[Henrolls]

Hello,

So recently I have been thinking of adding another addition to my hedgehogs cage. I was thinking about the possibility of having a sort of room filled with sand. I thought I read somewhere that hedgehogs like sand, although I had not heard to much about it. Any thoughts about the safety of it?

I was also possibly thinking of making a room with a grass area instead of sand, (or a combination of both) however I don't know how grass would do with just indoor lighting. Anyone who has had any experience it trying to make a natural habitat for their hedgie feel free to share any info.

Most of this is just conceptual thought, however I think it could be a cool idea for a cage addition.


James

 

[LarryT]

Sand is not good to use

 

[silvercat]

Sand is not good to use

I'm actually curious about this too. What's the reason it's not good?

 

[Lilysmommy]

I know sand can be made safe (from parasites, etc.) by baking it, but if a hedgehog were to pee in it, and it got wet, it could easily get stuck to private parts.

I think the grassy area could be a good idea though, someone else mentioned doing that too.

 

[ILOVElily]

My guess is that it could stick to any damp/moist parts of their body like their nose and their parts after urinating, and mostly their eyes and it would be bothersome and unsafe. also i don't know if this is even that possible but could they breathe it or eat it? I don't know...

 

[Hedgieonboard]

I agree about the sand not being safe for the same reasons listed above. I have been working on plans for an indoor grass area though. Im thinking of growing in a long shallow plastic tote like the ones that fit under the bed. I will have to steralize the dirt. Theres only a few more things Im trying to iron out about what kinda grass I want to use and I have to make sure that what I choose is 100% safe. Im also trying to figure out the best way to pack the dirt in so that if my hedgie is playing the dirt isn't going to be airborne.

 

[LarryT]

Sand is not good to use

I'm actually curious about this too. What's the reason it's not good?

As everyone else has stated it will get stuck in body parts,private areas,eyes,ears,nose etc..,

 

[LizardGirl]

Larry is right, it's easily inhaled if it's very fine, drys out skin, gets in the nose, can get stuck in male/female areas, etc.

 

[krbshappy71]

Use grow-lights for your indoor lighting.

 

[Hedgieonboard]

ty for the lighting idea, I had forgotten all about the lighting and its one of the important points