Once a month bathing is adequate for the average
Many people get confused about how often they should bathe their hedgehogs. Your vet should be the ultimate authority here. That said, in general, about once a month is good. Don't bathe your pet too often: this could dry out his skin!
Hedgehogs should be bathed from time to time, as they do not clean themselves like some animals. The good news is that hedgehogs are great swimmers and typically enjoy bath time so it can be a fun experience for them and you.
In a bath tub or sink, get the water going at a warm temperature. If it's too hot or too cold for you to be comfortable, your hedgehog won't be comfortable either. Once the water is warm (but not scalding) place your hedgehog under the water stream to get them wet. Try not to get water in your hedgie's eyes.
To wash your hedgehog, you can use Aveeno Baby Wash, Baby Shampoo, or a mild unscented liquid hand soap. Pour a dime size portion in your hands and lather it up, then gently rub it over the back, belly, and legs while avoiding the face and ears.
This is up to you, but usually you should not need to give your hedgehog a bath more than once a month. If they need it sooner because they are extra messy, that is fine.
Hedgehogs are sensitive to temperature changes. The ideal range is between 75°F and 85°F. However, they will tolerate temperatures between 72°F and 90°F. Hedgehogs can go into a hibernation-like state of inactivity when temperatures are too hot or too cold.
Hedgehogs need environmental temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees. Keep your hedgehog's cage away from drafts, direct sunlight, or cold areas. You may want to provide your hedgehog with a small warm spot in his cage where he can go to get warm but would also be able to get away from if he feels too warm.
Don't kiss or snuggle hedgehogs, because this can spread Salmonella germs to your face and mouth. Don't allow hedgehogs to roam freely in areas where food is prepared or stored, such as kitchens or dining tables. Clean and wash enclosures, toys, and supplies outside of your house when possible.
Hedgehogs can spread Salmonella germs to people, even if they look healthy and clean. Protect yourself and your family by always washing your hands after touching or caring for hedgehogs or cleaning their habitats.
Odor Reducers: Hedgehogs are not very stinky compared to other animals, but they still have a slight smell, especially if you wait too long to clean. They can also get poo stuck in their quills.
Some hedgehogs will bond to their owners for life (HHC). Bonding does require effort, persistence, and an understanding of hedgehogs. Many hedgehogs don't like to be petted by just anyone until they are completely comfortable with their environment. This is especially important when a hedgehog goes to a new home.
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. To make your pet's explorations even more fun for him, hide a snack at the end of the tunnel.
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 naturally like to burrow, providing additional bedding gives them a more natural ability to make a bed inside their shelter. Many hedgehogs will sleep under their shelter as opposed to inside it. Providing 12x12 squares of fleece also make good sleeping material.
Acceptable bedding materials include shredded paper, newspaper, recycled pelleted/absorbable material, and wood shavings, such as aspen or untreated pine. Avoid corncob bedding as it tends to grow mold when wet.
Hedgehogs will make their own nests from materials in the surrounding environment so the best thing to do is ensure there are plenty of leaves near to the box. You can also put bedding inside the box to give them a head start, such as leaves, straw or hay.
Some hedgehogs are particularly high strung and no matter how much you try to make their bath time a positive experience, it's never going to happen. It's only natural that as hedgie parents, you don't like seeing them spaz out.
Dr. Keller says, “With appropriate care and keeping, your hedgehog will live about five years, and some even live longer than eight years.” If you have any questions about hedgehogs, contact your local veterinarian.