give you their license number in the process of purchasing.Beware of breeders who post on online classified sites.Ask the breeder if they have health guarantees.If the breeder gives you the option to return or exchange the hog, you will be more comfortable with your selection.The concern in this area is a sign of a responsible breeder.
Step 3: Check the health of the hedgehog.
There are a number of signs you can look for in a hedgie.The hog's eyes should be clear and alert.While some anointing is normal, fecal matter around the anus may be indicative of health issues.If the skin around the quills is dry, you'll need to treat it.There are small, pinhead-size brown points that jump quickly and need treatment.If there is an injury or a scab on the animal, the breeder should be able to explain what happened.Some hedgehogs can survive infant injuries.You will need to consider the care this animal requires and whether or not you can provide that.A hedgehog should be alert and aware of its surroundings.Check the cage to make sure there are no green droppings.It could be a sign that the hedgehog has health issues.A hedgie with moderate weight can't roll into a ball because of its fat bags.One that is too thin has a hollow side.It is possible that both are signs of health issues.The toenails need to be clipped short to prevent them from curling under.Ask the breeder to show you how to clip them if they're too long.
Step 4: Bring the animal home with you.
Make sure you have everything you need ready to go.Allow the hedgehog at least a month to get to know you.It has just experienced a big change in its life.As the hedgehog gets used to you, hold it every day.It could be as simple as placing it in your lap and talking to it.Adding an old t-shirt to its enclosure will help it get used to your smell.
Step 5: Be ready for self-anointing or anting.
One of the most unusual behaviors of hedgehogs is excessive salivation in the presence of a new food, scent, or salt.The hedgie twists into an S shape, turning its head to the rear to spread saliva.It is thought that this may help make the quills better weapons by coating them with an irritating substance.When you first handle your animal, you may experience some irritation.
Step 6: A good enclosure is what you should give it.
The natural territory of the hibachi is 650 to 1000 ft in diameter and they need a large cage to be comfortable in.When choosing a cage for your new friend, there are other factors to consider.It needs to be big.The minimum size of the cage should be 18 x 24 in, but if you can afford a roomier space, so much the better.A 30 x 30 in cage is very generous.The sides of the cage should be high.Some recommend smooth walls, but others say it's more difficult to breathe in smooth-sided enclosures.If your animal likes to climb, be aware of the wired sides.They are escape artists.If the cage doesn't have a top, make sure it's secured with a closed top.Their tiny legs can slip through wire floors and cause injury, so the house should have a solid floor.hedgehogs have poor eyesight and their legs are easy to break, so houses should not have more than one level.If you have a climber, wire cages that they can climb can be dangerous.Food bowls, toys and a litter tray should be included in the space for a cage.The enclosure needs to be well-ventilated.All the time, air flow should be available.If the room rapidly drops in temperature, and you need to wrap the cage with a blanket, you should not impede the flow of air.
Step 7: Good bedding should be selected.
cedar can cause cancer if you inhale it, so be sure to use aspen instead.You can line the cage with a sturdy cloth cut to size.Carefresh is similar to ground-up grey cardboard.Particle material can get lodged in male genitals, so be aware of this.A new formula of Carefresh could harm your animal.
Step 8: The enclosure should beFurnished.
Adding a few things to the enclosure will provide for your hedgehog's needs.As a primarily nocturnal prey animal in the wild, hedgehogs need a safety zone for "time-out" from prying eyes, light, and general activity.An igloo or sleeping pouch is a good choice.There is an exercise wheel.The wheel is great for running during the night.The mesh or bar wheels tend to make hogs get stuck and break their legs, so they should have a solid floor.You have to keep the bedding out of the water.Chemicals from the bedding can get into his water and kill him.Provide a litter tray with no more than a 1/2 in lip to prevent broken legs.If you decide to use litter or a paper towel, be sure to only use non-clumping kitty litter.You should clean the litter pan every day.A cookie sheet or plastic litter box can be used.Most owners keep the litter tray under the car.
Step 9: Make sure the temperature is a suitable one.
Most people keep their homes at an average room temperature of 72oF to 80oF.Anything cooler and the hedgehog will attempt "hibernation," which can lead to pneumonia, while at much hotter temperatures, heat stress occurs.If you see your animal spread out in the cage, the temperature should be adjusted.If the body temperature is cooler than normal, you can warm it up by putting it under your shirt and using your body heat.Take the animal to a vet if it's still cool after an hour.
Step 10: A varied diet is what your hedgehog should be fed.
Fruits, veggies, eggs, and meat are some of the things that the hog will taste.Care must be taken with the diet to prevent a hedgehog from putting on too much weight.An overweight hedgehog can't roll up and may have bags of fat hanging down, which will affect its walking ability.
Step 11: A quality diet is one that you choose.
