​

Basic Items Needed for Bringing Home One of Our Babies

1. Enclosure:

   • Plastic tote (minimum 110 qt storage tote)

   • C&C Cage

   • Custom-made enclosure with a solid bottom- avoid wooden enclosures

   • No glass tanks or wire cages (unless covered with panels to avoid climbing)

2. Bowls/Bottle:

   • Food and water bowls or a water bottle with poultry nipples (available for an additional $10)

3. Bedding:

   • Litter- Paper bedding, equine pine pellets, aspen bedding- avoid cedar shavings

   • Fleece- Anti-Pill Fleece

   • Highly recommend Pistachio's Place on Facebook for custom fleece bedding and snuggle sacks made by Janice Dale

4. Hides:

   • Multiple hides of various sizes (Igloos and Soft hides from Amazon are suitable)

   • Limit any sharp edges to prevent eye injuries.

5. Wheel:

   • Carolina Storm Wheel or Kaytee wheel (minimum 12 inches to prevent injury)

   • Avoid the Kaytee Silent Spinner wheel- they must be solid plastic

6. Enrichment:

   • Variety of toys, ball pit, cat toys, herbs for scents, sand baths, and new treats

7. Treats:

   • Live insects, freeze-dried bugs (in moderation), wet cat food, eggs, boiled meats, pinkies, berries, watermelon, carrots, and broccoli

8. Food:

   • High-quality indoor cat food with high protein and low fat (a mixture of Hedgehog Precision and various cat food)

   • Avoid cat foods with Peas- can cause issues with calcium absorption

9. Heat Source:

   • Individual heat source to maintain a temperature between 75-80 degrees (ceramic heat bulb and lamp with a temperature gauge)

10. Health:

    • Baby WASH (Aveeno Baby Wash, etc.)

    • Toothbrush or baby brush for occasional baths

    • Kitchen scale to monitor weight gain/loss (measured in grams)

    • Supplements: Reptile calcium with Vitamin D, cricket powder, and pet-friendly CBD

11. First Aid:

    • Styptic Powder

    • Hand Warmers

    • Oxbow Carnivore Care or Flukers Reptile Boost

    • Syringe

    • Small Cotton Towels

​

​

Don't Forget About the Quilling Process:

• During the quilling process (during the first 6-12 weeks old), occasional baths are recommended. Continue handling your baby during this time.

• ​

Additional Recommendations:

• Join Facebook groups such as "Hedgehogs of the Pacific Northwest" for community support and advice.

​

Please note that this checklist represents the bare minimum for hedgehog care.

​