Necessary Supplies
Below is a basic list of must-have supplies for properly housing and caring for a hedgehog. These are only the essential items. Unless you plan to purchase one of our starter kits (as described here), these items must be acquired before you bring your hedgehog home.
Cage: Must have a solid (not wire) bottom and at least 3-4 square feet of floor space. Good choices include large Sterilite bins (105 quarts or greater), homemade C&C cages (1x3 or larger), wire-topped small animal cages (18"x30" minimum), Ferret Nation or Critter Nation cages, and modified vivariums. (Note: tanks/aquariums or other glass enclosures are not acceptable. Multi-level rat/ferret cages are not appropriate; low lofts with shallow ramps are acceptable but not ideal.)
Bedding: Liners are highly suggested (fleece, or flannel/cotton with sewn edges). Other acceptable options are wood shavings (aspen or kiln-dried pine) or paper-based substrate bedding (such as Carefresh). (NEVER use cedar shavings.)
Wheel: Must have a solid running surface. Minimum 11" diameter and 4" wide running surface. Bucket wheels are the best choice. Store-bought options that are acceptable for hedgehogs are Comfort Wheels and Flying Saucer Wheels. (Note: traditional rodent wheels made from wire rungs or wire grating are NOT safe; Silent Spinner Wheels or wheels with a cross-bar are also potentially dangerous.)
Heat source: A consistent source of heat to keep the cage at 72-80 F. Small space heaters and ceramic heat emitters (CHEs) are the best choice. When using a CHE set up, a thermostat or dimmable lamp is required to control the heat output, with minimum 8.5" dome lamp and minimum 100w bulb. (Note: non-ceramic reptile heat lamps emit light as well as heat and can prevent a hedgehog from being active at night. Heating pads are also not adequate because they do not heat the air of the cage.)
Thermometer: A digital thermometer to be kept in the cage. (Note: a thermostat built into the wall of a room is not going to accurately represent the temperature inside the cage. Thermostats for CHEs or built into space heaters are NOT a substitute for a thermometer.)
Hideaway: Any sort of hiding place or sleeping spot. Sleeping bags or other fabric hideaways (i.e. tunnel, Hedgigami) are preferred by hedgehogs. Plastic igloos or similar plastic "houses" for small animals are also acceptable. (Note: should not be made out of wood or cardboard; these cannot be cleaned and are unsanitary.)
Bowls: Appropriately sized food/water bowls; can be ceramic, porcelain, glass, or plastic. Small animal water bottles (8 oz) are also acceptable.
Food: A high quality dry cat kibble with good ingredients, moderately high in protein (30-35%) and low in fat (under 15%). A mix of at least two kinds is suggested. When purchasing a hedgehog from us, it's best to continue using the VVH food mix. (Details of diet are described on this page. A list of suggested brands can be found here. VVH food mix can be purchased here.)
Bath wash: Hedgie Soap or a gentle bath/body wash. Oatmeal based formulas are popular. Should be unscented (mildly scented is also acceptable). Aveeno and St. Ives are good brands, or any store brand "sensitive skin" or "moisturizing" formula. (Note: anything with "shampoo" in the name, including pet shampoos, should be avoided. DO NOT use anything made with Tea Tree oil, which is toxic.)
Nail clippers: Cuticle trimmers or small human nail clippers.
Bedding: Liners are highly suggested (fleece, or flannel/cotton with sewn edges). Other acceptable options are wood shavings (aspen or kiln-dried pine) or paper-based substrate bedding (such as Carefresh). (NEVER use cedar shavings.)
Wheel: Must have a solid running surface. Minimum 11" diameter and 4" wide running surface. Bucket wheels are the best choice. Store-bought options that are acceptable for hedgehogs are Comfort Wheels and Flying Saucer Wheels. (Note: traditional rodent wheels made from wire rungs or wire grating are NOT safe; Silent Spinner Wheels or wheels with a cross-bar are also potentially dangerous.)
Heat source: A consistent source of heat to keep the cage at 72-80 F. Small space heaters and ceramic heat emitters (CHEs) are the best choice. When using a CHE set up, a thermostat or dimmable lamp is required to control the heat output, with minimum 8.5" dome lamp and minimum 100w bulb. (Note: non-ceramic reptile heat lamps emit light as well as heat and can prevent a hedgehog from being active at night. Heating pads are also not adequate because they do not heat the air of the cage.)
Thermometer: A digital thermometer to be kept in the cage. (Note: a thermostat built into the wall of a room is not going to accurately represent the temperature inside the cage. Thermostats for CHEs or built into space heaters are NOT a substitute for a thermometer.)
Hideaway: Any sort of hiding place or sleeping spot. Sleeping bags or other fabric hideaways (i.e. tunnel, Hedgigami) are preferred by hedgehogs. Plastic igloos or similar plastic "houses" for small animals are also acceptable. (Note: should not be made out of wood or cardboard; these cannot be cleaned and are unsanitary.)
Bowls: Appropriately sized food/water bowls; can be ceramic, porcelain, glass, or plastic. Small animal water bottles (8 oz) are also acceptable.
