Hedgie questions

[KeepersPlay]

My boyfriend has his heart set on adopting a hedghog. He used to have one but he was kicked out of his house only a week after getting one and had to return his little hedger.

I don't know anything about them and to be honest I think he knows about as much as I do. I think they're adorable little critters so I think him having one would be good (althooough... I told him a pair of rats would be so much more fun    since he does adore my 6)

Here are some questions:

What's the best type of cage for them?
How can I find a breeder/rescue?
Do they have any specific health requirements?
Are they affectionate?

That's all I can think of right now. I know some of those might be stupid but I want to try and learn as much as possible from people that at least already own one (or more).

Thanks a lot!

[TheChicagoCrew]

What's the best type of cage for them?

  I've had a few different kinds of cages for them. I prefer a C & C (www.cavycages.com) type cage for Hedgies. They offer lots of space, lots of decorating room, and are just easy to put together when ya get a hedgie dropped in your lap

How can I find a breeder/rescue?

 There are a lot of websites on hedgehogs, their care, and where to acquire them. I suggest going to the following sites to begin your search.
http://hedgehogwelfare.org/
http://www.angelfire.com/wa2/comemeetmyfamily/tableofcontents.html
(thoroughly check out the information and links pages of both sites)

Do they have any specific health requirements?

 They have their own dietary requirements just like any animal. Care needs to be taken that their environment stays clean and that they themselves stay clean. They run in a (large) wheel and will sport 'poop boots' daily.
 Hedgehogs can and often do run into health problems at some point. I've had three hedgehogs, all from different backgrounds and different parts of the country and each died of health issues (stroke, cancer).

Are they affectionate?
 
  Many will say otherwise, but I say no. This is an animal that has basically been unchanged since the dinosaur-era. They CAN be tame but I find most of the time they like to be by themselves, do their own 'thang', and could care less whether the human is there or not. They do like it when you prepare their meals though

-Melina

[Drache]

What's the best type of cage for them?

You usually want something with a lot of floor space and no levels. I have had dozens of hedgies and have yet to meet one who is thrilled by the idea of climbing ramps. Hedgies aren't good climbers. Unless you have children or other animals to worry about, if your cage is tall enough, it doesn't even need a lid. Some people say that large aquariums are great. They can certainly have enough space, but the glass gets pretty yucky. So stick with something designed for guinea pigs and you'll be on the right track.

How can I find a breeder/rescue?

Basically the same way you find rattie rescues. Petfinder.com, pet-ark.com, and various online forums especially for hedgies and/or small animals. Check your local papers, craigslist, vet clinics, municipal shelters, and pet shops. There may be people there who are looking to rehome their hedgies. I think there are some hedgie communities on LiveJournal too.

Do they have any specific health requirements?

I think the most common issue with hedgies is mites, which can come in their bedding or from outside on your clothes, or from other animals. Mites are pretty easy to treat, but you have to know what to look for. And with all other small pets, there is a high chance for health problems caused by poor diet, so you'll want to do some reading on that before you get your critter. I've found that a good kibble designed for hedgehogs with a supplement of insects and some fruits is the way to go.

Are they affectionate?

Not really, no. I've had dozens of hedgehogs and three different species, and even though they can be tame and docile, they don't really seem eager to give or get lovin'. They are pretty food motivated, and can be fun to watch, but if you like cuddly animals like rats, you may end up being disappointed by a hedgie. And it's not just the prickles.

[aznaphrodite]

I agree with Drache on everything. I also wanted to note that after raising rats, hamsters, and hedgies, hedgies were the easiest to take care of on a daily basis. Since they aren't affectionate, they don't require much attention. Just make sure their needs are met. We often joke that humans are slaves to hedgies. 

Also I want to stress to try getting a hedgie from PetFinder.com before going to a breeder. The ones on PetFinder.com are in much more need of being adopted!