They are small, but they have very long legs enabling them to run very fast. The African Pygmy hedgehog will be able to cover many miles every night and because of this, your hedgehog will need at least a 24 by 24-foot enclosure or 15 gallon tank that includes a wheel. Along with a wheel, there should be a litter box, food bowl, water bowl, sleeping bag, and hut for the hedgehog to burry under.
When you are a new owner for a hedgehog, do not have something inside the cage that will make it more difficult for you to handle your animal. This would include a ledge for food bowls to be stored on.
Wired Cages
Wired cages are recommended with a solid bottom. If your hedgehog tends to climb up the sides, you will have to align the bottom with a plastic material to prevent future injuries to your hedgehog. A possible injury would be that your hedgehog will entangle the legs in the wires, causing them to break. A wire cage with a deep pan will help prevent spider-hedgehog. Wired cages are also very nice for ventilation.
· Lexan – a clear material found at most home improvement stores that can easily be cut with tin snips. You can then shape and mold it to fit the cage.
· Plexiglas and acrylic – a very durable, clear material but it can be difficult to cut and is expensive.
· Chloroplast – a material that is usually made for signs that is found next to the poster boards in most stores. This material may cause less visibility to your hedgehog.
Plastic Storage Containers
You have the option of using a plastic storage container however majority of the containers are smaller than the recommended size. You the option of connecting the containers together to create a larger habitat and works well if you have the creativity and space. If you choose this container you will either keep it on the ground or up high and have to move it when you clean the cage or want to get the hedgehog out. If you keep it on the ground, then the animal is exposed to any other animals you may have in your household. These containers make it difficult to add any heat sources for the animal.
Glass Aquariums
Now I know what your thinking. Glass aquariums are meant for fish, right? This is not always the case because I had got a very large glass aquarium for my bunnies. They are an option but cleaning them is very difficult and moving is also very difficult both because of the weight. If you do choose for a glass aquarium, you will more than likely have to keep it on the ground, so cleaning will involve you being bent over uncomfortable glass. The ground also exposes the animal to any other animals you may have in your household. These containers make it difficult to add any heat sources for the animal.
Wading Pools
A child’s wading pool is another option that allows for the hedgehog to have a lot of space to roam. You have to prevent from the animal escaping by putting a barrier around the pool. This could be a plastic fencing that won’t allow your hedgehog to slip through. The pool will most likely be on the ground and will also take up more space than a wired cage, plastic bin, or glass aquarium. The type of containment will also help keep out other household pets from getting to your hedgehog, but it is not always a guarantee. A larger animal could jump on the fence, causing it to fall and harm your hedgehog and other animal.
Building Your Own Enclosure
There is of course the option to build an entirely new cage on your own if you feel like that is in your best interest. Just be sure to account for ventilation, heat, cleaning, and safety for both you and your hedgehog.
I am in the process of building my own enclosure, so I will post it once I have finished the project. Stay tuned.
Multi-Level Cages
If you are unsure of what I am talking about, these cages are mostly used for ferrets or sugar gliders. Hedgehogs are able to climb but have very bad eyesight, making them a bit clumsier than you or I. Think of a dog trying to climb a tree except hedgehogs are much less capable. Hedgehogs legs are not proportionate to their body for climbing. Their legs are meant to run at fast speeds rather than climb. If a hedgehog falls, they will curl into a ball and free fall. Their spines will help protect them against the fall, but they are still capable of injuries. If this is your only option, then I recommend you cover the ramps with an all-purpose carpet to prevent slipping and falling. The bottom of the cage should be covered with several inches of shock absorbing bedding.
Cage Placement
Cages are to be placed in a warm environment between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit or 21-27 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is any lower than 70-65 degrees, the hedgehog will attempt a false hibernation that is very deadly. It is not recommended the cage be placed in a loud environment but will still need to be placed where there are household activities. Do not place the cage in direct sunlight or in a room that has a draft.
Cage Cleaning
· A dirty cage will cause a buildup of bacteria, causing or increasing the risk of respiratory or skin infections.
· I recommend cleaning the cage once every week.
· If you choose a different type of bedding, then the amount you clean your cage will vary.
· You will need to wash the plastic bottom with every cleaning because the plastic can absorb odor.
Cleaning Products
· You can clean the cage with hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar. These products have been reported to kill more bacteria than other brands and is safer than bleach. The solution is able to eliminate odors and is non-toxic. The two liquids should not be premixed. Apply the hydrogen peroxide to the plastic and then the white vinegar separately while the hydrogen peroxide is still wet.
· Another option for cleaning would be to use baby wipes or Natures Miracle Cage Wipes. Do not use chemicals such as bleach, 409, etc. because the chemicals can seep into the plastic materials. This can cause health problems in the animals. Clean your tub with bleach or 409 and stick your head into the tub and breath in. You may start to cough or sneeze, now imagine how the hedgehog's sensitive nose will react to those chemicals.