First off don't panic. How to Bathe a Hedgehog. Gently brush their spines (going with the grain) from different angles. Give them time to relax and do their stuff (at least an hour) before taking them for the bath. Draw a bath with warm water and add some shampoo. PLEASE HELP!! Why? To bathe your pet hedgehog, start by filling a sink or tub with 3 inches of warm water, and placing a non-slip mat in the bottom to keep your pet safe. It's fairly easy to bathe your hedgehog with the right equipment and a little patience. But they should definitely be bathed periodically, in warm (not hot) water. If your hedgehog tends to squirm a lot, have another person help you. Checkout Sometimes, it simply takes time. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. HOw to make my hedgehog not raise it's spikes when I wash it? Aug 5, 2019 - Hedgehogs are generally clean pets, but they sometimes require a bath. ", "We're about to give our hedgehog it's first bath so this was extremely helpful! A nice soft washcloth is necessary too. If it is very small, be careful not to drown it. Many hedgehogs have suffered because of people purchasing them as a fad item and then losing interest, so be sure to do your research first to be sure you are really interested in taking care of a hedgehog. What should I do? ", "The article helped me know how to care for a hedgehog, thanks. 8. If you have any questions about hedgehog baths or tips we should include in this guide we’d be more than happy to hear from you. A nervous hedgehog is WAY harder to bathe then a comfortable one. My pet hedgehog doesn't want to be pet. Give them time to relax and do their stuff (at least an hour) before taking them for the bath. Hedgehog Bath Checklist: No Tears Baby Shampoo + Conditioner in 1 Washcloth Nail brush - only to be used for your hedgehog baths Handtowel (possibly 2) Bathroom or Kitchen Sink with drain plug. Hedgehog grooming is important to keep up with your hedgehog's lifestyle. If your hedgehog still isn't letting you pet it, then maybe it just needs sleep. Your hedgehog will probably decide quickly that being picked up is a good thing since they get rewarded for it. It will eventually begin to trust you. Unlike a lot of other animals, cleaning a hedgie doesn’t have to be a big ordeal. Hedgehogs tend to get themselves filthy all the time, but it is highly recommended for a hedgehog to bathe only once a month. Every once in a while, though, your hedgehog may get some bedding, dirt, or other debris stuck in his quills. Put a small amount of shampoo onto your hands you don’t want to use a lot. Approved. On occasion new hedgehog owners are surprised to find that their hedgehog prefers to dust bathe in their litter pan instead of using it for its intended purpose! It’s important to make sure the washcloth you use is well-made and not full of holes. You can bathe your hedgehog in the sink, tub, or a separate wash basin. Hedgehogs are very active and will spend a lot of time moving around their cage or running on their exercise wheels. These creatures aren’t very tall so anything more than that will require them to swim to keep their head above water (not good). Learn more.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'hedgehogworld_com-box-1','ezslot_1',103,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'hedgehogworld_com-box-1','ezslot_2',103,'0','1']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'hedgehogworld_com-box-1','ezslot_3',103,'0','2']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'hedgehogworld_com-box-1','ezslot_4',103,'0','3'])); If you want to learn where to buy a hedgehog you’re not alone. Draw a bath with warm water and add some shampoo. It’s also a good idea to take a look online. It's best to run the bath water before putting your hedgehog into it since the running water may get too hot or scare your pet. Draw a bath with warm water and add some shampoo. Take some of the shampoo and lather it up in your hands a bit. In…, Everything You Need To Know About Owning A Pet Hedgehog, How To Take Care Of A Newborn Baby Hedgehog. Instead, give your hedgehog plenty of time to get used to your smell and company. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. What should I do if he curls into a ball and won't let me dip him in the water? end about cutting the nails. Take her out of the water immediately. Is Aveeno unscented Oatmeal Body Wash okay for them? Last Updated: April 21, 2019 This article has been viewed 65,661 times. COVID Update - We are open for pickups only (by appointment) We are closed in shop today due to the weather. Here's everything you need to know about bathing hedgehogs. A hedgehog can go through his entire life without swimming or needing to swim, but given the chance, they will happily spend time in water. There are also some hedgehogs that love bath time. Using the toothbrush and a squirt of soap, gently scrub its belly and quills, taking care to avoid its head, ears, and eyes. Decide Where to Buy a Hedgehog. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 65,661 times. She also poops in the basin. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. By using our site, you agree to our. Remember that any unnecessary tugging can irritate the area where their skin and spines meet. A hedgehog can be a special pet for the right person, but they aren’t as cuddly and cute as they look. After all, this is a completely natural thing for your hedgehog to do in the wild. Best Answer. A nice soft towel to dry them off is necessary. A hedgehog only requires one bath a month. