BEDDING MATERIAL

Cedar and Pine Shavings

Should you use pine or cedar bedding for your hedgehog? A great deal of debate surrounds the issue, but there are answers.

Basically, the health concerns with cedar stem from an aromatic toxin called Plicatic Acid. Studies conducted on humans link the occupational exposure to cedar and, hence, Plicatic Acid, to a 50% increased incidence of asthma. Effects of long-term exposure is unclear, although it is suggested that it may increase the risk of diseases such as glottal cancer. While pine does not contain plicatic acid, it does contain abietic acids, also associated with similar or identical symptoms after lengthy exposure.

So the question is, does the use of pine or cedar bedding pose a health risk to hedgehogs? To obtain a fair and non-biased answer, we need to look to the studies themselves. In every case, the studies looked at sawmill or pulp mill workers, mainly in British Columbia where the milling of cedar is a mainstay. In such environments, the workers are exposed to high levels of wood dust with protective breathing apparatus rarely being used. Therefore exposure levels are abnormally high and cannot necessarily be compared with the life of a hedgehog, living in a cage or aquarium, sleeping on or burrowing occasionally into wood shavings. In order for exposure levels to be equal, the hedgehogs environment would need to have a fair level of airborne wood dust present on a near-constant basis. It is likewise important to consider that the only definitive studies available, directly linking both toxins to type-I hypersensitivity reaction, have been those conducted on humans, particularly workers exposed to extreme levels of toxin-laden wood dust. So-called "evidence" with small mammals is still incomplete and sometimes anecdotal. That said, however, it is important to consider that - even after proper curing - plicatic acid levels are considerably higher in cedar than abietic acid levels found in pine.

Given this information, it is only logical for pet owners to err on the side of caution. Cedar should most definitely not be used as a bedding material for small mammals, including hedgehogs. The plicatic acid levels are far too high in both non-cured and cured cedar chips to be overlooked as potential health risk.

Pine on the other hand does contain high levels of abietic acid when not cured, but those levels drop significantly when the wood is properly cured. Therefore, while non-cured pine bedding should be viewed in the same light as cedar, properly cured pine is likely safe for hedgehogs if adequate ventilation of the cage is provided.

We've used cured pine bedding with our own herd from the time we first started into hedgehogs, over 6 years ago, 'til now. We haven't seen anything that would indicate that our hedgehogs are living any shorter lives than those that have been kept on alternative bedding and thus far we've only had one hedgie who displayed an allergic reaction to being kept on pine. She suffered a severe skin reaction and lost most of her quills within a week. Interestingly enough, she also reacted badly to aspen bedding. So, while I have no problem with using Pine, if you're at all concerned, I recommend you use something else. There are several alternatives including aspen and several paper products, but each has it's own disadvantages.

Aspen Shavings
Aspen is a relatively safe bedding material although it can be rather messy unless it is bought in the chip form. Oftentimes touted as being the 'perfect' bedding material, especially for hedgehogs with skin allergies, this is not always the case. Although rare, some hedgehogs will experience an allergic response to aspen shavings.

Corn Cob
Although not as comfortable as wood shavings, corn cob is a relatively safe bedding, but certain precautions need to be taken here as well. Problems have been reported with young male hedgehogs getting pieces of corn cob trapped in their penis sheaths, resulting in irritation, local infection and even urinary infection. If not detected soon enough this can even result in death.

Corn cob bedding also has a tendency to rot and mildew when wet, causing unpleasant odors and a not-so-pleasant environment for your hedgehog to live.

If the above two precautions are observed, however, corn cob will suffice as a hedgehog-safe bedding material.

Paper Bedding
Several paper bedding products are available such as soft products like CareFresh, or pelleted paper products. Both are reasonably safe although there have been cases where hedgehogs have choked to death on the softer products. From the perspective of comfort for your pet, there is debate as to whether pellets are too uncomfortable. In either case monitoring is recommended.

WINTER TRAVEL TIPS

It's now the middle of winter and so far you have had no problems with keeping your hedgehog warm. But, during playtime tonight, you noticed your hedgehog is not acting well. The symptoms don't really matter at the moment. The fact is, you now need to take your hedgehog to the veterinarian, and its well below freezing outside. How do you keep him warm?

There are many ways in which you may approach this task, and each method may have the same final result (a warm hedgehog). Below are some suggestions and ideas to help you travel safely.

