Ideas for Hedgehog Housing and Accessories

Looking for ideas on how to house your new hedgehog? Or maybe you are like me and are looking for new ideas to improve the living quarters of your pets. Please send in comments on existing housing ideas posted here, or if you have a housing style that is not listed.

Cages

Do It Yourself Cage Designs

Cage made from one plastic container
Cage made from two plastic containers: includes pictures of finished product
Cage made from two plastic containers: includes diagrams

Example of a cage made of 2 plastic containers

Other Ideas

Glass aquariums: From all the suggestions I have seen on the Internet, a 20 gallon or larger aquarium will suit your hedgehog. I believe most of them state that this is a 20 gallon long aquarium. Make sure the aquarium has at least 3 square feet of running space, and plenty of air circulation.
Wire Cages: I will not use a wire cage, as I have heard plenty of stories about hedgehogs getting their heads or legs caught between the wires. If you have babies, be aware that they may end up getting out of the cage. As always, make sure the bottom of these cages are solid; wire bottom cages are a giant no-no for hedgehogs. However, lots of people do use ferret cages (with the multiple levels). They can provide lots of running room for the hedgehog.
Wading pools: Using a hard plastic wading pool can be quite benefical; they provide plenty of running space for your hedgehog. You do need to be very careful that your hedgehog is not able to climb out of the pool. I know lots of owners who use these as play pens. If you are worried about the side being too short, some people have cut the bottom out of one pool and placed it into another pool to make the side taller.
Cubes & Coroplast cages: This idea for a cage has been around for a while. Recently, many people have started to use this design after a guinea pig web site started using the two components together and found they were really nice. I have two concerns with this cage style: first, I would be wary of using it with hedgehogs who are very young and small; second, be aware that if your hedgehog decides to climb, he may escape fairly easily from these cages if they don't have a top, or the coroplast sides are not tall enough.

Accessories

Heat Sources
Is a heat source an absolute must in owning a hedgehog? Some will argue that they are and some will tell you no. I personally just keep the air temperature in my hedgehog's room warm enough for my hedgehog to be comfortable. During the winter if I am having trouble keeping the air temperature warm, I will supplement by using a space heater for the room, and we all know that in Michigan winters are cold.
Heating sources which your hedgehog can lay on or next to to get warm are a great idea to have around in case your electricity or furnace goes out or even for traveling to the vet during a cold winter day. I highly recommend having both of the following on hand just in case you find the need for one.
- Snuggle Safe HeatPad: Heat this product in your microwave for 4 minutes and place underneath your pet's bedding. It contains Thermapol, a non-toxic environmentally friendly material and never needs to be refilled. I have heard several owners say they place this product under their hedgehog's sleepy place and it works really well. I have found it online at Pet Market, PetQuarters.com, Drs Foster & Smith, PetSmart, and also at AllPets.com.
- Hand warmers: These are those hand warmers where you break a pouch inside and the chemicals mix providing a couple of hours of warmth. I highly recommend having a few of these on hand for those times when you have no other way of providing heat for your hedgehog. I would only use these in places where the hedgehog cannot come in direct contact and only during emergencies. You can typically find these located in the hunting section of your sports store.

Water Bowls/Bottles

There has always been arguements over which is better a bowl or bottle. Each have their pros and cons. Bottles tend to be easier to keep clean and take up less space in a cage. However they can get clogged, suddenly spring a leak soaking your hedgehog's cage, and hedgehog's have been known to break teeth on them. Bowls provide a more natural approach to drinking, allowing your hedgehog to lap and swallow as nature intended it to. However if you are using a bedding of wood or paper products their bowls can become filled with bedding.

I personally use water bowls and just check a couple of times a day that they are clean and full. I had one hedgehog who never got the hang of using a bottle, after switching to a bowl her water intake greatly increased.

Flat-Bac Water Bottles: I used this type of water bottle until I recently moved towards water bowls. They fit nicely on the outside of hedgehog cages. I used suction cups to attach the bottles to the outside of the cages.
Fluker Labs Corner Bowls: These are really designed for reptiles but they do make great hedgehog waterers. They are quite heavy and have a rough rock-like texture. I haven't had my hedgehogs flip these bowls over yet. If you like bowls for waterers, you might want to consider these bowls.
Other bowls: Currently I am using small glass condiment/dipping bowls that are intended for human use. They work great and are approved for human use, and in my opinion are just fine for hedgie use.

Corner Bowl

Food Dishes

People have used a huge variety of things to feed their hedgehogs. From plates to bowls and crocks, it is entirely up to you what you use. However below are some recommendations and some warnings to be aware of when shopping for the right food dish for your hedgehog.

Crocks: I used a 3 in. diameter size for my hedgehogs. I have never seen them tip their crocks, but I'm sure some hedgehogs will. I know one owner recently mentioned her hedgehog was pooping in its food dish, once they switched to the 3 in. diameter size, she reported that the problem was solved. Note: Check to see where the crock is made before purchasing it. Those made in the far east with a blue glaze on the inside may contain a lead based glaze. If the glaze should chip this may leach lead into your hedgehogs food or water.
Scatterless Crock: Similar to a regular 3 in. diameter crock, except this one has a dome-top to reduce scatter. Again, please check where the crock was made.
Other dishes: I highly recommend cooking bowls for hedgies. Large ingredient cups used for cooking are wonderful. They are tested and are safe for human use, and are therefore safe for hedgies. Other ideas include using pyrex dessert dishes, the Flash and Thelma Memorial Rescue recommends the 8 ounce Pyrex dessert bowl.

