Many people grow hedgehogs as opposed to cute, as well as unusual. However, these hedgehogs require specific management standards.
What is a hedgehog?
Hedgehogs are special small animals, mainly insect stocks and can live on average for 4-7 years when breeding. The hedgehog has a timid character, but it can distinguish the owner's voice from his appearance. It is possible to communicate with each other through proper training. Hedgehogs originated in Africa, Asia, Europe and New Zealand are popular as pets.
The hedgehog is covered with small thorns, and when you are afraid, you make yourself like a ball. And because it is nocturnal, it shows activity after sunrise. For this reason, those who plan to raise hedgehogs should consider sleep disturbances, one of the shortcomings of hedgehogs. And the hedgehog needs to keep the temperature warm.
Pet Hedgehog Management Act
1. Cage
Hedgehogs are life forms that love to be alone. Therefore, if you have only two males or two females, you have to breed them because they fight. And because it is very active, it needs enough space to move. And the bottom of the cage should be firm because of the opportunity to escape at any time. And iron cages should be avoided so that hedgehog feet are not hurt. It is also important to keep bedding made of newspaper or paper in the cage. Wood and other materials are not recommended because they can not be eaten and digested and may lead to gastrointestinal obstruction. Also, a small box should be placed in the cage to provide space for hiding or sleeping during the day.
2. Toys and exercise
Exercise is important for hedgehogs. Wild hedgehogs do a fair amount of exercise while digging the ground. Therefore, it is good to put the cardboard in the cage to imitate it. In addition, 'cage furniture' such as lamps, ladders, tunnels, etc. should be provided so that the hedgehog can receive mental stimulation. Toys made for cats and pet birds to chew are also good materials. Because the hedgehog can move about 8km overnight, exercise wheels are also needed. If you do not exercise enough, you will fall into depression, become overweight, and have pain in your feet.
Proper feeding
In order to give the hedgehog a balanced diet, it is best to provide crickets and wheat worms that are commonly eaten in the wild. These foods are readily available at specialty reptile stores. You can also add about 1/2 teaspoon of cat food to hedgehog food. It is also necessary to feed granular feeds that make the hedgehog special. In addition, small amounts of vegetables and fruits such as soy, corn, and apples should be fed. Hedgehogs like to eat live food but should not provide large numbers of live insects at once. This can lead to nutritional imbalances and can be overweight.
A bowl made of ceramic material is suitable because the weight of the porcupine can spoil the rice bowl. Ceramic materials are easy to clean and easily scratched. Hedgehogs have a longer tongue than they think, so it is better to avoid water bottles.
Health of hedgehog
Like most small mammals, hedgehogs can move to fleas. And it is vulnerable to diarrhea, parasites and pneumonia. So if a pet hedgehog looks sick, you should immediately take it to the vet. The following are susceptible diseases to hedgehogs.
1. Respiratory system disease: The lungs of the hedgehog are sensitive and easily damaged by ammonia. Therefore, exposure to high levels of ammonia can lead to pneumonia.
2. Oral diseases: Hedgehogs can also cause oral diseases such as calculus, tooth decay, and gum infection. Symptoms of oral disease include toothache and loss of appetite. It is recommended that a complete oral examination, sometimes anesthetic, is performed to prevent oral disease. Some owners may brush their teeth with a small toothbrush and special toothpaste.
3. Hedgehog Syndrome: This is a neurological disorder that develops as a nerve injury. It is a progressive disease that starts from back to front. Symptoms include nervous system degeneration and affect balance. The disease is considered a genetic disorder and affects about 10% of pet hedgehogs. Unfortunately, the cure for this symptom is not yet known.
