[Argentra]

Hello to all. I found this forum just yesterday while searching the endless web and just had to join!

I have cared for hedgies before, at the zoo I once worked at, but never owned one before now. Actually, I co-own her with my neighbor and best friend since he had the room and time and I have the know-how and insects. She is a rescued/adopted female, supposedly around 2 years old, that we have named 'Koosh'. She is a super cutie, but there are a few things we wonder about...

First off, she seems rather undersized to us both. We know from her former owner that she had had a cage mate (who apparently was more loved) who got the Hogs share of the food. That friend died from accidental injury a while back, so it was told.
Second, we aren't exactly sure what to feed her. A breeder of Af. hedgies I spoke with recently told me that she sounded a bit underweight and to give her more protein (she had been fed almost solely on Hedgehog food from Petsmart), but after looking at the various lists and care sheets here, I'm now confused on what we should be giving her.

I will see about getting some pictures up soon so you can see her, but does anyone have any pre-pic advice?

 

[Immortalia]

Congrats on the new hedgie!!! And welcome to HHC ^_^

For food, definitely pick 2-3 quality cat foods off of Reaper's list in the diet and nutrition forum. Right now, that seems to be the best way to go about it. The most popular choices are Wellness, Natural Balance, Frommes, Chicken Soup for the cat lover, Blue Spa Select, just to name a few.

Also, as long as her body shape is either ( ) or | | and not ) ( she should be ok. I would suggest getting a small kitchen scale(I got mine for like $14CAN at Walmart) and weigh her every few days to see how her weight is.

 

[Argentra]

Thanks for the reply and welcome.

Her shape is rather more straight, just not as nice and rounded as most hedgies. I know I can get some Wellness, but not too sure about the other top brands. We'll see what we can find for her. Currently she devourers mealworms as though they were going out of style, so I know she's wanting some protein and better food than what she got.

The scale is no problem at all. Not only do I own 8 snakes (so I have a good digital scale), but my dear co-owner is a chef. Where might I find a chart or list of proper hedgie weights? I'm used to snake weights myself.

Thanks again for the advice. If anyone else has some, please share!

 

[Immortalia]

There's actually no "set" weights for hedgies, as they can range from 300g to over 600g as an adult. The scale is more to keep an eye on the maintaining of weight, and to know whether they "suddenly" lose or gain weight.

Sounds like it IS possible she's a runner type hedgie, who just runs so much that you don't get much of a "teardrop". As long as her sides aren't sunken in, and she's eating well, it doesn't seem like there is much to worry about.

Definitely check out Reaper's cat food list for others, I just quickly listed a few. I'm sure you'll find some of the others more readily than some.

And it'll be good to check out the stickies throughout the forum, as they have lots of information. And if you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

 

[Nancy]

Adults can range from low 200g to over 1000g. Runners are slim and trim but their bodies should not be concave at the sides.

 

[Argentra]

Got it. She is certainly a runner, since she adores her wheel. We shall keep an eye on her and check out the lists for good foods to switch her to.

Thanks for the advice! Keep it up, we need the help.