[Hollierae]

Im trying to find the "Perfect" cage. I have had my hedgie for a few weeks now, and im discovering that her huge cage is a pain in the butt to clean, or even move for that matter! :shock:
It's a Super Pet Rabbit/Guinea Pig cage, The Extra Large size. I got it from a friend that gave it too me... it's a little beat up also, but i thought it would do the job.. and it does, but man it's a pain. I have looked through the forums and just can't find anything.. I really would like something that's smaller, but still gives her plenty of room. She doesn't even use half of the cage she's in right now lol

I seen these cages at the pet shop a couple weeks ago, Peruess Pet's- the only pet shop ill go to around here.. there amazing! but they had these cages that weren't very tall... The hedge hogs that were in them looked super happy and looked like they had plenty of enough room.. No clue what they were called tho, bummer.

Also what is your take on Flying Saucer wheels? I have a wheel in with my little girl but she won't even touch it.. i've tried putting her on it and "helping" but she just looks at me like Im crazy


The picture is the kind of Cage she's in, but Extra large and a little different.

 

[SnufflePuff]

It seems to me like the cage size is actually quite appropriate for your hedgehog. Hedgehogs need lots of room to run around so the bigger the cage the better.

How do you know she is only using half the cage?

What kind of bedding are you using? If you're using shavings I can see why cleaning would be a pain. Is there any particular reason why cleaning the cage is so difficult?

I use fabric liners, and my cage is fairly large and I don't have any issues with cleaning, in fact it's super easy.

Here's a pic of my cages: http://hedgehogcentral.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1860&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=100 just scroll down until you see the pink and blue themed cages.

As for the flying saucer wheels, they are acceptable wheels. The only concern would be joint issues caused from the legs crossing over when hedgehogs run. That being said, some people on here still use them.

What kind of wheel do you currently have in your cage?

 

[Hollierae]

Im using Shavings as of right now, i am planning on Switching to Fleece liners as soon as i can...not only would it be easier to clean, but they look so darn CUTE! I was trying to keep as much of her cage the same as the person who had her.. She's coming along great now and has been out more during the day and night, eating VERY well... So maybe she will start using the whole cage.. I started thinking.. and i think when i got her the person didn't even wean her from her mom.. because all the babies were in with her- I guess i was so excited it just slipped my mind.

Right now the wheel i have in with her is like a tub, no holes or anything... I had originally gotten it for my rat.. but the whole 4 years i had her she never even used it(guess she thought she was to smart to run in one)

And by the way.. your cages are adorable

 

[SnufflePuff]

I think once you switch to liners it will be a lot easier to clean.

You could definitely make your own C&C cage like I did and make it the size you prefer if you wanted too.

I also absolutely love this cage: http://www.midwesthomes4pets.com/category/default.aspx?maincatid=27&subcat=4&submenu=0&catid=142

I got it for my 3rd hedgehog Oakley. The only downside is that because it's so wide open you need 2 x 150W ceramic heat emitters to keep it warm. The sides may also be too low for some hedgehogs (Oakley's tiny) but it's something to consider.

I forgot to ask what kind of heating system do you have set up? Your cage is pretty big also and would definitely need at least one 150W ceramic heat emitter to keep warm. A lot of people don't realize hedgehogs need to be kept at a constant 76-78F so I always make sure to bring it up with new people. Here's some more information about heating: http://hedgehogcentral.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4579

It sounds like you have a bucket wheel. Does it look something like this?

These are safe wheels for hedgehogs but if yours isn't using it you could always put a flying saucer into the cage as well (they don't take up a lot of room). Or you could sprinkle some flour on the current wheel you have and check for pawprints. Maybe your hedgie is using it and is just very clean.

Thanks for the cage compliments. Check out the classified section of this board to find people who make custom liners if you're interested. Nancy made all of mine and I love them

 

[Hollierae]

As of right now we are heating out house with Wood, and it stays at about 80 to 85.. and i keep a heating pad on low/medium where she sleeps just in case... When we stop heating with the wood stove i have a small space heater i use to heat my room, my room isn't very big at all so it's stays very warm... I HATE cold.. So my hedgehog and i get along perfect

As for the wheel it's basically the same thing, she may be using it and i just don't hear her... Although she is pretty loud when she's out running around, she's always scratching or you can hear her running all over and just doing whatever she does when no ones looking! lol

Im definitely gonna switch to the liners, i think the cage will be alot easier to clean that way...

 

[hedgielover]

If your cage does not open at the top (adding to cleaning difficulty) PM Nancy I believe she has a way to fix it that she would probably give you directions for.

Also I just wanted to say that liners are so much easier to clean than shavings. I have mice, budgies and a hedgehog and the hedgehog cage is definitely the easiest to clean.

Last night was cleaning night, Quigley went in his playpen. I took the dirtly liner out, shook out the loose dirt and used a tissue to pick of the stuck on stuff. Used my dustbuster to pick up all the loose crumbs and dirt from the bottom of the cage. Finally I used a rag to wipe it out with vinegar and then wiped it again with just water. That was a full clean. Took 15 minutes tops. It only happens, maybe ... once a week, if that. Other days I just spot clean by picking the poop off the liners or changing the liner without wiping out the bin.

 

[LizardGirl]

I've used that cage before and I don't think you should downsize. That cage is a good size (it's not huge, you don't have much room at all to "downsize") and anything smaller is likely to be too small.

I agree if you switch to liners and maybe modify the lid that you'd be fine sticking with that one.

 

[mel2626]

I'd stick with the cage too. It's about the size of the one we have for our new baby. The one we have for our other hedgie is even bigger and I love it! It may seem too big but I'd rather they have more room than they need than too little. Plus you never know what she's doing at night! Once you have the wheel, litter box, hidey hut or bag, food and water dish, and toys there shouldn't be much room left in there. I've also added little tubes and both hedgies love to crawl through them or over them. They are like these (minus the fuzzy bedding of course) http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=14596 and come in a few sizes. Using liners will make a HUGE difference for cleaning so I'm glad you've decided on them as well. If you aren't sure that she's using the wheel, some people have mentioned dusting a bit of flour on it before you go to bed and then look for any footprints etc. in the morning. You can also try luring them onto the wheel with their favorite treat just to get her used to going on it.
Best of luck to you!
~Melissa

 

[Hollierae]

Just wanted to say i actually picked up a cage today- found it on craigslist for 20 bucks so i said what the heck. I think she really likes it!!.. She's been out playing for quite awhile- It's a Marchino? Type hutch... It actually pretty good sized, Im gonna add a loft as soon as i get they stuff to do it

I also switched over to Fleece Liners.. they are a ton easier!!!.. and i don't have bedding all over my floor now!

 

[tie-dye hedgie]

Do you have any pics of her new cage? Sounds like a great home!

 

[Hollierae]

I don't have pictures "Yet". I went and go my camera out last night to take a couple, and it died. :|
So as soon as it charges ill get some and post them!.. I really do think she likes it, She seems happier.