Tip 1:

Provide plenty of layers of bedding in the travel carrier. I use a hard sided collapsible carrier to transport my hedgehogs. In this carrier I place several layers of Vellux blankets for them to crawl under, and a cloth bag to snuggle in. These two together will provide a soft, cushioned layer of bedding to help your ailing hedgehog to remain comfortable, and will provide your hedgehog protection from the cold air.

Tip 2:

Use an external heat source in the hedgehog's carrier. I like to keep a 'Snuggle Safe Heat Disc' in the carrier so that if the hedgehog can move closer to the disc for warmth if necessary. Having a heat source that will last for many hours is a necessary precaution, in case your car should break down or some other problem prevents your timely arrival at the veterinarian's. Please remember that whatever heat source you choose, to wrap it in a towel or a cage liner to prevent possible burns, and that there is space in the carrier for the hedgehog to get away from the heat. Here are some possible heat sources:

• Snuggle Safe Heat Disc - A microwavable, pink plastic disc now being carried by several chains (including Pet Supplies Plus and PetSmart) as well as many smaller stores and online retailers. This disc will provide heat for up to 12 hours.

• Disposable hand warmers - These are plastic pouches that, when an internal capsule is broken, will release chemicals that mix and produce heat. They are commonly found in the hunting/fishing section of sporting goods stores. Depending on the type you buy, they can stay warm for about 2-6 hours.

• Rice or buckwheat bags - For a quick, homemade hand warmer, take a large cotton sock, fill it with rice or buckwheat, and tie a knot in the end. You can also sew the end for a permanent bag. Warm the bag in the microwave for about 90 seconds, and you will have a homemade heat source. Rice bags may stay warm for 1-2 hours.

• Hot water bottles - There are quite a variety of hot water bottles, from the old classic versions one sees in old movies, to those that never need to be filled and are microwavable, and even an electric version, on the market today. The amount of time one stays warm will vary, with approximately 1-2 hours the average.

Tip 3:

Insulate the hedgehog carrier. I recommend wrapping the carrier with a blanket or towel when transporting the carrier between your car and the building. This will help prevent cold air from reaching your hedgehog, which could result in a chill. If you plan to rest the carrier on your car's floor, place a layer of blanket or towels under your hedgehog's carrier. Floors of cars are cold, and can make the floor of the carrier cold very quickly as well.

Tip 4:

Do NOT place your hedgehog's carrier directly in front of a heat vent. While this may sound like a good way of keeping your hedgehog warm, it can cause your hedgehog to overheat rapidly, leading to a much more severe problem than the original. This also applies to direct sunlight.

These tips should help you travel from your home to the veterinarian's office, and back again, while keeping your hedgehog warm. Having a plan of action should you have to travel during the middle of winter, before it becomes a necessity, is, in the opinion of this author, the only way to help ensure the health and well-being of your hedgehogs.

Am I Allergic to Hedgehogs?

While most people do not suffer an allergic reaction to hedgehogs, some still do and in almost all cases, it appears to be an allergy to the saliva.

There are, however, other things to watch for. If you have an allergy to a hedgehog's bedding material or to other animals, this can also cause problems since a hedgehog's quills will push the offending substances just below the surface skin on your hands and create a reaction that wouldn't otherwise occur.

As an example, if I pet a cat I have to be sure not to touch my nose or eyes, but otherwise I suffer no serious symptoms unless the room is full of cat dander. However, if I first touch a cat and THEN pick up a hedgehog, the hedgehog quills push the cat dander into my hand and my hands swell up, covered with ugly red welts.

To find out if you are allergic to hedgehogs, it is best to take a look at some hedgehogs, pick up a few nice and friendly ones and see if you have a reaction. A slight itchy feeling on your hands afterwards is ok and (dare I say it) almost normal. Just watch out for signs of swelling or red welts.

Hedgehog Skeleton

Hedgehogs have a fairly typical mammalian skeletal structure, but with much longer hind and fore-legs than most people imagine. The skull is broad and blunt with well-developed cheek bones. The jaw can exert a surprising amount of force do to the musculature attachment being located well-forward of the cheek bones.

The cranial cavity is small, but contains a brain that, while primitive in many aspects, is surprisingly more complex than first observations suggest.

Dentition consists of 36 teeth which are highly suited to both an insectivorous and omnivorous diet.

