[Mags]

I'm thinking of getting a giant hamster ball for Harley to run around in. I've seen good things and bad things about getting one for a hedgehog and I wanted to know what anyone on here thought about it.
Thank you!

 

[shinydistraction]

They just aren't safe for hedgehogs. The slits in the can catch toes and cause some pretty nasty injuries. On top of that hedgehogs do their business while running and if they do that while in a ball they will wind up covered in it. Besides, many hedgehogs like to find places to hide when they are out in the open. It would be rather frustrating and a little scary for them if they can't get into the dark hidey hole right in front of them.

 

[Mags]

yeah thats what i was worried about :/ he just runs around on my bed and I was hoping there'd be an easy way to let him run without worrying about losing him lol

 

[shinydistraction]

Get him a play pen. Or hedgehog proof a room. Play pen is probably the easiest solution though. I made a play pen from C&C grids that I put out every night. I lay down a vinyl table cloth on the floor, lay down a fleece blanket on top of that and place the pen down on that. It's large enough that I can sit in it with her, but it's tall enough that if I have to walk away for a couple of minutes she'll probably still be there when I get back. The great thing is that I made it so it can be folded up when I'm done so it doesn't take up tons of room when not in use.

 

[Mags]

I have a few left over grids from his cage so I'll put them to use instead of having the box laying on my floor
Thank you!

 

[shinydistraction]

No problem My suggestion would be to get some of those velcro cable ties. That way you can easily fold the pen up when you're done. I used regular plastice zip ties for most of it, and then the velcro ones in one spot so I could fold the silly thing up accordion style. Good luck!

 

[PeaceLove&Hedgies]

I've been doing research and I think that hamster balls are fine as long as your hedgie's nails are clipped and the ball is large enough for him/her to happily fit. I'd suggest getting a HamTrack or whatever it's called for it too, so your hedgie doesn't go bouncing down the stairs or anything else that is dangerous.

 

[MomLady]

No, just no.

Read Shiny distraction's post again.

 

[Flamepool]

Many people say different things. Some say no and others say yes. My hedgehog book says that it is fine for a few minutes but not for long...

 

[writergirlmel]

Would you like to be covered in your own feces and urine? I think not.

Some people do use them for short periods of time just after the hedgie has done his/her business, but they're still risking injuries even if the risk of defecation and urination is reduced. And for what? Just so they can get the thrill of seeing an animal roll around in a ball? The hedgehog would likely be happier exploring in a play pen where they aren't breathing largely recycled air, aren't as likely to be injured, won't be covered in their own waste, and can interact as they expect with their environment.

 

[Lilysmommy]

Hedgehog books also tend to be pretty out-of-date. I don't recommend them as a good source of information to anyone unless it's LizardGirl/Kimberly's book.

 

[nikki]

Most hedgehog books also say feeding hedgehog food is good too.

 

[Ally's_Oliver]

health and safety risks aside, it's not really enjoyable to the hedgehog given their personalities. I had a ball when I first got my hedgehog before I knew of the risks and he would just sit there sad. There are no benifits to the ball. You'd be better off building a maze/tunnel system with PVC pipes and small plastic bins. He would have a blast. Just make sure you use enough joints where you can take it apart if you need to get him out or rearrange it to keep him entertained.

 

[Ally's_Oliver]

Here's and example of what I mean. This is for a rat, but just to give you an idea.

 

[MomLady]

Tubes and tunnels are great because they like tunneling, burrowing and hiding.

You have to work with their natural instincts and not against them.

I make a "tent" on the couch with a fleece blanket over her "play area", just by draping the fleece blanket over the back of the couch to the front of the cushion and it makes a tented area that she can run under or sometimes on top, totally up to her.

Even a blanket is fun for them, hide some treats underneath.

Why risk a hamster ball?