[Dansie]

So, I've been wanting to get a hedgehog for a while now, and I've done tons of research. At first my mom didn't want one at ALL! But I think she's warming up to the idea! We might be able to see a hedgehog breeder over spring break just to see the hedgies! The only thing I'm concerned about is that if I get one now, I'll still have it probably through at least part of college. (I'm 15) I know it's difficult to keep one in college, or at least in a dorm, but I don't want to have to wait 7 more years to get one! And I definatley don't want to have one just to have to give it away in a few years. I probably wouldn't be able to leave it here when I go to college, since, like I said, my mom doesn't like them very much, even though my dad does and probably would take care of it, she still wouldn't want it in the house to clean up after. What should I do?

**EDIT**
So, I've been thinking about it a lot, and my parents have basically said they would let me get one, as soon as we are more financially stable. About college, I still have plenty of time to think about my career, but as of right now, I don't know what I would like to do. Even if I figure out everything and don't go to community college, my parents could probably take care of it for at least the first year, and my brother also could take care of it. (He wants a hedgehog too). I also would NOT want to stay in a dorm for my entire college life, so I most likely would rent an apartment. I know it's a lot of "What Ifs", but I really think it would be a positive thing in my life and I know there will always be someone to take care of it if I can't. I have been researching pretty much since January and am fully committed to taking care of one. I also am thinking of getting a job this summer to help pay for supplies. What do you think?

 

[Morel3etterness]

Re: What should I do??

Don't get it right now. Most dorms do not allow anything more than a fish tank and a hedgehog is involved and has an odor at times. Your roommates may not like it.. an RA may see when they do room checks... its too much of a hassle. Your going to be too busy for one anything while your in school. Just wait on it because it could become a problem.

 

[krbshappy71]

Re: What should I do??

Instead of getting a baby from a breeder I would suggest rescuing an older hedgehog. There are many out there that need homes and as you said you might not have the lifespan of time to take care of a baby all through its life.

http://www.hedgehogwelfare.org/

Consider it, they have lots of love to give!

 

[silvercat]

Re: What should I do??

krbshappy71 has a great suggestion! another option is to find an exotic vet near you and see if they would like any volunteers. This way you could have the opportunity to work with many different exotic animals and will also provide you some great experience for university & work

 

[nationofamanda]

Re: What should I do??

i agree that adopting an older rescue might be a good option for you...and not in a morid sort of "oh it will die before i go to college" sort of way, but in a really workable solution for your problem sort of way...plus you be giving a good home to a little one that really needs you!

i adopted a rescue a few years ago, and even though she was only with us about two and a half years she was so wonderful and i'd never regret adopting her instead of choosing a baby from a breeder. infact, the experience was so positive that i decided to adopt two new rescues who i get to pick up on sunday..

 

[hedgielover]

Re: What should I do??

Start thinking about your budget for college now and how feasible it will be to move into an apartment. I had pets when I moved out for school and the dorm ended up being more expensive than my own apartment anyway.

 

[Dansie]

Re: What should I do??

hedgielover: i never thought about that.. thanks for the suggestion! (Thanks to everyone else too! It's helped alot)