[melalpine]

Hello there!
I am about to get a hedgehog as a graduation gift. I put in my time and research, looked over the proper diet, and I'm now getting all the essential supplies for my new critter. Although, I am still confused on some things. It would be greatly appreciated if someone can answer these questions for me.

General Questions:

1. How often should I bathe my hedgehog? I plan for my hedgehog to be a baby (or at least the right age to be brought home), and I am still unsure of this.
2. I am aware of quilling and all the things that come with it. How should I go about bathing my hedgehog? I have an Aveeno baby bath with natural oats for the process. Is that a quintessential brand?
3. I have other pets, such as four dogs. I don't plan to let them ever interact, but they bark a lot. Will this harm my hedgehog in the long run?

That is all I have to ask. I really hope someone can answer these questions for me.

 

[ChloëMali]

1. You shouldn't bathe your hedgehog more than once a month (and even that is often). Baths are drying to hedgehog's skin, so really just try to bathe him or her when they're dirty. Foot baths are fine, though, and sometimes pretty necessary. My hedgehog needs a foot bath every time I clip his nails because otherwise I can't see his nails.
2. A lot of people use Aveeno. I personally haven't, so I'll wait for someone else to answer. I do know that oatmeal baths are suppose to help with the quilling.
3. My house tends to be very, very loud, but my hedgehog doesn't seem to mind. I keep the door to my room closed, and my room is the quietest place in the house. I'd say keep him in the quietest place possible, and it should probably be okay. That's just my opinion, though.

 

[Spiky_Floof<3]

1. You only need to bathe your hedgehog when she has anointed with something gross, was outside in the dirt, or is just really dirty.
2. Same here, if she has dry skin, you can try an oatmeal bath, also I think I use this brand so you're good to go I would say.
3. I also have a dog and my hedgehog pretty much ignores him.
Good luck!

 

[melalpine]

1. You only need to bathe your hedgehog when she has anointed with something gross, was outside in the dirt, or is just really dirty.
2. Same here, if she has dry skin, you can try an oatmeal bath, also I think I use this brand so you're good to go I would say.
3. I also have a dog and my hedgehog pretty much ignores him.
Good luck!

Thank you!

 

[melalpine]

1. You only need to bathe your hedgehog when she has anointed with something gross, was outside in the dirt, or is just really dirty.
2. Same here, if she has dry skin, you can try an oatmeal bath, also I think I use this brand so you're good to go I would say.
3. I also have a dog and my hedgehog pretty much ignores him.
Good luck!

Thank you!

 

[Ria]

2. Aveeno baby wash using oats it perfectly okay as a lot use it.
But Holly's skin always became more dry after using it so I don't use it. Instead I get normal oats and run warm water through them ill the water looks milky- this is basically making colloidal oats - and then I mix in 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. The colloidal oats with Castile soap works good to. Always rinse throughly after leaving as like with any pet and yourself.

3. Hedgehogs are good at adapting, getting used to the sounds around them.
If the breeder/place you are getting your baby is quiet then your new hog may be jumpy about it to start with, but will get used to the noise.

Just another tip, I know you didn't ask but it may be helpful. Using coconut oil - you need to make sure its melted, and high quality salmon oil, this will help while your new baby is quilling and to keep their skin nice and not get so dry.
I use coconut oil when I am cooking her fresh meat or eggs.
I don't use salmon oil, I actually use fresh (not frozen, processed extra) weekly for us humans, so what I do is give a small bit like 4-5g of salmon to Holly (I also do give some to my dog as its great for them to). Fresh salmon weekly is easier than finding high quality salmon oil.

Brushing the quills with a dry tooth brush every few days helps to remove the dead skin - a bit like brushing a dog helps remove loose fur and dead skin. Anyway this will help your hog, if you start young they will get used to it easier Holly actually really enjoys her brushing!
I think that people think their hog has dry skin, when its highly possible the flakes they see is just dead skin.

 

[melalpine]

2. Aveeno baby wash using oats it perfectly okay as a lot use it.
But Holly's skin always became more dry after using it so I don't use it. Instead I get normal oats and run warm water through them ill the water looks milky- this is basically making colloidal oats - and then I mix in 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. The colloidal oats with Castile soap works good to. Always rinse throughly after leaving as like with any pet and yourself.

3. Hedgehogs are good at adapting, getting used to the sounds around them.
If the breeder/place you are getting your baby is quiet then your new hog may be jumpy about it to start with, but will get used to the noise.

Just another tip, I know you didn't ask but it may be helpful. Using coconut oil - you need to make sure its melted, and high quality salmon oil, this will help while your new baby is quilling and to keep their skin nice and not get so dry.
I use coconut oil when I am cooking her fresh meat or eggs.
I don't use salmon oil, I actually use fresh (not frozen, processed extra) weekly for us humans, so what I do is give a small bit like 4-5g of salmon to Holly (I also do give some to my dog as its great for them to). Fresh salmon weekly is easier than finding high quality salmon oil.

Brushing the quills with a dry tooth brush every few days helps to remove the dead skin - a bit like brushing a dog helps remove loose fur and dead skin. Anyway this will help your hog, if you start young they will get used to it easier Holly actually really enjoys her brushing!
I think that people think their hog has dry skin, when its highly possible the flakes they see is just dead skin.

Thank you!