how long is too long?

[jeffs0719]

I know the concensus seems to be have our spikey friends are out for 30mins to an hour every day. My question is how long can we keep them out as in a max time limit.

[shaelikestaquitos]

I've had Kashi out for 3 hours or so... but no more than that. Just think about it this way: How many hours of uninterrupted sleep would you like? Obviously if you're taking your hog out every couple of hours or something, or not letting them sleep by taking them with you everywhere you go, it might pose problems... but if it's at night for a few hours, I don't see why not

[Kalandra]

Depends on the hedgehog. Mine are out for at least 2 hours daily with me. I've had some that were quite content to sleep on me for much longer periods of time. When they wanted back to their cage, they made it known. Just don't force them to be awake when they just want to sleep.

[jeffs0719]

I've looked at it from that point of view before. I was just curious if it depending on the hog or if there is a set time but thank you for the response. Its just I have a day off. And I've had jez on my bed for 2 hours he hasn't really moved he's just napping away. What would be sings they want to go back to there cage?

[jeffs0719]

Hahaha not quite sure what id do w\o this forum :P

[shaelikestaquitos]

Kashi gets antsy when he wants to go back into his cage (usually it's because he needs to pee!). He is usually mellow, but when he wants to go back, he will be restless and keep trying to run away, etc.

[silvercat]

IMO depends on the hedgie & your set up. I'll have Annabell out anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple hours. That said my living room is hedgie proofed, with a litter box, hidey hut & water bowl always available.

[Kendra]

Luna is just a baby still, but she usually shows me she wants to go back in her cage because she'll climb in my sweater pocket or up my sleeve to try to sleep. Usually when she gets huffy or cranky I'll put her back and let her sleep until she wakes up and wants to play again.

[hanhan27]

Antsiness is a big sign of them wanting to be in their cage, but make sure you don't reward bad behavior with being put back in the cage or hedgie will associate being naughty with being left alone. Which can definitely result in your hog biting or being extra 'grumpy' when out with you.

Honestly, some days my hog is a total turd bucket and makes it clear that she doesn't want to be by me from the moment I take her out. I say, too bad for her. But those are the days that she's only out with me for 30-45 minutes rather than 1-2 hours lol.

[GoodandPlenty]

In her late afternoon field trip, Sophie only wants to sleep. I keep her out 1 1/2 - 2 hours and let her sleep in two or three spots: e.g., behind my head in my office chair; between my legs in the office chair if I'm still working.

In her night outing it's go, go, go. I give her an hour because I want to keep her play area time fresh and lively. She goes non-stop, but she probably has also learned that she's on the clock and should make the most of it. I would have no problem extending the night outing another half hour or so, but would want to keep play area time as 'special' in her mind.

She has a large, safe play area, and I move her wheel there during that time. Plus, she has a nice 'road course' and she has a blast screaming around the obstacles.