Habitat: Hedgehog

Yesterday a friend who recently got a hedgehog asked about the habitat we use for our hedgehog.  Of course this naturally lead into this next series of posts - habitats.

Jawn the hedgehog came with everything he needed from his previous owners: cage, playpen, water bottle, food, etc.  We've added a few things here and there.

Here's a picture of where Jawn spends his nights:

Most of the cage is in the picture. To the left is a cloth house that is attached to the cage on the sides. He spends more time under it than in it.  In the middle is a wheel and ceramic food dish.  In the lower right corner of the picture is a water bottle.  There's also a litter pan in the upper right corner that is used more as a push-toy than it's intended purpose.  There's also a ping pong ball in there for him to push around.

When we bring Jawn downstairs and need him confined (versus walking around on the table or floor with supervision), we have a plywood "playpen" made by his previous owners.  We've added another wheel (his cage wheel was originally in the playpen), a food dish, water bottle, and toilet paper rolls.  He enjoys the PVC pipes a lot.  He pushes them around, crawls in them, and takes naps in them.

We are definitely not hedgehog experts. We're still researching and learning about these cute creatures and while having a lot of fun.

We would love to hear about habitats used by other hedgehog owners.  Please share in the comments below!

Cage Cleaning Day

Today is Saturday which means... CAGE CLEANING DAY!

Yes, that's right. Today everyone's cage/tank/habitat gets cleaned.  New bedding.  New water.  Whatever is needed.  We'll also head to our local pet shop lady for some crickets later today.

Here's some of what needs to be done:

• Chinchilla - wash fleece blanket floor of cage, exchange out food and water, clean litter tray where he urinates, sweep up the poop from the cage and floor, wash hammock, wipe down ledges
• Hedgehog - change bedding and water in playpen (plywood box) and cage, wash dishes from cage and playpen, wash bed from cage, wipe down cage and toys
• Toads and lizards - rinse out water dishes and add water, change bedding, wash off plants and/or driftwood
• Cat - litter box, wash out food dish, wash bed
• Dogs - wash food dishes, wash beds
• Fish - add water or do water exchange if needed

Of course there is also a lot of sweeping and vacuuming, too. It takes a while, but it keeps the animals healthy.  

Introducing: Jawn Hamish Watson

Jawn Hamish Watson, the hedgehog, joined our family along with Professor Nibbles, the chinchilla, last week.  He was formerly known as Hamilton, but Hammy for short.  He is adorable but will help you check your blood sugar if you aren't careful. We are honored that his former family trusted us enough to continue his care.  Since Nibs has the bathroom as his playroom, Jawn has a big plywood box with plastic tunnels and a wheel to play with when out of his cage. He's starting to get used to being handled and is a great pet.