My Hedgie Room
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Example of a Running/Play Pen
I build this cage (an even larger version) before I decided to breed for my first hedgie. It's made of storage cubes, zip ties, and shower wall liners (for the bottom). Hedgies love to climb and I learned quickly that it is important to cover the sides with a clear plastic liner to prevent the hedgie from climbing out , and/or getting hurt. (In my case, I had the larger cage and separated it when I got a female. I learned that they do find a way to get to each other. (I may have more babies than I had planned, but won't know for sure for a little while longer...) Hence I now have bins. However, this set-up is great for just one hedgehog, or even 2 females, who can share a cage. I loved this set up and now use it for them to run, hunt for insects, and play in. |
Burrow Pool
Hedgehogs love to burrow, and shove things around. This set up will let them do it. I put aspen shavings in a big pile into the middle of the pool.
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Burrow Pool with Hedgie
A very happy Henry.
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Different Set-Ups for my Hedgies.
Here are some ideas on how to set up for your new hedgie.
The Cage/Bin
I use 110 qt clear plastic bins from Sterilite. They are very easy to clean and high enough for the hedgie to be unable to climb out off.
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Bin with the Carolina Storm Wheel
The Running Wheel is a MUST for every hedgehog. I love the Carolina Storm Wheels. There are different wheels available, but make sure the one you buy has a flat running surface without wire or bars their little feet or legs could get stuck in.
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Caves
Hedgehogs, naturally very shy animals, burrow themselves into a dark and tight space to go to sleep. I found that these reptile caves are much more preferred over plastic igloos. The cave sealing is much lower, and it's much darker. The igloos, commonly used for hide outs, might be great for guinea pigs and bunnies, but hedgies will pick dark/low hide-outs over igloos any time! I have two females living under the turtle cave. It may seem too small to us, but the hedgies love it. They do come in different sizes, but I only buy the XL caves.
Turtle Shell
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Tree Stump, or
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Reptile Cave, XL,
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Hedgehog Save Running Wheels
Which ever way you decide to set up your cage, remember, the most important item EVERY HEDGEHOG HAS TO HAVE is a save running wheel. No exceptions! I will ask for proof that you bought one. (It does NOT have to be the ones I am suggesting here, as long as they are hedgehog save.)
My recommendation is to buy either the CAROLINA STORM WHEEL or the WHISPER WHEEL. Just click on the pictures below to check them out. I use the Carolina Storm Wheel, but my mentor uses the Whisper Wheel. Both are save for Hedgehogs, and both are made by experienced hedgehog breeders. These wheels are now available on Etsy..
My recommendation is to buy either the CAROLINA STORM WHEEL or the WHISPER WHEEL. Just click on the pictures below to check them out. I use the Carolina Storm Wheel, but my mentor uses the Whisper Wheel. Both are save for Hedgehogs, and both are made by experienced hedgehog breeders. These wheels are now available on Etsy..
Bedding
Pine Shavings
I use Pine shavings from WILCO. They are low dust with large shaving and free of fir and cedar, which is unsafe for hedgehogs.
Aspen Bedding
I do not like Aspen Bedding, as it is hardwood and often comes with mites. The wood had a lot of sharp edges that injure baby’s feet and legs. I had too many infections and mite infestations to continue using it. I strongly suggest not to use aspen.
Paper Bedding
A good alternative if you don’t want to use wood shavings. The only draw backs are that it needs to be changed more often as it does not absorb the Urin smell well, and it is more expensive.
Fleece Liners
Another good alternative, but needs to be changed daily. Fleece does no absorb any urine odors, and needs a lot of washing...
I use Pine shavings from WILCO. They are low dust with large shaving and free of fir and cedar, which is unsafe for hedgehogs.
Aspen Bedding
I do not like Aspen Bedding, as it is hardwood and often comes with mites. The wood had a lot of sharp edges that injure baby’s feet and legs. I had too many infections and mite infestations to continue using it. I strongly suggest not to use aspen.
Paper Bedding
A good alternative if you don’t want to use wood shavings. The only draw backs are that it needs to be changed more often as it does not absorb the Urin smell well, and it is more expensive.
Fleece Liners
Another good alternative, but needs to be changed daily. Fleece does no absorb any urine odors, and needs a lot of washing...
