Michael Colt, Bachelor Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science.
Ella Williams
Did you know that hedgehogs have been known to play with and even hoard shiny objects? They have been observed collecting and hoarding shiny objects such as bottle caps, silver paper, and even coins. It’s thought that they are attracted to the shiny objects, and they may even use them to line their nests. So if you have a pet hedgehog, be prepared to see some interesting items in their cage!
Hedgehogs are adorable and fascinating pets that require proper care and attention to thrive. If you’re considering adding a hedgehog to your family, it’s important to understand what you need to provide for their cage to meet their needs. In this article, we’ll cover the essential items that every hedgehog cage should have, including a wheel, hide box, water bottle, food dish, and litter box. Each of these items plays a crucial role in your hedgehog’s well-being, so it’s important to choose them carefully. Whether you’re a seasoned hedgehog owner or a newbie, this article will provide you with the information you need to create the perfect home for your pet.
What Do You Need For A Hedgehog Cage?
1 Essential Equipment for a Hedgehog Cage
Every hedgehog needs a comfortable and safe environment to live in, and having the right equipment is crucial to ensuring that. Here are the five essential items that every hedgehog cage should have:
Wheel
A wheel is a must-have for any hedgehog cage. It provides your pet with exercise and entertainment, and helps them stay healthy and happy. When choosing a wheel, it’s important to consider factors such as size, material, and type. A wheel that’s too small can cause injury to your hedgehog’s spine, while a wheel that’s too big can be difficult for them to use. Look for a wheel that’s made of a safe, non-toxic material, and choose a type that’s easy for your hedgehog to use.
Hide box
A hide box is a great place for your hedgehog to retreat to when they want some privacy or a place to rest. It should be large enough for your hedgehog to comfortably fit inside, and made of a safe, non-toxic material. There are many different types of hide boxes available, so choose one that meets your hedgehog’s needs and fits your cage.
Water bottle
A water bottle is an important part of your hedgehog’s cage setup. It provides them with a constant source of fresh water, and helps keep their cage clean and hygienic. When choosing a water bottle, look for one that’s easy to clean, and made of a safe, non-toxic material.
Food dish
A food dish is another essential item for your hedgehog’s cage. It should be large enough to hold enough food for your hedgehog, and made of a safe, non-toxic material. Choose a dish that’s easy to clean, and that won’t tip over easily.
Litter box
A litter box is a must-have for any hedgehog cage. It provides a designated area for your hedgehog to use the bathroom, and helps keep their cage clean and hygienic. When choosing a litter box, look for one that’s easy to clean, and made of a safe, non-toxic material.
So basically, having the right equipment for a hedgehog cage is essential to ensure that your pet is healthy and happy. A wheel, hide box, water bottle, food dish, and litter box are all items that every hedgehog owner should have. When choosing these items, it’s important to consider factors such as size, material, and type to ensure that you’re providing your hedgehog with the best possible environment.
2 Wheel
A wheel is an essential item for any hedgehog cage, providing your pet with exercise, entertainment, and a way to stay healthy and happy. When choosing a wheel, it’s important to consider three key factors: size, material, and type.
Size
The size of the wheel is crucial for your hedgehog’s health and comfort. A wheel that’s too small can cause injury to their spine, while a wheel that’s too big can be difficult for them to use. Look for a wheel that’s the right size for your hedgehog, typically around 12 inches in diameter.
Material
The material of the wheel is also important, as it affects the safety and comfort of your hedgehog. Choose a wheel that’s made of a safe, non-toxic material, such as solid plastic or metal. Avoid wheels made of mesh or wire, as they can cause injury to your hedgehog’s feet.
Type
Finally, consider the type of wheel you want for your hedgehog’s cage. There are many different types available, including traditional running wheels, silent wheels, and jogging wheels. Choose a type that’s easy for your hedgehog to use and that meets their needs.
So essentially, a wheel is a crucial item for any hedgehog cage. When choosing a wheel, consider factors such as size, material, and type to ensure that your hedgehog is healthy and happy.
3 Hide box
A hide box is an important item for any hedgehog cage, providing your pet with a place to retreat to when they want some privacy or a place to rest. When choosing a hide box, it’s important to consider three key factors: size, material, and type.
Size
The size of the hide box is crucial for your hedgehog’s comfort. It should be large enough for your hedgehog to comfortably fit inside, with enough room for them to turn around and stretch out. A hide box that’s too small can cause stress and discomfort for your hedgehog, so choose one that’s the right size for your pet.
Material
The material of the hide box is also important, as it affects the safety and comfort of your hedgehog. Choose a hide box that’s made of a safe, non-toxic material, such as solid plastic or wood. Avoid hide boxes made of mesh or wire, as they can cause injury to your hedgehog.
Type
Finally, consider the type of hide box you want for your hedgehog’s cage. There are many different types available, including traditional hide boxes, igloos, and huts. Choose a type that meets your hedgehog’s needs and fits your cage.
In short, a hide box is a crucial item for any hedgehog cage. When choosing a hide box, consider factors such as size, material, and type to ensure that your hedgehog is comfortable and happy.
4 Water bottle
A water bottle is a crucial item for any hedgehog cage, providing your pet with a constant source of fresh water and helping to keep their cage clean and hygienic. When choosing a water bottle, it’s important to consider three key factors: size, material, and type.
Size
The size of the water bottle is important, as it affects the amount of water your hedgehog has access to. Choose a water bottle that’s large enough to hold enough water for your hedgehog, but not so large that it takes up too much space in their cage.
Material
The material of the water bottle is also important, as it affects the safety and durability of the bottle. Choose a water bottle that’s made of a safe, non-toxic material, such as glass or stainless steel. Avoid water bottles made of plastic, as they can leach harmful chemicals into the water.
