Ways to Travel Your Hedgehog

Are you always seeking new ways to travel your prickly friend? I know I am always seeking new and improved ways of traveling my hedgehogs, whether the trip is 5 minutes to the vet, or an 11 hour drive to Missouri. How do you travel your hedgehogs? Please let us KNOW your methods so that others may find a better way.

• 12 quart Sterilite box: I have on numerous occasions traveled hedgehogs in this type of container. I always throw some bedding in the bottom so that they don't slip around (and to soak up any urine) and punch some holes in the lid so that they get plenty of air. This method has always worked well for me, as my hedgehogs normally curl up and go back to sleep. Although when I was traveling a mother and daughter (full grown) they did get into pushing matches as to who had what corner. I never did figure out what the difference was between the four corners, but they sure did.

• Small Plastic Carriers.: These are the small carriers normally found near the fish supplies in your pet store. They are sometimes called Small Animal Plastic Aquariums. I have seen some mention of people using these to travel their hedgehogs in. I would only recommend using these for very short distance travel as they are small and certainly don't give the hedgehog much room to move around.

• Drawstring Hedgie Bags: I actually used this method the last time I took the "kids" to "grandma's" house when I went on vacation. I modified the instructions to make a hedgie bag so that it was a bit larger (and had denim inside and out). My little male loved this method. He was curled up and comfy before my husband started the truck.

• Fanny Packs: I have heard from several people stating that they use fanny packs. I'm happy to note that each person has a different style of use. Some people are using leather fanny packs lined with something to help soak up any accidents. Others actually cut a piece of the fanny pack out and replace it with a mesh so that the hedgehog can peak out and so that they get fresh air easier. Some people really like this method as it will help keep the hedgehog warm next to your body during the winter and is an easy way to have a hands free carrier.

• Canvas Tote Bags: A small canvas tote bag to try as a carry bag. I had to make sure the loose threads on the bottom of the bag were tied tightly and trimmed down. But other than that these make really nice carriers. I have traveled mine multiple times to the vet in these and they always end up laying splat style in their bags. I bought mine at the local Wal-mart in the craft section (next to the paints for clothing). These would also be easily spiffed up with a little paint (maybe personalize their bag?).

• Collapsable Carriers: Collapsable hard case carriers can be a great way to travel your hog. Your hog will be safe in one of these carriers, plus if you have limited storage space, these carriers really do collapse down into a very small and convenient size.

Whatever method you choose to use, please keep in mind to always be sure its carrier is safe and comfortable. On hot days always keep its carrier out of direct sunlight and also keep it away from the air conditioning vent. As with any pet, NEVER leave them in the car during a hot day. Even with the windows rolled down, they could easily over heat and suffer a heat stroke or death. It is always a good idea to take something your pet could get a drink out of as well, you can never tell when something may come up.

Also keep in mind to keep your pet warm during the winter. Place plenty of warm bedding in their carrier. To travel to the vet, I placed some old towels (none that were unraveling) in a large duffle bag and traveled a sick hedgehog that way a few times, after all Michigan winters can be nasty.