Bedding Types
Bedding is yet another topic which everyone seems to have their own opinion about which is the best approach. The items listed below are a few of the more popular and contains their pros and cons.
- Cell-Sorb Plus: I recently bought a small bag of this bedding to try it out. I have noticed no dust at all from it, the pieces are about 1/2 an inch in length and it is extremely absorbent. It is made out of recycled paper, on which the ink is soybean based.
- CareFresh: I have heard many good things about this type of bedding. I have also been told that it is very dusty and may cause respritory problems in hedgehogs. This product is made out of the wood pulp that was too small to make paper.
- Aspen Wood Shavings: I used this product for many years without any problems in my hedgehogs. However, I had two outbreaks of mites, and we believe the mites came from the wood bedding. My hedgehogs always loved to root around in their bedding and make nests of this stuff to snuggle down in.
- Newspapers: My understanding is newspaper is a safe bedding. However you do need to avoid using pages that contain colored inks on them. Some colored inks contain toxins which are harmful. If you are interested in using this type of bedding you might want to check with your local newspaper. Some of these companies will sell the ends of the paper rolls very cheaply, and there is a lot of paper left on them. The downside to paper is that it doesn't soak up liquid very quickly, which could mean your hedgehog walking in it's own urine for a bit.
- Vellux Blankets: I know lots of hedgehog owners who are cutting Vellux blankets up and using them as a cage liner. The Flash and Thelma Memorial Rescue has reported that they use 4 layers of newspaper then the Vellux blanket and have had no problems so far with them. How do you use them? First of all you will need to cut them into cage size pieces, then place them in the cage as a cage liner. Wash them every couple of days or as needed. Since the edges of Vellux will not fray you don't have to worry about loose threads and they keep their shape for many washings. Click here for a list of reasons that hedgehog owners give for using Vellux.

Toys

Toliet paper tubes: I have heard about and seen pictures of many hedgehogs that love to stick a toliet paper tube on their head and bang around their cage. Some owners will suggest cutting the side of the tube so that they cannot get their heads stuck in them. My crew doesn't stick their heads in the tubes but do like to roll them around and throw them up into the air.
Exercise Wheel: An exercise wheel is a must for a happy healthy hedgehog. A large wheel (11 " in diameter or larger) is recommended. Be sure that the running surface is solid so that the hedgehog has little risk of slipping and breaking a leg. You can find a listing of wheels on the Product page.
"Recycled" toys: This article was written for the International Hedgehog Association's Newsletter as a listing of common household items which your hedgehog may use as a toy.

Plastic Cat Balls: Some hedgehogs like to play with cat balls that have bells in them, others just like the brightly colored ones to push around. My only concern with these would be to make sure there are no sharp plastic edges on the ball, I would also stay away from sponge balls, and anything with glitter on it for fear the hedgehog may eat it. I actually created something similar to a ball with a bell by placing a few pieces of hard cat food in a film canister. My female hedgehog loves to make the food rattle inside.

Plastic Toy Cars: I have heard of hedgehogs and seen pictures of them playing with brightly colored toy trucks and cars. It seems that they like the brightly colored toys and enjoy pushing and crawling around on them.
Others: Other toys I have had my hedgehogs play with include small light weight stuffed animals, pvc pipes, plastic cereal bowls, tissue/oatmeal boxes, and anything that a hedgehog can push, pull or explore around in.
If you have a toy that your hedgehog loves let me know. I am always looking for new toys for my kids and I'm sure others are too, send in a Comment and I'll add your toy to this list.

Sleeping Places

Sleeping places are very important to a hedgehogs mental well being. A sleeping place will provide your hedgehog a place to hide when they are feeling a bit scared or nervous, and will allow your hedgehog to feel a bit more secure while they are sleeping.

Hedgie bags: From my experience and from what many other owners have told me, it seems to be a safe bet that most hedgehogs prefer to sleep in a hedgie bag. It's always good to have more than one bag so that you can have a spare in case one gets dirty. In the picture to the right is my hedgehog, Lucky, in her favorite sleeping bag. I made this bag from an old denim shirt sleeve. Please be careful if you make sleeping bags, that you get all loose threads, and check them often to make sure they are not unravelling. A loose string can quickly amputate a hedgehogs leg.
PVC Pipes: My first hedgehog adored sleeping in a piece of PVC pipe. I bought a 1 foot length of pipe from a hardware store, washed it throughly and made sure there were no burrs (sharp pieces) on the edges. My first hedgehog loved to make a nest in the back and run in her pipe as if it was a burrow when she wanted to hide.
Igloos: These are translucent plastic igloo shaped huts. I have had mix results with my hedgehogs with these hidey places. Some will use them and others won't even go inside. If you decide to try one of these you may find that your hedgehog will use them if you add a piece of cloth for them to snuggle in.
Ice cream tubs: Do you have a 1 gallon plastic ice cream tub laying around? If you cut an entrance hole in the side these can become a cheap replacement for the above mentioned Igloos. I highly recommend ensuring that the cut edge of the plastic is smooth, you may even want to line the edges so that your hedgehog does not cut itself on the plastic.
Other ideas: You can use just about anything for your hedgehog to hide under or in while they sleep. The above items are just suggestions. I have had hedgehogs use tissue boxes, and plastic cereal bowls. Find something your hedgehog feels secure in and is happy with and stick with it, afterall it is your hedgehogs comfort that is important when choosing a sleeping place.

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