Facts about Hedgehog Cages
Although not many people keep hedgehogs as pets, some do and it is important to look at several hedgehog cages, choosing the one best suited. If you want a unique pet, one that actually has personality and is relatively easy to care for, this might animal be the ideal choice. Interestingly, everyone has a different opinion about housing for the hedgehog but most importantly, you want a home that is comfortable, safe, offers ample room, has good ventilation, and is easy to clean.
All hedgehog cages have different features, meaning there are advantages and disadvantages to consider. The following are helpful tips to consider when making your choice:
- Size – When looking at hedgehog cages, remember that this animal searches large areas for food. Because of this, the cage must be large. Even though the hedgehog is small, the cage should never be smaller than one by two feet. However, a housing system that can be added onto, which would give the animal additional room is the best option.
- Safety – Another consideration for hedgehog cages is the animal’s safety. The floor must be solid (no wire grates) to ensure the animal’s feet or legs do not become trapped. Additionally, be sure the cage is void of sharp edges or even small holes where the head could be stuck.
- Proper Ventilation – All caged animals need good ventilation. If not, high levels of ammonia from the urine can cause respiratory infections. Additionally, hedgehogs need housing with low humidity so you would need to consider this as well when making your choice.
- Cleaning – Obviously, a cage that provides easy access would make cleaning a more pleasant task. Hedgehogs, just like rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, and other small cages animals need clean homes so you would be going through the process once a week.
As you look at different options for hedgehog cages, you will quickly find that wire and plastic are the more common. Wire cages are affordable, easy to find, they offer great ventilation, and are usually easy to clean. The downside to wire cages is that floors are generally not solid. Of course, a piece of wood or even a special Vellux blanket could be placed over the wire bottom to solve the problem. Depending on the size of the cage, you might find escape routes or places where the hedgehog could be stuck.
The other popular option is plastic hedgehog cages. Today, these cages are quite elaborate, again with additional housing spaces and they come in a variety of colors and configurations. While the plastic option is the most spacious, there are drawbacks. For one, ventilation is often an issue and these cages are usually expensive. If you want, you could also look at used fish aquariums covered with a wire mesh top or cages made from wood.
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