Kaytee run about ball

[desireedion]

Hi does anyone have a large kaytee run about ball I purchased one for my hedgehog want to get a slightly smaller-sized one cause she has trouble moveing it so I was planning to return the original one that I purchased however I for the life of me I cannot get it open and I have to return it in the original packaging dismantled does anyone have any tips for getting it to open into two pieces again?!?!

[Emc]

Exercise balls are not recommended for hedgehogs, or really any animal at that. They have poor ventilation, and the ventiliation strips that they do have pose a risk to tiny toes and nails and there have been many instances where toes have been broken and nails have been ripped off. Furthermore, hedgehogs have very bad eyesight and explore via touch and smell; neither of which they can really experience in a ball, and so it creates a very disorienting experience for them and provides zero enrichment. Your hedgehog needs access to a hedgehog-proof room for adequate exercise; a plastic ball is not appropriate.

All that aside, the only size ball that would be big enough (again, its not suitable at all - but im specifically talking about size here) is the large one. Anything smaller and you're going to hurt their back. She has trouble using it likely because shes confused and doesnt want to move it. I dont have any advice for how to take them apart, but I would seriously advise that you please stop using them for your hedgehog.