Type
Finally, consider the type of water bottle you want for your hedgehog’s cage. There are many different types available, including traditional water bottles, automatic waterers, and gravity feeders. Choose a type that’s easy for you to use and that meets your hedgehog’s needs.
So basically, a water bottle is a crucial item for any hedgehog cage. When choosing a water bottle, consider factors such as size, material, and type to ensure that your hedgehog has access to fresh, clean water.
5 Food dish
A food dish is an essential item for any hedgehog cage, providing your pet with a place to eat their meals and helping to keep their cage clean and hygienic. When choosing a food dish, it’s important to consider three key factors: size, material, and type.
Size
The size of the food dish is important, as it affects how much food your hedgehog has access to. Choose a dish that’s large enough to hold enough food for your hedgehog, but not so large that it takes up too much space in their cage.
Material
The material of the food dish is also important, as it affects the safety and durability of the dish. Choose a food dish that’s made of a safe, non-toxic material, such as ceramic or stainless steel. Avoid food dishes made of plastic, as they can leach harmful chemicals into the food.
Type
Finally, consider the type of food dish you want for your hedgehog’s cage. There are many different types available, including traditional food dishes, automatic feeders, and slow feeders. Choose a type that’s easy for you to use and that meets your hedgehog’s needs.
In summary, a food dish is a crucial item for any hedgehog cage. When choosing a food dish, consider factors such as size, material, and type to ensure that your hedgehog has access to fresh, clean food.
6 Litter box
A litter box is a crucial item for any hedgehog cage, providing your pet with a place to go to the bathroom and helping to keep their cage clean and hygienic. When choosing a litter box, it’s important to consider three key factors: size, material, and type.
Size
The size of the litter box is important, as it affects how much space your hedgehog has to use the bathroom. Choose a litter box that’s large enough for your hedgehog to comfortably use, but not so large that it takes up too much space in their cage.
Material
The material of the litter box is also important, as it affects the safety and durability of the box. Choose a litter box that’s made of a safe, non-toxic material, such as plastic or metal. Avoid litter boxes made of mesh or wire, as they can cause injury to your hedgehog’s feet.
Type
Finally, consider the type of litter box you want for your hedgehog’s cage. There are many different types available, including traditional litter boxes, corner litter boxes, and hooded litter boxes. Choose a type that meets your hedgehog’s needs and fits your cage.
As such, a litter box is a crucial item for any hedgehog cage. When choosing a litter box, consider factors such as size, material, and type to ensure that your hedgehog has a safe and comfortable place to go to the bathroom.
7 FAQ
Do hedgehogs need bedding in their cage?
Yes, hedgehogs need bedding in their cage. Providing a soft, comfortable bedding material for your hedgehog is important for their comfort and well-being. Bedding helps to insulate your hedgehog’s cage and provides a soft surface for them to rest and sleep on. It also helps to absorb any moisture and keeps the cage dry and hygienic.
When choosing bedding for your hedgehog’s cage, it’s important to choose a material that’s safe, non-toxic, and dust-free. Good options include aspen shavings, recycled paper bedding, or coconut coir. Avoid using cedar or pine shavings, as they contain oils that can be harmful to hedgehogs.
In conclusion, providing bedding in your hedgehog’s cage is important for their comfort and well-being. Choose a safe, non-toxic bedding material that’s appropriate for your pet.
What should I put on the bottom of my hedgehog cage?
The best material to put on the bottom of a hedgehog cage is bedding. Bedding provides a soft, comfortable surface for your hedgehog to rest and sleep on, and helps to absorb any moisture and keep the cage dry and hygienic.
When choosing bedding for your hedgehog’s cage, it’s important to choose a material that’s safe, non-toxic, and dust-free. Good options include aspen shavings, recycled paper bedding, or coconut coir. Avoid using cedar or pine shavings, as they contain oils that can be harmful to hedgehogs.
In conclusion, bedding is the best material to put on the bottom of a hedgehog cage. Choose a safe, non-toxic bedding material that’s appropriate for your pet.
What do I need to own a hedgehog?
To own a hedgehog, you will need a few essential items. These include:
Cage
A cage that’s large enough for your hedgehog to move around comfortably and that provides adequate ventilation.
Bedding
A soft, comfortable bedding material for your hedgehog to rest and sleep on.
Food and Water
A food dish and water bottle to provide your hedgehog with fresh food and water.
Litter Box
A litter box for your hedgehog to go to the bathroom.
Wheel
A wheel for your hedgehog to exercise on.
In conclusion, owning a hedgehog requires a few essential items to provide your pet with a safe and comfortable environment. Make sure you have a cage, bedding, food and water, a litter box, and a wheel before bringing a hedgehog home.
What kind of bedding does a hedgehog need?
A hedgehog needs a soft, comfortable bedding material that’s safe, non-toxic, and dust-free. Good options include aspen shavings, recycled paper bedding, or coconut coir. Avoid using cedar or pine shavings, as they contain oils that can be harmful to hedgehogs.
In conclusion, when choosing bedding for your hedgehog’s cage, it’s important to choose a material that’s safe, non-toxic, and dust-free. Good options include aspen shavings, recycled paper bedding, or coconut coir.
8 Conclusion
Lastly, providing the right environment for your hedgehog is key to their health and happiness. A wheel, hide box, water bottle, food dish, and litter box are all essential items that every hedgehog owner should have. Having the right equipment for a hedgehog cage is not only important for your pet’s comfort and well-being, but it also makes your life as an owner easier and more enjoyable. When choosing these items, consider factors such as size, material, and type to ensure that you’re providing your hedgehog with the best possible environment. With these essential items in place, you can be confident that your hedgehog will thrive in their cage and be a happy, healthy pet.
