[Litch]

I got the thought when a friend built a spider cage but I dont plan on doing it, just something Ive been wondering over the last few months.

What would be a good natural cage setup for a hedgehog? Some grass, sticks, a few stones, an area of dirt they can dig into for a hole? How "efficient" would it be at breaking down hedgehog waste?

Its just a thought thats been in my mind.

 

[Lilysmommy]

No, it wouldn't. It's too cold outside for hedgehogs, unless you live in a place where it ALWAYS stays about 74, even in the middle of the night. Also, it seems more likely that your hedgehog will get mites or something else to make it sick.

 

[silvercat]

I've seen on some webpages outdoor Hedgie setups. These set ups are for European hedgies though. Since our guys need a warmer temperature and there's question regarding the amount of instinctual defenses they have (defense against predators particularly), an outdoor set up would not be ideal. That said, if you wanted to an 'outdoor' indoor, I'm sure you could. While fleece liners are generally pref on here, there are some owners who have more natural settings with wood/sand/water/rocks/etc. I forget who it is but I know one owner has a gorgeous set up that actually doubles as his coffee table.

 

[LizardGirl]

I think Litch might have meant "natural" more than "outdoor" housing, but the concerns are still the same. It's much easier to keep an eye on health and avoid other issues by using sanitary, easy to clean things like liners and dishes and such.

 

[amanda]

I considered adding dirt to a play area inside a cage I built and growing some organic pet grass, but I got really busy with other things so I never got around to it. If you were worried about mites or issues with bugs you could always bake your dirt at 200 degrees (F) for a while... I forget how long. I have to do this when I prepare laying bins for my chameleons. If you are interested in setting something like this up, I will find the exact temps and times. I have plans that are drawn out and everything. It included a fleece side with her igloo and sleep sack, some transition rocks to help keep dirt off of the fleece, and a small grass section. Not for an outside cage, but an inside one that would be much more natural. It would leave all her amenities she loves like her igloo, food and water dishes, and her wheel, just a little more of a controlled natural environment versus a cage. BUT right now I enjoy making fleece liners because they are super cute and I can make everything match!

 

[krbshappy71]

I like the idea of making a more natural habitat, but my turtle has this and I am going to remove the bark from her area as its getting EVERYWHERE. Down into the heating vent, in her water and food, just everywhere so I'm actually going to switch my turtle to fleece like the hedgehogs, ha!! (I will leave the other natural decorative things in there, though)

Maybe I'll add some natural decorations (washing them first) to the hedgie homes. I love this site, always lots to think of and be creative with the suggestions and questions from other people.