Hedgehogs

[rsanz]

When the fiance and I move into our new house on the 30th, we want to get a pet. We're not ready for a dog yet, we're going to wait until we get married for that.

We're considering a Hedgehog or a Chinchilla. Both are a bit more hands-on than, say, a hampster, but not as full-out as a dog. We're both allergic to cats and are interested in trying an exotic.

Opinions?

 

[serissime]

I'm sure there are exceptions, but I have never met a chinchilla I liked. I think hedgehogs are more personable, and as far as I know, you are MUCH less likely to be allergic to a hedgehog because they have much less fur.

I wouldn't say they require much more care than hamsters. They benefit from time to run around the house and lots of handling, and require a larger cage, but are not that complicated. There is more learning to do with either hedgehogs or chinchillas just because they are rarer than most other small animal pets. hedgehogcentral is a good website, and I have written some lengthy care tips on another fish forum I frequent.

Make sure whichever you choose is legal in your state. I'm happy to answer any hedgehog questions I can.

 

[rsanz]

Yeah, that stands true with what most articles say about chins, serissime.

We're leaning toward the hedgy. We like that they can be bathed in water as opposed to the mess associated with chin dust baths. Ever had any problems with your hedgies poking or jabbing you?

We also hadn't realized how expensive they are (initial cost). What was the name of your breeder in Virginia? We're in Rockville, MD, and if your breeder was in northern VA it would be a viable option. What does the breeder generally charge for an African pygmy?

Thanks.

 

[serissime]

They spike us sometimes but it's not really painful. You can get used to it pretty quickly. My hands are small so it's a little hard to wrap my hands around the top to pick her up when she puts her quills up, but again, I have pretty small hands. Wouldn't be a problem for someone bigger than me (petite 5' girl). You can scoop them up from under their stomach too. Sometimes one of them nips because she is a little neurotic, but it doesn't really hurt. Teeth are too little. But yes they can be bathed in the sink. My sister uses a little bit of oatmeal sometimes. I think it gave them relief from itchiness when they were quilling, but I'm not sure.

I am almost positive this is the lady we got them from. http://www.riddlesbunnybarn.com/hedgehogs.htm She is not breeding right now, but will have babies spring 2010.

http://www.dreamflowermeadows.com/africanpygmyhedgehogs.htm this lady looks like the best, is in NC, but you might have to get on her waiting list. They are more expensive than the lady we got ours from, but this lady is breeding. she is USDA licensed

here's the page I found these breeders on. I don't know how far you are willing to drive but there are more options here http://hedgehogcentral.com/breederusa.shtml

OH! look I found a breeder in MD http://www.terrapinhedgehogs.com/ looks good, bit expensive but she's a USDA licensed breeder. and that pinto is ADORABLE oh my gosh... you need to make a deposit soon if you want one from this litter! She has ready made setups for you to pick up when you get your baby

the initial cost is high, but they aren't very expensive to keep