Do you want to learn more about hedgehog pet bedding needs?
The beddings I used for my hedgehog the first time were a complete flop. I noticed my buddy was uncomfortable sleeping in them, so I went to the breeder I purchased them from, and he educated me on the best bedding to use. After following all of the information given, my pet was able to enjoy sleeping. I’d like to share that with you, and I’d also like you to read my article on Hedgehog Pet Litter Requirements, which will help you choose the best litter for your pet.
Let’s go,
Best Ways To Buy Hedgehog Pet Bedding
There are several fillers available, each with its own set of pros and cons. Which bedding to choose is entirely dependent on the level of safety, your tastes, and your budget.
I recommend that you become more acquainted with each of them and select the best one for both you and your prickly pet. I hope that my suggestions will be helpful to you in making the proper decision. Remember, the bedding you select should be safe for your hedgehog to minimize your pet’s chance of injury and sickness and should give your pet a comfortable and happy life.
What Should I Use For Hedgehog Pet Bedding
Newspaper, mouse pellets, non-toxic bark (no cedar wood since it can contain oils and essences that can cause dermatitis or respiratory tract irritation), corncob, or straw can be placed at the bottom of the cage. Spruce shavings and recycled paper alternatives, as well as kiln-dried pine, are popular bedding materials. Instead of unstructured bedding material, some hedgehog owners utilize indoor and outdoor carpeting. When selecting sand, make sure that the hedgehogs will not be damaged by the sand grains when they walk on it. The bedding must be changed regularly. Hay has no place in the hedgehog terrarium because the stalks can wrap around their tiny legs and cause significant harm. The soil absorbs dung and pee without odor, mold, or moisture accumulation.
What Type Of Bedding Do Hedgehogs Pets Need
For this article, I will like to focus on 5 types of bedding:
1. Paper Beddings: Paper bedding is widely available and easily accessible in most pet retailers. In addition to being dust-free, most paper bedding is extremely absorbent and has exceptional odor control. To maintain a sanitary, odor-free environment; some spot cleaning with paper bedding is required.
Paper fillers are odorless, incredibly soft and delicate, and wonderfully absorbent. It masks the odor and is easy to flush down the toilet. Using paper bedding is appropriate for both genders and is simple to detect any changes in the pet’s health (blood, changes in the color of feces/pee).
One disadvantage is that it is costly.
2. Pressed Wood Beddings: Wood bedding is somewhat absorbent and odor-controlling, you should be cautious about the sort of wood you choose; since some contain aromatic substances that might irritate sensitive respiratory systems. In using the wood bedding options Aspen birch pine sawdust is the best bedding material. Do not use cedar sawdust, sawdust from arborvitae, coniferous trees, and other sawdust containing essential oils – they are toxic to the hedgehog.
This bedding is convenient, profitability; availability, superior absorption, and retention of bad odors are all advantages. Its disadvantage is, it can be dusty and difficult to clean and wood chips do not insulate the floor as well because they do not produce an air cushion, allowing the animals to become chilly.
3. Corn Fillers Beddings: This bedding absorbs liquids and is economical, but it doesn’t do much for odor, isn’t as soft as some other alternatives, and must be checked for mold growth. Crushed corn on the cob is also an acceptable bedding material for hedgehogs and adult hedgehogs, but should never be used on young male hedgehogs. Sprinkle a few millimeters equally on the cage’s floors. There is also the risk of your hedgehog eating maize, which can block the stomach and create irreparable health problems.
4. Sawdust: A medium and big portion of sawdust is appropriate for hedgehogs because the smallest amount of sawdust would result in a lot of dust and debris every time the hedgehog is taken out of the cage. Based on my own experience, I can state that despite sawdust’s low cost, it is hard to save. It is vital to clean the cage every three days; otherwise, the scent would permeate the entire apartment. Sawdust should not be used in the care of male hedgehogs because tiny particles block the male genital organ and cause irritation and this was the reason my pet was so uncomfortable
5. Fabric: Fabrics are warm and absorbent, and it comes in a variety of attractive colors and designs. Even better, it is washable and reusable, which may significantly reduce long-term expenditures, even if they appear pricey at first. Fabrics have softness; do not form puffs, which is very important for tenacious hedgehog claws; multiple uses (it is convenient to wash in a washing machine or by hand with safe detergents) it is easy to notice any changes in the pet’s health (blood, changes in the color of feces/urine); ideal for both genders. The disadvantage it has is that it will hide odors inadequately and all waste products will end up on the bare floor of the hedgehog’s habitat. Take note of the fabric you’ll use to build your cozy pouches. I strongly encourage you to use fleece since the hedgehog will scratch in his blankets and the little threads will easily wrap around his tiny paws. However, fleece is not recommended for pets who like to chew on their bedding. Holes in the fleece can grab and injure paws, and if consumed, can create obstructions.
What Should You Check For While Purchasing Hedgehog Bedding
Because you can’t handle your pet all the time or let them run around the home, you’ll need a large enough cage to keep the hedgehog bedding. They should have their dorm room to sleep in since they consider it their haven.
Hedgehogs require care and comfort just like any other pet. They are prone to cage stress and perform best in environments where they may find a variety of sleeping spots. So select the appropriate cage, bedding, room, and nutritious food, as well as (harmless) toys and other accessories.
Maintain a clean and odor-free hedgehog and cage. Because your pet is a very sensitive and fragile creature, getting the correct bedding is essential
Should Hedgehogs Pets Have Bedding
Bedding is essential for the lovely body of your hedgehog since it cushions the feet and protects against moisture and odor. The bedding in your pet’s house gives comfort and a safe repose, much as they do when they discover the right location to sleep in human arms. No animal likes to live on the terrarium’s naked floor. A suitable surface with animal bedding is required for your hedgehog to feel as comfortable as possible. It can, however, be used as a supplement in a species-appropriate outdoor enclosure.
If you are seeking cheap hedgehog bedding with adequate absorbency and safe composition, you will most likely find it in an online pet store. Even though the costs of various fillers vary based on the brand, content, and packaging, my inventory always contains goods in the lower price range.
Conclusion
Bedding is one of the materials that must be included in a hedgehog’s cage. Bedding options will continue to be developed, but you’ll find the best one for you and your hedgehog by experimenting with several. Establish your main priorities. Are you most concerned about price, absorbency, odor, or availability? I’d want you to read my posts on How Long Do Hedgehog Pet Live, which will help you give your pet a long life, and What Do Hedgehogs Pets Eat And Drink, which will provide you with the finest food and drink that will help your pet live a healthy life.