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Maybe it is hungry, or you need to bond with it more. Firstly, fill the sink with lukewarm water to the belly of the hog to prevent it from getting into the nose or ears. After filling a sink with about one inch of warm water, you can place your hedgehog into the water. Some hedgehogs love to dig and fling in sand to look for hidden treats. By Katie McNeal March 15, 2017 ; Our in-depth step by step video tutorial is in the works. For tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to dry your hedgehog, keep reading! The following information was posted by Teresa Johnson on Hedgehog_help yahoo group on Wednesday, June 20, 2001 in a discussion about “How often to bathe”. Gently lower your pet hedgehog into the water, face up (you don’t want him to drown!) Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Offer the hedgehog a drink of WATER OR LECTADE - NEVER cow’s milk as this can cause enteritis, (Lectade is a re-hydrating solution which can be obtained from a Vet). We always want to start with the dry clean before giving our hedgehog a bath. Thank you Teresa for these wonderful tips and advice! The length of a hedgehog pregnancy is usually 32 days but can be somewhat variable. If you do find that they are a bit dirty, have dry skin, or long nails, then it is time to do some hedgehog grooming regardless of how much time has passed. ", "This article helped me because I may get a hedgehog and if I do, I know how to bathe him. By following some simple steps you’ll make the process a whole lot easier for both of you. 4. There are 14 species of hedgehog in the world, but the British native hedgehog Erinaceus Europaeus is the one you might spot in your garden at night or at the side of a road. It's fairly easy to bathe your hedgehog with the right equipment and a little patience. There are two main options: pet stores or hedgehog breeders. Giving Your Hedgehog a Full Bath. Within this article, you'll find tips and tricks that you can use to help improve the whole rub-a-dub-hog-in-a-tub experience. Put Your Hedgehog In The Sink And Give Them A Moment, Aveeno Gentle Baby Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract, Where To Buy A Hedgehog: Your Full List Of Options, 400+ Cute Hedgehog Names (For Males & Females), Hedgehog Litter Box Training: Doing It The Right Way, Why Do Hedgehogs Bite? This is a great way to bathe your hedgehog. Don’t force your hedgehog to give you attention or it will feel scared and threatened. Pick out any large material you find in the quills before the bathing process. Before purchasing a hedgehog, watch it walk. She did extra by printing articles about how to take care of it and health issues to watch out for and protect it from. We live in Jacksonville, Florida with our herd of hedgehogs that hovers around 20-25 hedgies depending on how many babies we have. This will make him feel comfortable and encourage him to open up. Pat it down so it forms a relatively smooth surface and isn’t going to float around. The number of people who…, There are a surprising number of hedgehog colors out there. It is recommended that you bathe a hedgehog in a sink or bathtub – the sink is easier to contain the hedgie, and less stressful on your back. African hedgehogs, a variety commonly sold as pets, are at risk of a neurodegenerative condition known as Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS). The first thing you should know is that hedgehogs they are not accustomed to contact with humans, to life as a pet. Pro Igel. My daughter convinced me to buy her a hedgehog, that was all she requested for two years. How Frequently Does A Hedgehog Need To Bathe? There are also some hedgehogs that love bath time. You can bathe your hedgehog in your sink or a Tupperware box with ample space. You can bathe your hedgehog in your sink or a Tupperware box with ample space. Mealworms and crickets are the most commonly fed insects in captivity but the staple diet for a hedgehog should be a store-bought, specially formulated hedgehog kibble. Bathing is a popular topic on hedgehog Internet lists and some suggestions I have read on the lists are very mild tea-tree bar soap, chamomile and oatmeal or lavender soaps found at the health food store. Be calm and gentle around your hedgehog and give it time. Yes! This will allow them to adjust and become more comfortable before the bath begins. It's remarkably efficient. Advertisement. This article was co-authored by Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN. Johnsons do a pump spray for small animals which can be lightly sprayed on, avoiding the face. Lather and rub the underside of the hedgehog avoiding face, eyes, and ears. Now it’s time for the spines. Now you know how to bathe a hedgehog! First, buy a hedgehog from a breeder with a USDA license. Put a towel in warm water mixed with soap (make sure the water is not too hot or cold), and then massage the hedgehog with this towel soaked in water. Let your hedgehog get comfortable with you on its own time. Getting everything together before you start will make the experience a whole lot easier and ensure that you get the job done right. Supplies needed: Sink; Washcloth; Facial or Soft Toothbrush; Baby or Dog Shampoo; Toenail Trimmer; Olive Oil; Towel; Start by running a gentle stream of warm water in a sink with the drain open and washcloth covering the drain. What if my hedgehog bites me when I’m bathing her? These are non-slip, inexpensive, small enough to fit in a sink, and easy to disinfect. It's not uncommon for hedgehogs to hate bath time. 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