Down Sizing the Cage? Any suggestions?

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?

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