Simple Hedgehog Facts

Classification	CLASS: Mammalia
	ORDER: Insectivora
Number of Genus	4
Number of Species	14
Domesticated Species	African White-Bellied Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)
Average Life Span	3.5 years
Maximum Life Span	9 years
Common Life Span	4-6 years
Heat Cycle	Ovulation induced by male
Estrous:	2 - 5 days
Diestrous:	2 - 5 days
Gestation period	35 days
Litter Size:	average 4, up to 9
Eyes open	14-16 days
Weaning age	5-7 weeks
Time to remove from mother:	6-7 weeks
Complete Physical Maturity	10 - 11 months
Average Adult Weight	9 - 19 ounces
	255 - 540 grams
Recommended maximum number of litters per year per female hedgehog	2
First Sexual Capability
Male	7-9 weeks
Female	8-12 weeks
First breeding best	6-7 months
Female fertility ends	Approximately 3 years
First quilling	4 weeks
Second quilling	6 weeks
Third quilling:	9 weeks
Adult quilling	12 weeks
Adult color quilling	9 weeks
Best Room Temperatures	72 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit
	20 - 27 degrees Celsius
Hibernation	Hibernation can be lethal for pet hedgehogs
Sexes	Males and females should be housed separately
Quills	Quills are modified hairs, they are not very sharp and do not have barbs
	The average hedgehog has 5,000 -7,000 quills
	Quills are hard on the outside, filled with soft air pockets on the inside
	There are 2 large muscles on either side of a hedgehog's back to raise and lower its quills and curl into a ball. This is a hedgehog's only defense.
DIET
Diet in the Wild	Beetles Ants Termites Grasshoppers Moths Centipedes Earthworms
Diet in Captivity	Dry Cat food Mink and Ferret food Cooked poultry (never raw meat) Cooked egg (never raw)
Diet Supplements (treats)	Insects (mealworms, crickets, etc) assorted fruits and vegetables
Dairy Products	Hedgehogs are mildly lactose intolerant. Dairy products should be fed sparingly or not at all
Suggested Nutritional Requirements	Protein Suggested requirement - 22% Fat Suggested - 5% Fiber Suggested - 15% Calcium Suggested - 0.9% Phosphorus Suggested - 0.9% Iron Suggested - 75 ppm Copper (mg/kg) 4-23 7-16 3-7 Manganese (mg/kg) 11-146 11-70 5 Zinc (mg/kg) 20-175 100-190 30
Recommended Caloric Intake	70-100 calories per day
HOUSING
Min. Recommended floor area	4 sq feet
	0.37 sq Metres
Cage Floor	Solid - NO Wire
Exercise	Hedgehog Wheel (solid running surface, no wire) Toilet Paper Tube (for hedgehogs over 3 months of age only!) Small child-safe toys Ferret-size ball under supervision Daily Handling
COMMON AILMENTS
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS)	A genetic disorder that causes progressive paralysis similar to the human form of MS. There is no cure and the afflicted hedgehogs slowly and eventually become totally paralyzed. The disease appears to be carried by a recessive gene making detection and eradication difficult. Breeders should avoid using hedgehogs with any WHS in their family lines.
Cancer	Hedgehogs can suffer from cancerous growths and lesions to the same extent as other comparable species. Common to female hedgehogs are ovarian, uterine and mammary tumors; and to males, jaw and testicular tumors.
Eyes	Eyes can be lost to quill pokes, most commonly when multiple hedgehogs are housed together. Infection is common if not treated immediately.
Teeth	Tooth loss and wear can occur in older hedgehogs. Weight loss can occur in extreme cases. There is some speculation that an all-hard food diet can cause premature tooth wear. Hedgehogs with poor dentition should be fed a soft food diet to compensate and prevent weight loss.
TERMINOLOGY
Males	Males
Females	Females
Young	Hoglets or pups
Breeding Group	Herd
Quills	Quills or Spines
Anointing or Self-Anointing	The act of frothing at the mouth, arching the head back over the shoulders and depositing the frothy saliva onto the quills. Triggered by pungent smells and new tastes. The exact purpose of anointing is unknown.

KNOWN YOUR HEDGEHOG

It has been said that no other exotic animal has caught the attention of the public quite like the pet hedgehog has. Their spines, friendly and curious nature, as well as that ever-smiling expression have endeared them to millions of confessed hedgehog lovers around the globe.

Those in Britain, Europe and parts of Africa have long known about the hedgehogs’ charm. British author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter, although most famous for her story of Peter Rabbit, also wrote the wonderful tale of a hedgehog named "Mrs. Tiggy-winkle", a matronly washerwoman. A British wildlife hospital dedicated to rescuing sick and injured hedgehogs is even named after this delightful character.

The interest in hedgehogs doesn't end there, though. Until recently, these remarkable little animals were virtually unknown in North America. But now, thanks to the pioneering efforts of breeders, the African Pygmy Hedgehog is now readily available and can be found in the homes of thousands of happy pet owners. "But why," you may ask, "is there such an interest in hedgehogs as pets?"

