Need advice

[kriskayakgirl]

There were two hedgehogs for sale that I had purchased because I was very interested I have own sugar gliders and other smaller animals I have many pets but the problem is the person I had gotten to hedgehogs from didn't know anything about them she neglected them they smell like pure piss they were male and female but I think she got them mixed up so now I'm having a hard time telling which one's which the other thing I'm having an issue with the cage she gave me is not a suitable cage for a hedgehog what kind of cage is best for them I am actually surprised that these two hedgehogs aren't dead from the way that this lady kept them the cage was destroyed there were feces all over it it was discussed in their beds that they slept in were covered in urine she didn't take care of them so now I'm having to teach two older hedgehogs everything all over again so if I could get some advice without a lecture that would be awesome because I'm actually just trying to rescue to hedgehogs please and thank you

[shinydistraction]

I would start by reading the stickies under each forum topic. It sounds like you're new to hedgehogs and those cover the basics pretty thoroughly. If you're having trouble finding them I can link them here.

Are they living in the same cage? If they are, you'll want to separate them as soon as possible. If they are for sure male and female, you'll have to treat the female as if she's pregnant. Don't worry, there's a sticky on what to do for a pregnant female too. The way to tell if the hedgehog is male is you'll see what looks like an outie belly button (that's his penis) about the middle of his tummy. A female will have her vagina very close to her tail.

Have you had a chance to clean them up? Given the condition they were in when you got them, it would be a good idea to make a vet appointment to get them checked over to see if there are any health issues that need addressed.

What kind of food do you have for them? Did you happen to get any of what they were eating with the previous owner? It's easiest on their tummies to be switched over to new foods slowly, but if that's not possible, that's ok. You may see some green poo for a bit, but hopefully you'll find something they're willing to eat easily.

You'll also need a heat source. Most prefer a ceramic heat emitter paired with a thermostat to control the temperature. You'll also need a thermometer so you can tell what the temperature is at in the cage. Space heaters are also popular. You'll still need a thermostat and thermometer if you go that route. Either way is fine, you'll just have to decide what will work best for you.

Beyond getting them cleaned up and healthy in new appropriate homes, the biggest thing you'll need is patience. Tons of it. Sounds like they have had it rough and bonding with a hedgehog can be difficult in the best of circumstances. But we're here to help with any questions you have along the way.

[kriskayakgirl]

They are eating Purina Cat food right now it's one of the more expensive ones they are in a two Decker cage and one is on top one is on the bottom they are both very friendly one of them is just on the shy side I have given them a bath but that smell is still there so I don't know what is best to give them a bath in I've read that like Dawn dish soap is good or a gentle baby soap or a gentle Pet Shampoo work I have them separated but I don't think she did because they constantly keep finding ways to get into each other's cage because the cage has holes that vacant move the cardboard that's in the bottom of their cage to get to the other side of the cage I need to get another cage for them

[nikki]

Don't use any kind of dish soap, hedgehogs are prone to dry skin and dish soap will strip the natural oils from their skin. Aveeno baby wash is good, its unscented and gentle.

It's good you're getting a new cage, if she has babies and the male gets in with her he will kill the babies. Please try to get a new cage ASAP.

[shinydistraction]

Sounds like you need a new home for them for sure then. They need to be entirely escape proof. Otherwise you'll end up with more than two hedgehogs.

https://www.hedgehogcentral.com/forum...ories-faq.html

For bathing, Aveeno oatmeal baby wash is popular. Most other soaps are too drying and hedgehogs already have dry skin issues. Warm water if often enough, and once they're clean you shouldn't need to do more than a foot bath regularly. Bathe as needed, which should be infrequently, again, because of dry skin issues.

As far as food, Purina...isn't great. Some of their formulas are better than others, but largely it's not a great food. If that's the highest quality you have available to you, then it's ok. It won't kill them, and probably won't make them ill. But if a higher quality is available, I would go with that.

Here's a sticky on nutrition to help you get started:

https://www.hedgehogcentral.com/forum...nutrition.html

[Artemis-Ichiro]

Thanks for rescuing them!