[depricated]

Just got my new hedgie home, set up his cage, and he's running around in it now getting familiar with it. But he keeps stopping to scratch, like a cat with fleas. He'll stop and use a hind leg to scratch his side. I didn't notice this behavior at the breeder, and he hasn't been with any other animals since I picked him out(or outside except for in a cloth carrier)

Is that just a normal behavior? He is burrowing a lot, too, so could it just be the bedding (pine pellets) or should I be worried?

Thanks!

 

[LarryT]

Could be mites or most likley Quilling considering the age.
When i got my hedgies i took them all to the vet for a checkup.

 

[hedgielover]

Occassional skratching is normal. If it seems excessive or constant then it could be a reaction to something, mites or quilling.

I could be wronge but I don't know if pine pellets are the best bedding for a hedgehog. I'm pretty sure that pine is one of the woods that has harmful oils and sents. If the pellets have been procesed so that you are sure there are no residues from the oil it might be ok. Usually though some type of low dust paper bedding or fleece liners is reccommended.

 

[LarryT]

Fleece is the best way to go IMO.
Nancy makes all kinds of liners checkout her site http://www.freewebs.com/thehedgieden/
I have yet to buy any from Nancy but i will when i can get up the money.