A good choice for a staple diet, which should be supplemented with other various foods, is high-quality cat kibble.Look for foods that are organic orholistic and avoid those that have by-products, corn and similar things listed.Provide a small amount of dry cat food every day.There are a lot of poor quality ingredients in low-quality hedgehog foods.L'Avian, Old Mill, and 8-in-1 may be acceptable.
Step 12: If you aren't available at meal time, leave kibble out.
Many owners give their hogs enough food to last them a while.
Step 13: Feed a variety of treats to make sure you have enough calories.
The kibble diet can be supplemented with a small amount of other food.Small bites of fruits and veggies, such as watermelon, mashed peas or sweet potatoes, are also possible.Eating live prey provides mental stimulation and vital nutrition for insectivores.Feed insects a few times a week.Don't feed the wild-caught insects that you catch in your yard as they may have pesticides or parasites in their systems.
Step 14: You know what to avoid.
There are some things you shouldn't feed a hedgehog: nuts/seeds, dried fruits, raw meat, hard uncooked vegetables, sticky/stringy/hard foods and alcohol.Anything acidic or honey.
Step 15: If your animal is gaining weight, adjust the food amounts.
If you notice that your hedgehog is getting a little plump, you can reduce the amount of food you give her.
Step 16: Start feeding in the early evening.
Around twilight, they are active because they have a crepuscular nature.Feed them once a day around this time.
Step 17: A food bowl is needed.
The bowl needs to be wide enough for the hedgehog to get in and heavy enough so that he doesn't tip it over.
Step 18: Provide a water bottle with a drinking tube.
At all times, fresh water should be available.Make sure the bowl is heavy and shallow so it doesn't tip over.Put it in a container with fresh water every day.Make sure your pet knows how to drink from a bottle with a tube.It may need to be shown, but it should have learned this from its mother.The water in bottles needs to be changed daily.
Step 19: It's a good idea to keep the hedgehog in a peaceful area.
The hedgehog shouldn't be under the television or stereo player.As a prey animal in the wild, your hedgehog will find too much noise and activity distressing.If the noise levels increase for any reason, move the cage and ensure that noise, lighting and activity levels are low in its vicinity.If introduced slowly, hibachis can get used to noise.
Step 20: Give the hedgie a lot of time to exercise.
Exercise is a must for the hibachis, who are prone to putting on weight.This means lots of toys and a wheel.As long as they cannot chew pieces off or swallow, toys should be something they can chew, push, nuzzle and even tip over.Don't let loose strings or small holes get to their nails or feet.Possible toys include: rubber balls, old kids' toys, rubber figures, baby teething rings, empty toilet paper tubes cut in half, cat balls or bird toys with bells inside, etc.Allow your animal to play in a larger playpen occasionally.If you want to explore your bath without water, you can purchase a large plastic tub.
Step 21: You can watch your hog's behavior.
It is important to be aware of your hedgehog because they are good at hiding diseases.If there's something that needs to be checked out, call your vet and keep track of any changes.Something is wrong with your hedgehog if it doesn't eat for a couple of days.A few days without food can lead to the development of a life threatening disease.If you notice dry skin around the quills, it could be a sign of mites.Respiratory infections are a common and serious condition in hedgehogs, and wheezing or crackly respiration as well as discharge on the face or wrists are signs.Soft stools for more than a day can be a sign of a disease.It is not safe for hedgehogs to live in captivity.Put your hedgie under your shirt to warm him up if he feels cooler on the belly.Bring him to the vet if he doesn't warm up within an hour.
Step 22: You should handle your animal frequently.
Being handled frequently brings with it a familiarity with being held.They are not as fragile as they seem, so always be confident handling them.30 minutes a day is the general rule.Slowly approach your hedgie.Pick it up and hold it cupped in both hands.Give yourself time to play.Don't be afraid to join in with the fun.If you join in regularly, your hedgehog will accept your involvement.
Step 23: It is a good idea to clean the home of the hedgehog.
You can clean the dishes and water bottle with hot water.Change bedding weekly or as needed.
Step 24: It's a good idea to bathe your Hedgehog on an as-needed basis.
You may need to bathe it more or less frequently if it is cleaner than others.Warm water should be put in the sink to the level of the hog's belly.They shouldn't have water in their ears or nose.Add oatmeal to the water and use a toothbrush to clean their feet.When your friend is dry, wash him with warm water and put him in a towel.If she will tolerate it, use a hair dryer on low.It's never a good idea to put a hedgie back in its cage.
Step 25: It is important to check your hedgehog's nails regularly.
They can get ripped off while running on their wheel if they get too long.Cut your hog's nails with small manicure scissors.If there is bleeding, use a Q-tip on the spot.Don't use powders that are commercially available.
Step 26: Prepare for the event.
The equivalent of losing baby teeth or a snake's skin is quenching.At six to eight weeks of age, baby quills make way for adult ones and this can happen throughout their first year of life.Unless there are signs of illness or discomfort present, this is a normal process and not something to worry about.You can try an oatmeal bath to make your hedgehog more comfortable during this process.It is just a phase.