I know how delicate ears are. It is often a response to feeling nervous or curiosity when exploring.There are several times in your hedgehog’s life when they lose old spines and grow new ones, this process is uncomfortable, and your hedgehog might scratch while the new spines grow in.Dirty or dry skin is another reason why your hedgehog might scratch but this can be resolved with a good bath.If dirt or bedding gets stuck in their spines, you can bathe them using warm water, toothbrush, and cat shampoo if you prefer.
If left untreated, the infection can result in lethargy and loss of appetite.If the infection spreads to the hedgehog’s lungs (pneumonia), it can cause “increased respiratory rate and effort, labored breathing, lethargy, anorexia and weakness,” Dr. Wilkinson says.Your veterinarian can diagnose and treat your hedgehog’s respiratory infection. A couple of weeks ago he had a bit of ear wax come out and there was a bit of orange dribble on his fur by the ear. They do well when housed alone and do not need to be kept with other hedgehogs, but they should be allowed out of their cages at least once a day for exercise and social interaction.Hedgehogs are notoriously shy and use their uniquely strong back muscles to roll up tightly into a ball, hiding their faces and causing their spiny quills to point outwards so that predators can’t see their faces or limbs. Ear infections, also known as Otitis is commonly seen in hedgehogs. After filling a sink with about one inch of warm water, you can place your hedgehog into the water.Gently scoop water over their body, being careful to avoid their head, ears, and eyes. If you used shampoo, you will need to rinse your hedgehog in fresh, warm water. Even in the wild, hedgehogs do not live in a colony and will only seek company during mating season.Male hedgehogs should never be housed together because they will fight, leading to injury or death.
They are not native to the U.S., but have become very popular pets here. Treatment involves surgical removal along with other therapies, such as radiation.
It may seem shocking, as the ear may be clear one day and filled the next, but mites can cause that. Hedgehogs do not need vaccinations, but they will need periodic nail trims and should have their stool checked annually for parasites.Like porcupines, the skin over a hedgehog’s back is covered with prickly quills that help protect it from predators. Symptoms include loss of appetite, red/swollen gums, drooling, and foul-smelling breath.Cancer is a fairly common disease affecting hedgehogs and it can occur in any part of the body. Building Your Hedgehog’s Habitat. Wood shavings or other types of litter meant for cats are not recommended, as they can be dusty and are indigestible if eaten, leading to potential Hedgehogs need a heavy, untippable bowl for pelleted food and a smaller bowl for insects. The vet tech was wondering if it might be him annointing with sunshine factor, but I always syringe feed it and have never seen him annoint afterwards. Your vet must diagnose the problem.To help prevent eye issues, keep your hedgehog’s cage clean and free of sharp objects that may scratch her eyes.Another common hedgehog health issue is gastrointestinal infections.
They might choose abandoned burrows, dense vegetation, or rocks as their burrowing space. Luckily, moist and dry cat food is a great alternative as long it meets these requirements: between 20 – 28% protein and 5 – 15% fat and is made primarily from meat.Dry food will make up most of a hedgehog’s diet and is supplemented by moist food, and small portions of fruits and vegetables.
Hedgehogs require an escape-proof cage. For ear wax.
When using the toothbrush, carefully scrub their spines from front to back.
The vet offered to do a bacteria test - put some of the wax on a slide and then under a microscope, but we chose to hold off on it for now. Hedgehog Wax burner, wax warmer in super cute hedgehog design for wax or oil, ceramic burner, melt, fragrance oil, essential oil, wildlife, ... Hedgehog Ear Warmer Headband ~ Child, Teen & Adult Sizes ~ Beige and Brown ~ HANDMADE Crochet Amigurumi HumblyHomespunGoods 4.5 … It is down in the ear canal part, not anywhere near the surface. Clinical signs include scratching, discharge, head shaking and being unbalanced. If you can provide the care they need, a hedgehog can be a great addition to your family.Like with other pets, purchasing your pet hedgehog from a breeder is recommended over a pet store. “And encourage plenty of exercise by keeping a wheel in the cage and allowing supervised time outside of the cage.”We all love to treat our pets, and Dr. Wilkinson cautions limiting treats, especially high-fat ones like mealworms. Some hedgehogs will drink from a water bottle that is affixed to the cage, while others prefer a bowl.All hedgehogs should be provided with a smooth-sided wheel to run in (not a wire wheel, so as not to get their toes caught), as well as a hiding spot, such as an upside-down wooden box with a cut out door, or a plastic “igloo” for rodents, which can be found in most pet stores.Hedgehogs’ cages should be spot-cleaned daily to keep them free of fecal contamination and leftover food debris, and thoroughly cleaned at least once a week by removing all of the bedding and replacing it with fresh bedding.