[Linsoid]

So, I am hoping that this is nothing, but I am concerned about my boy's quill loss. He is losing between 4-10 a day. They are not coming out at any specific time, and not in any one specific spot. I have no idea of his age, and I was wondering if it would have anything to do with him getting older? His skin is a little bit dry, but is getting better quite quickly. Does anyone have any idea why this would have begun to happen? its been about a week now that he's been losing them.

 

[Nancy]

How old is he? Any stressful event in the last month?

 

[Linsoid]

I have no idea how old he is... and he were on vacation for a couple of weeks. His quill loss began at about the end of that trip, and continued when we got home.

 

[Nancy]

It could be stress related quill loss from you being on vacation. Regardless if he went with you or was in the care of someone else, his routine was different and that could cause it. Unless he is scratching like crazy, I'd just keep a watch on him.

 

[Linsoid]

So it has been awhile and i was hoping his quill loss would subside. Sadly, it has not. I have been giving him flaxseed oil and his skin is much much better. When i put him on a dark surface, there are very few if any flakes, and none have ever moved. He is also not scratching, so i am positive he does not have mites. He is however losing upwards of ten quills a day, and not at any specific time. His routine is the same as always, but every evening when we take him out, there are numerous loose quills in his hedgebag, and he loses more while being out and about. Due to the lack of knowledge about his age, i was curious to know if they lose quills as they age? and at approximately what age the second quilling occurred? I know he is full grown, so i wanted to know if they would be full grown at the second quill loss? Im asking a lot of questions, i know.. haha. Just paranoid!

 

[Linsoid]

Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[Immortalia]

Are there any bald spots?
Is his quill coat looking sparse?

 

[Linsoid]

No bald spots.. and not particularly sparse... Just loosing upwards of 12 quills daily.

 

[LizardGirl]

I don't have any explanation, but just wanted to let you know that it seems to be a common problem in hedgies. Many people ask about why their hedgie is losing quills and can't understand why.

Inky will be 3 in a few months, and for the past year he has been losing quills. Some months he loses more than others, but on average 3-5 a night. I think it's added up to a staggering 1,300+ total by now, from this unnatural quilling. He has no bald spots (though occasionally his quills look a bit thin, but never sparse or balding), skin rarely gets dry, and isn't scratching or has any buildup/fungus anywhere. I haven't tried any medication for him other than giving flax oil on a consistent basis. The only reason for that is because it hasn't gotten to a balding state. I really have no clue why he does this. Just thought I'd share my story though.

 

[Linsoid]

well that makes me feel a little bit more at ease. I will just have to watch where i step or sit more often! haha