It would be best if you did not leave the container with no cover on as hedgehogs are known to be little escape artists. Since the lid is solid, you will have to drill holes into the top of the container to allow for ventilation.
Hedgehogs are great escape artists; therefore, a secure lid must be provided. Plastic bottom cages with plastic or wire walls are recommended. However, the wire must be spaced narrowly enough that the hedgehog cannot entrap its head. Bedding should be soft and absorbent.
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.
Put enough in the cage
Having enough bedding is also important for enrichment and allows your hedgehog to burrow effectively. If you do use a fleece liner with your bedding, make sure there's still enough normal bedding to do the job.
Pet hedgehogs should always be caged indoors. Screened in porches are an acceptable place to play depending on the seasonal weather in your area. Hedgehogs are very sneaky and will take any opportunity to hide, so they need to be in an area where they can easily be found if they happen to get out of their play area.
Hedgehogs are mostly awake in the early morning and evening. When awake, they are very active and it's fun to watch them dig, go through tubes, push toys around and run on their exercise wheel. They should get at least an hour every evening out of their cage to explore.
During the day, and during winter hibernation, the hedgehog will sleep in a specially built nest in thick undergrowth, under a shed, in piles of leaves or unlit bonfires. It will never sleep or hibernate outside a nest.
A few owners have used hay as a nesting option for their hedgehogs. As long as the hay is packaged from a pet store it should be fine. Hay used for large livestock hasn't been treated for anything and that could make your hedgehog very sick. Hay is generally NOT recommended as the main cage bedding.
Hedgehogs need to be kept busy to stay happy and healthy. An exercise wheel is an essential part of any hedgehog enclosure, as are a litter box, sleeping box, and eating area. To help keep your pet hedgehog busy supply your pet with a selection of tunnels and toys such as stuffed animals or small balls.
It's a good idea to put out food for hedgehogs all year round. In spring, it will be a boost for those emerging from hibernation, while in late summer and autumn it will help hogs build up those all-important fat reserves to survive the winter.
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.
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.
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.
A hedgehog's go-to vocal is huffing and puffing, but he's not trying to blow the house down. This sniffing is a normal vocalization he makes while going about his business of exploring. An unhappy hedgehog, on the other hand, will show his disdain with a hiss or a clicking sound.
Hedgehogs are known to be very communicative when it comes to their needs, and often make a low purring sound when they are happy or content.
Since hedgehogs are solitary animals, they will not get depressed or angry if you do not have loads of time to spend with them. It is important, however, to get your hedgehog out every day to be sure he is not ill or injured.
But besides the feeling of a cozy and clean place, there are more reasons why your hedgehog needs a clean habitat. Hedgehogs have a very sensitive respiratory system. Urine and feces in the bedding can lead to ammonia build-up, which can cause serious respiratory issues.
Hedgehogs are active, playful creatures that love to be entertained with toys. They'll also entertain you with all their wild, fun activity!
Hedgehogs enjoy rooting around in bedding. A two to three inch thick layer of bedding is recommended for many types of pelleted litter and shavings. Only the soiled portions of the litter need to be removed on a regular basis.
Hedgehogs are definitely more active at night than they are during the day. During the day, they like to do most of their sleeping. And at night they like to do most of their playing, AND rearranging of their cage.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night. They also make sure to hide themselves away in their nest when they're resting, to avoid disturbance and predation. For these reasons, sleeping and resting aren't behaviours we're likely to see a lot in the garden!
You can encourage hedgehogs into your garden by providing food and fresh water. Tips for leaving out food and water: Leave out foods like tinned dog or cat food and crushed cat or dog biscuits. Supply good quality, meaty hedgehog food from wildlife food suppliers.