Hi there,
I just got my little one on Saturday and I'm the same way. I barely got any sleep the first night probably because I was so worried about her (what if she tries to hibernate, what if the heat lamp magically falls over onto her or her blankie and she gets burned, what if her temp fluctuates too much over night, and I wanted to make sure she explored and was happy). :shock: :? Ugh I've probably imagined every possible thing that could happen but then I realized- I guess it is just like having a new baby. I've watched 2 of my sisters and my nieces over the last 2 years and they went through the exact same thing with their human babies. I think with a hedgehog (at least for me) it's the excitement of something new, something I've wanted for so long and it's all so new to me. It's not like a cat or dog that I've had millions of over the years~ there's a whole new way of taking care of her. Just like with any new baby, you can prepare and research as much as possible, but when you actually have your baby, the parenting instincts kick in (you have to figure, if you didn't love your baby hedgie, you wouldn't worry so much!) But I think what you're feeling is completely normal and will subside a bit as time goes on. I try to play with Miss Muffet for a little bit before I go to bed each night so I feel more comfortable knowing that she got out and about and got some food/water and love from me and my fiance'!
Anyway, just wanted to say that you're not alone so hang in there!
I too was on the verge of crying but I think it is more of an "I can't believe I finally have my little hedgie" kind of thing! Also I think once you get her on lock-down at night (no more escape from Alcatraz for her) you'll feel so much better.
Hope all works out for you,
Melissa and Miss Muffet
I just got my little one on Saturday and I'm the same way. I barely got any sleep the first night probably because I was so worried about her (what if she tries to hibernate, what if the heat lamp magically falls over onto her or her blankie and she gets burned, what if her temp fluctuates too much over night, and I wanted to make sure she explored and was happy). :shock: :? Ugh I've probably imagined every possible thing that could happen but then I realized- I guess it is just like having a new baby. I've watched 2 of my sisters and my nieces over the last 2 years and they went through the exact same thing with their human babies. I think with a hedgehog (at least for me) it's the excitement of something new, something I've wanted for so long and it's all so new to me. It's not like a cat or dog that I've had millions of over the years~ there's a whole new way of taking care of her. Just like with any new baby, you can prepare and research as much as possible, but when you actually have your baby, the parenting instincts kick in (you have to figure, if you didn't love your baby hedgie, you wouldn't worry so much!) But I think what you're feeling is completely normal and will subside a bit as time goes on. I try to play with Miss Muffet for a little bit before I go to bed each night so I feel more comfortable knowing that she got out and about and got some food/water and love from me and my fiance'!
Anyway, just wanted to say that you're not alone so hang in there!
I too was on the verge of crying but I think it is more of an "I can't believe I finally have my little hedgie" kind of thing! Also I think once you get her on lock-down at night (no more escape from Alcatraz for her) you'll feel so much better.Hope all works out for you,
Melissa and Miss Muffet
