How To Set Up A Hedgehog Cage?

Do you want to bring a pet hedgehog into your life, but don’t know where to start when it comes to setting up their home? Setting up the perfect cage for your new pet is essential for its health and wellbeing, so it’s important to get things right from the start.

In this article, we provide step-by-step instructions on how to set up a hedgehog cage safely and correctly. We’ll take you through everything from selecting the best size of cage, what type of bedding is suitable and other essential items your hedgehog will need. Read on for all the tips and advice needed for creating a cozy home for your beloved hedgehog!

Choosing the Right Cage

The first step to setting up a hedgehog cage is choosing the right size. Generally, it’s best to get a cage that’s at least 2 feet by 3 feet in size. This will allow your pet plenty of room to move around and explore their surroundings. It also gives them space for a comfortable sleeping area, toys, and other accessories.

When selecting a cage, make sure it has secure latches on all doors and mesh walls that are small enough so your hedgehog can’t escape or get stuck in any openings. Additionally, you should choose one with removable shelves or ramps that they can climb on as well as several levels for exploring different areas of their home.

Bedding Materials

Once you have chosen the perfect home for your pet, it’s time to decide what type of bedding material you want to use. You’ll need something soft and absorbent like shredded paper or coconut fiber bedding so your hedgehog has somewhere cozy to sleep and rest during the day. Avoid using wood shavings as this may cause respiratory problems if ingested by your pet.

When adding new bedding each week be sure to clean out the old material first before adding fresh layers on top. Also remember not to overfill the cage – too much bedding can lead to an increase in bacteria levels which could harm your hedgehog’s health over time.

Hiding Spots & Accessories

Your next step is finding hiding spots for your pet – these are essential as they provide security when they’re feeling scared or stressed out by something going on outside their enclosure like loud noises or bright lights from nearby windows etc..

An easy way to create hiding spots is by using cardboard boxes (cut open one side) filled with some soft blankets/towels – just make sure there aren’t any sharp edges that could injure your pet! Alternatively, you can purchase specially made plastic igloos designed specifically for small animals such as hedgehogs – these come in various sizes and colors so there’s sure to be one that suits both yours and your pets needs perfectly!

Don’t forget about other important accessories either – things like food dishes, water bottles/bowls (to prevent spills), exercise wheels (ideally 12 inches diameter), climbing structures/ladders etc.. All of these items will help keep your little friend happy and active throughout its life!

What Do You Put In The Bottom Of A Hedgehog Cage?

One of the most important things to consider when setting up a hedgehog cage is what kind of bedding you should use. The type of bedding you choose can have an impact on your hedgehog’s health and comfort, so it’s important to choose something that is safe and comfortable for them. One of the most popular options for the bottom of a hedgehog cage is paper-based bedding, such as Carefresh or Yesterday’s News.

These are both made from recycled paper fibers and are dust-free, making them ideal for sensitive respiratory systems. They are also very absorbent, which helps keep odors under control in the cage. It’s important to note that these types of bedding should be changed regularly to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Another option for the bottom of a hedgehog cage is shredded paper or fabric strips. As with paper-based beddings, shredded paper or fabric strips should be changed often to prevent any buildup of bacteria or odor in the cage.

Shredded materials provide more insulation than other types of beddings, which can help keep your pet warm during colder months. Fabric strips also come in many colors and designs, allowing you to customize your hedgehog’s home however you’d like!

How Much Bedding Should Go In A Hedgehog Cage?

When deciding how much bedding to put in a hedgehog cage, it is important to consider the size of the cage and the preferences of your pet. Generally speaking, you should fill the bottom of your hedgehog’s cage with at least two inches of bedding material. This will provide ample cushioning for your pet while they explore their habitat.

The type of bedding used can vary depending on personal preference, but some common materials include shredded paper or wood shavings (avoid cedar shavings). Shredded paper is often seen as the most comfortable option, as it provides plenty of warmth and insulation from cold temperatures.

Wood shavings are also suitable if you make sure to choose products that don’t contain chemicals or fragrances that could be hazardous to your pet’s health. Avoid using any kind of fabric-based substrate such as fleece or towels in order to prevent accidental ingestion by your hedgehog.

In addition to providing comfort and insulation, bedding will also help absorb waste materials produced by your pet. If you find that you need more than two inches of substrate in order to keep up with waste production, feel free to add more until you reach an appropriate level for cleaning purposes. A clean environment is essential for keeping a healthy hedgehog!

Do Hedgehog Cages Need A Top?

Yes, hedgehog cages need a top. Hedgehogs are an active species that likes to explore and climb, so it is important to provide them with an enclosure that has secure sides and a top. A secure top prevents your pet from escaping out of the cage and also helps keep predators out. Additionally, having a lid on the cage helps contain dust particles and other allergens like dander from spreading around your home.

When selecting a top for your hedgehog’s enclosure, make sure it fits securely over the entire cage without any gaps or openings where your pet might escape through. The best type of material for this is something lightweight but strong like mesh or wire as these can be easily secured onto the edges of the enclosure.

If you choose a solid lid such as plastic or wood, make sure there are adequate ventilation holes in order to keep air circulating inside the enclosure. In addition to this, inspect all materials used to build the enclosure regularly to ensure they remain in good condition and free from damage which could harm your pet.

Where Should You Put A Hedgehog Cage?

When it comes to deciding where to put your hedgehog’s cage, there are a few things you should consider. Firstly, the location of the cage should be away from direct sunlight and drafts. As nocturnal animals, hedgehogs need darkness during the day in order to sleep and remain healthy.

This means that placing their enclosure in a bright spot with lots of light throughout the day is not recommended. In addition, placing them near windows or doors can also create colder temperatures due to cold air coming through cracks or ventilation systems as well as sudden changes in temperature when people enter and exit the room.

Secondly, the area around where you decide to place your hedgehog’s cage should be free of any potential dangers such as electrical cords or hazardous chemicals which could harm your pet if they were to come into contact with them.

The space should also be large enough for your hedgehog to move around comfortably within their enclosure without feeling cramped or restricted. Lastly, it’s best to keep their habitat away from loud noises as this could cause stress for your pet and disturb its sleeping schedule.

Do Hedgehogs Like Hay Or Straw?

Hedgehogs can be quite particular about their bedding material and it is important to provide them with something comfortable and safe. Hay and straw are both popular options for hedgehogs, but which one should you use?

Hay is an excellent choice for hedgehog bedding because of its absorbency and softness. It will soak up any messes that your pet creates while still providing a comfortable surface to sleep on. Plus, hay is much less likely than straw to cause respiratory issues in smaller animals like hedgehogs due to the dust particles in it. However, hay can get expensive if you need to buy it regularly since it needs to be replaced frequently.

Straw also makes a great bedding material for hedgehogs as long as you take precautions when using it. Make sure that the straw is free from pesticides or other chemicals before giving it to your pet, otherwise they could become sick. Straw is more affordable than hay, but not as absorbent so you will have to clean the cage more often if you choose this option. Additionally, some types of straw may contain sharp pieces which could hurt your little friend’s feet or eyes so be sure to check for these before offering it as bedding material.

Conclusion

Setting up a hedgehog cage is an important task in providing your pet with the best possible home. With the right size, materials, and accessories, your pet can live comfortably and happily. Be sure to research all of the essentials before shopping for supplies so you know exactly what to buy.

Also ensure that you are following any local laws or regulations related to owning exotic animals. By taking these steps, you will have created a safe and comfortable environment for your new hedgehog friend!