Besides having a peaceful and humorous nature, hedgehogs readily lend themselves to just about anyone's lifestyle and schedule. Being diurnal (awake parts of both day and night) just like house cats, nearly everyone can find a time of day in which to enjoy them. They do not require a great deal of room in which to live and their dietary requirements are very easy to meet and, since they are solitary animals by nature they neither require nor want the companionship of another animal.

Unlike hamsters, Guinea Pigs and other small rodents, pet hedgehogs do not give off any appreciable odor and they are easily litter trained. They live much longer than rodents, too. With the proper care and diet, your pet can live to be 4 - 7 years old. Add to all of this the fact that they require no immunization shots and are very disease resistant and you can see why so many people consider hedgehogs to be the perfect pet.

They have adorable little raccoon-like faces, set with beady little black eyes and small pointy noses that seem to twitch constantly, checking out the different odors of the room. Depending on the color variation that you choose, their little white faces may or may not have a mask. Although not related to the porcupine, they are sometimes mistaken for them because of the quills that cover their backs. The similarity ends there, however, since these quills are not barbed or nearly as sharp and remain attached to their bodies. Their little white tummies, on the other hand, are extremely soft and are covered with short, white hair. When frightened, they can roll up into a tight ball and look very much like a sea urchin. They have a short, stubby tail, but this is rarely seen since they keep it tucked up close their bodies. With their tiny little legs and round bodies, it is a real sight to see them scurry across the floor

Unlike their much larger English cousins, the African Pygmy Hedgehog (or pet hedgehog) is rather small in size, with the average adult weighing between ½ and 1 ¼ pounds and are 5 to 8 inches long - about the size of a Guinea Pig. There are a few rare adults that will grow to as much as 1 ¾ to 2 pounds (without being fat) while others are as little as 6 or 7 ounces. Breeders are now concentrating on these differences so that someday, we will have a choice between two different sizes of hedgehogs.

They have a quiet, gentle, disposition that makes them a true delight to own and hold. Each has a distinct personality and will bond to its owner for life. (We are assuming you purchased a socialized pet). They are surprisingly intelligent, fun to play with and are easily entertained. They love to play with tunnels, mazes and specially designed hedgehog wheels. Even something as simple as a toilet paper tube will make a good toy, as they love to stick their heads in them and run about the floor. Despite their solitary nature, they can become very affectionate with their owners and will even enjoying watching TV with you or just snuggling in your lap.

Because they are quiet, they are very easy to travel with. Most people aren’t even aware that a pet hedgehog is nearby. Many hotels that restrict other animals such as cats and dogs will allow hedgehogs. Once trained to a litter box, an adult can pretty well have the run of the house. With its excellent sense of smell, keen eyesight and good memory, it will know where the litter box is and will use it on a regular basis. Because they are not a rodent, they have no body odor, but it is still important to clean the litter box daily to eliminate all smells. Some people are not comfortable with a loose pet, so a cage with a minimum floor area of 16 x 24” will keep it happy and secure.

Hedgehogs truly are a low maintenance pet. Your pet hedgehog should be kept indoors at normal room temperature (65 to 80oF); it can be fed a good quality dry cat food or a specially formulated hedgehog food; they don't bark, although when happy, some will emit a quiet purr; they do not climb curtains or chew on furniture; and, they do not ask to be taken out for a walk. All that your pet asks for is to be fed and watered, loved and appreciated. Besides simply being enjoyed as pets, there is also an active hobby.

Thanks to the efforts of the hard-working folks at the International Hedgehog Association, (IHA) there is now a working show system and standard of perfection for the pet Hedgehog. Breeders and pet owners alike can now show their pets in friendly competition. As well, many breeders are involved in the fascinating and challenging world of color breeding. Many beautiful new colors have already been produced and many breeders are hard at work to produce even more. This adds a whole new dimension to owning hedgehogs and even those with only one or two animals are becoming actively involved.

ABOUT HEDGEHOG

Hedgehogs are a lot more than just another pretty face. Their contribution to history, folklore and even medical knowledge is extensive. Despite all of this, the lowly hedgehog has remained surrounded by an aura of mystery and superstition. Oftentimes misunderstood and maligned, it is only in this past century that hedgehogs have come into their own, becoming popular in literature, and now, since the early 1990's, being kept and even revered as domestic pets. Try the links below to learn more about these wonderful, quilly critters.