Some cat toys are appropriate for hedgehogs. Small plastic balls with rattlers in them are fine, and your hedgie may like pushing the ball around.
Choose things that are pretty sturdy, such as rawhide chews, balls, small cars, and stuffed animals. Hedgehogs can't see well, so they tend to go for brightly-colored toys. Just be sure to stick with safe items. Don't give your hedgehog anything with small parts, sharp edges, or dangling ropes.
Hedgehogs are active, playful creatures that love to be entertained with toys. They'll also entertain you with all their wild, fun activity!
What kind of toys do hedgehogs like to play with? All are different... some don't play, but it seems the favorites are cat balls with bells in them, scented small tennis balls, beanie babies and empty toilet paper tubes.
Like many pocket pets, hedgehogs love to explore mazes and tunnels. This will keep Hedgie active, and offer him mental stimulation. You can buy labyrinths, or make your own out of shoeboxes or PVC pipe.
Many hedgehogs love to play with ping pong balls, lattice bird or cat balls, or small balls with bells inside. Make sure the balls are not sturdy and not easily chewed or damaged. Another version of the plastic ball is a ferret treat ball. As the hedgie pushes around the ball a treat will come out.
Talking to your hedgehog while holding, snuggling, bathing, and other enjoyable activities will help your hedgehog associate the sound of your voice with comfort and enjoyment. Over the years we have found the radio and music very soothing for a variety of different animals.
1. Toilet paper tubes: Hedgehogs like to wear them on their head and play "tank." Some hedgies love TP tubes so much that they learn to eat and to drink from a water bottle with the tube on their head!
Only solid bottom cages are suitable for hedgehogs, any wire bottom cages could trap their legs or rip off toenails. Provide a soft bedding free of dust, such as recycled paper pellets or if you use wood shavings use only kiln dried pine or aspen. Do not use cedar shavings as they could irritate your hedgehog's lungs.
Every hedgehog has a unique personality, but most aren't interested in human affection. Caretakers note that it takes a lot of time and effort to get a hedgehog to tolerate being held. Like porcupines, hedgehogs have sharp, prickly quills that they use to fend off predators.
Look for warm dark places where a hedgie is likely to hide. Be sure to look in, under and behind appliances such as the stove and refrigerator. Refrigerators are very popular because they are warm. Couches and recliners are dangerous because an unassuming person can sit on one and squish poor hedgie.
Other toys that can be amusing for some hedgies are mirrors, treat balls, treat puzzles, and sometimes even a simple game of tug-o-war over a fleece strip.
Hedgehogs like to burrow so the more bedding the better for them. Recycled paper bedding and towels or blankets are often used inside the enclosure.
Dusty shavings or cedar shavings should never be used as they can be irritating to your hedgehog's eyes and respiratory system.
Hedgehogs prefer a busy, cluttered cage over an empty one. A fun option for hedgehogs is a dig box. You can create one by filling a container with small toys that were mentioned above and creating a hedgehog size doorway into the container.
SAFE PLACES. Whether it's on your lap or in its enclosure, your hedgehog needs something they can hide under or in to feel safe. This can be anything from a fleece blanket to a guinea pig hut. Hedgehogs are natural burrowers and love dark confined spaces where they can feel safe.
Hedgehogs can't climb vertical or slippery surfaces. This is why garden ponds, especially those with hard plastic liners, are such a problem. Hedgehogs will get in for a drink. They are quite good swimmers They can cross rivers if need be.
You can actually keep the lid off the enclosure as long as you do not have children or other pets who can get into the container.
What Type of Litter Should I Use For My Hedgehogs Cage? Heavenly Hedgies has only used and recommends Unscented Purina Yesterday's News as a cage liner or litter option.
Not only that, hedgehogs come with a host of requirements that will need to be met to keep them happy including a large enclosure, an exercise wheel, and toys so they don't become bored. Another important factor to consider is that hedgehogs are nocturnal, meaning that they are awake all night and sleep all day.
It takes patience and a gentle hand to form a trusting bond with a pet hedgehog. Once a bond is established hedgehogs can be quite playful and occasionally cuddly.
Sometimes a belly rub feels really good, and this hedgehog is here to show us just how good. Yep, it's impossible to ignore his blissful little face as he gets a mini massage!
Keep your distance from a hissing hedgehog, just like you would from a hissing snake. When a hedgehog hisses, it means he is really annoyed and wants you, other hogs or other animals to clear off. Hedgehogs will often make the hissing noise if their nest is disturbed or if they are cornered or approached by a predator.