If you are bringing a pet hedgehog home, it is critical to create the ideal hedgehog habitat so that your pet is happy and healthy in its own home. If you are like many first-time hedgehog owners, you may be unsure of how to set up the hedgehog cage.
This article by Hedgy Life will walk you through the process of creating the ideal hedgehog habitat in seven simple steps. We also offer advice on setting up a hedgehog cage and keeping it clean. Let’s get started without further ado.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Ideal Hedgehog Habitat
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Go over the instructions.
If you bought a commercial hedgehog cage, read the instructions first. Each cage will include its own set of instructions so you know exactly what to do. Reading the instructions first ensures that everything is done correctly.
If you’re making a DIY cage, follow the instructions for assembly and setup. DIY cages will require significantly more effort because you must construct the cage as well as set it up.
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Construct The Cage
After reading the instructions for your DIY Hedgehog Cage, follow them to set it up. The instructions will almost certainly include connecting walls so that the cage provides a safe and enclosed environment for your hedgehog.
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Set The Cage
After you’ve physically assembled your cage, position it in the best possible location for your hedgehog. You won’t have to worry about knocking over the toys and accessories inside the cage once they’re in place if you put it up now.
You want to put the hedgehog cage somewhere safe and quiet. Because hedgehogs are prey animals, they are easily stressed. Place the cage somewhere where there won’t be a lot of loud noises or where other pets won’t be able to get to the hedgehog. To avoid irritating the hedgehog’s sensitive respiratory system, keep the cage away from open ventilation.
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Place Bedding and Substrate in Place
Now that setting up a hedgehog cage is in place, you can begin adding inserts. According to our experts at Hedgy Life, Begin by putting in the bedding and substrate. Because it is absorbent, easy to clean, and reusable, fleece is the most user-friendly bedding material. If you don’t want to use reusable bedding, use aspen shavings, pelleted wood bedding, or fluffy paper bedding instead.
Pine and cedar bedding should never be used because they are too aromatic and will irritate your hedgehog’s respiratory system. Similarly, many newspaper beddings contain toxic inks and materials.
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Insert Food and Water Accessory
Hedgehogs require constant access to water and food bowls. Food is almost always served in a bowl. Make sure the bowl you choose is heavy so that the daring hedgehogs don’t knock their food all over the place. The best options are ceramic or stainless steel bowls that are not easily chipped.
Water bottles or water bowls are the two options for water stations. Some hedgehogs, unlike mice and gerbils, dislike the water bottle, but the water bottle ensures that your hedgehog does not spill water everywhere. Hedgehogs who dislike water bottles will have to drink from a heavy bowl instead.
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Construct A Litter Box
Hedgehogs, like cats, can be trained to do their business in a litter box. On the opposite side of the cage from the food station, place a litter box or pan. You want the food and bathroom stations to be separated so that no food is contaminated.
You will need to train your hedgehog to use the litter box once you bring it home. Otherwise, it will go wherever it pleases.
Last Thoughts
It’s not difficult to set up your hedgehog’s cage. It is critical to select the proper cage. After that, read the instructions and place the cage in the best possible location. Add bedding, substrate, accessories, a litter box, and toys to complete the cage.
The job isn’t done yet. Remember that you must clean out your hedgehog’s cage every day that it is in your care to ensure that it has the cleanest and safest living conditions possible.
If you are looking for more useful tips for setting up a hedgehog cage, visit us at Hedgy Life!