Food: A high quality dry cat kibble with good ingredients, moderately high in protein (30-35%) and low in fat (under 15%). A mix of at least two kinds is suggested. When purchasing a hedgehog from us, it's best to continue using the VVH food mix. (Details of diet are described on this page. A list of suggested brands can be found here. VVH food mix can be purchased here.)
Bath wash: Hedgie Soap or a gentle bath/body wash. Oatmeal based formulas are popular. Should be unscented (mildly scented is also acceptable). Aveeno and St. Ives are good brands, or any store brand "sensitive skin" or "moisturizing" formula. (Note: anything with "shampoo" in the name, including pet shampoos, should be avoided. DO NOT use anything made with Tea Tree oil, which is toxic.)
Nail clippers: Cuticle trimmers or small human nail clippers.
Suggested Accessories
These items are not absolutely necessary. In addition to the mandatory supplies above, they are recommended for your hedgehog's enrichment and happiness, or just for your own convenience.
Cuddle/sleeping bag: Highly recommended. A hedgehog's favorite choice for a hideaway inside the cage, and also perfect for bonding with a new hedgehog. Fleece or flannel/cotton, must be hedgehog-safe with no loose threads or frayed edges. (It is a good idea to have at least two so they can be switched out when they need to be washed.)
Carrying bag: Highly recommended. Similar to a cuddle/sleeping bag, but with a strap so it can be carried over the shoulder. Very valuable for the initial bonding process and continued socialization. Especially important for younger owners (children). Also great for taking your hedgehog on outings or carrying them around the house for hands-free, indirect bonding time.
Carrier: Carrying bags or a Hedgie Hood work for short trips. For longer trips, or any travel where you won't have them in your hands or lap the whole time, a more secure carrier should be used. Hard or soft sided pet carriers work well, or an appropriately sized plastic box/bin (modified for ventilation).
Blankets: Fleece cut to an appropriate size, or sewn from fleece/flannel/cotton. These make the hideaway extra cozy. Also great for cuddling/drying after a bath, protecting your lap from a baby hedgehog's "accidents", and bonding in general.
Litter tray: Highly recommended. For ease of cleaning, and essential for "litter training". The best options are trays that will fit underneath the wheel (including legs/base of the wheel). Aluminum foil trays are a good option (will have to be replaced occasionally). Corner litter pans are acceptable but not as effective.
Litter: Paper towel, fleece cut to size (washable and reusable), pine pellets, or paper-based (not clay) cat litter.
Toothbrush: For scrubbing the feet and quills.
Additional hideaways: If the cage has enough space, it's great to offer a few different options for sleeping spots. Plastic igloos, sleeping bags, Hedgigamis, tunnels, domes, cuddle cups, dig boxes, fleece strips (to burrow in), 3-4" PVC pipe, etc.
Light source: A lamp next to the cage, or overhead light in the room. An artificial light source is a good idea during the fall/winter when natural light is not reliable.
Timer: A timer that's plugged into an outlet to control when a lamp comes on and off. Great for keeping a consistent light schedule if you're always going to be around to do it manually.
Treats: Store-bought feeder insects, baby food, cooked meat, fruits/vegetables. (For a more extensive list, click here. VVH treat mix can be purchased here.)
Toys: Any small objects that can provide entertainment. Cuddle buddies, tea pockets, solid-sided balls, small rubber squeaky toys, rubber ducks, foam tubes, toilet paper tubes (cut length-wise), small stuffed animals, toy cars, mini porcupine balls, etc. (Note: Avoid toys that a hedgehog's feet or mouth can get stuck on; anything with slits or large enough holes.)
Play pen: For supervised exploring and playtime outside the cage. Plastic kiddy pools or collapsible wire pet pens are ideal.
Paper towels: Self explanatory. Good to always have some on hand!
Hand wipes: Similar use as paper towels. Also a good alternative to giving foot baths.
Household cleaner: A pet-safe household cleaner for using on the wheel and the cage. Bleach/water solution (properly diluted and given time to air out), standard citrus spray cleaner, 50/50 vinegar/water solution, etc. (We use Simple Green D Pro5, which is certified safe for zoos, vet clinics, kennels, etc.)
Laundry detergent: For washing liners, bags, and other hedgehog-related items. Should be unscented and dye-free. (We use All Free & Clear.)
Hand warmers: Individually packaged hand warmers, 10 or 12 hour. A perfect short-term heating solution for traveling in the winter or for during power outages, or for some extra warmth in the sleeping spot. (Avoid direct contact with the hedgehog by using hand warmer covers, a balled up sock, or wrapping it in fleece.)
Hand warmer covers: Fleece/fabric covers for hand warmers, to prevent direct contact.
Carrying bag: Highly recommended. Similar to a cuddle/sleeping bag, but with a strap so it can be carried over the shoulder. Very valuable for the initial bonding process and continued socialization. Especially important for younger owners (children). Also great for taking your hedgehog on outings or carrying them around the house for hands-free, indirect bonding time.
Carrier: Carrying bags or a Hedgie Hood work for short trips. For longer trips, or any travel where you won't have them in your hands or lap the whole time, a more secure carrier should be used. Hard or soft sided pet carriers work well, or an appropriately sized plastic box/bin (modified for ventilation).
Blankets: Fleece cut to an appropriate size, or sewn from fleece/flannel/cotton. These make the hideaway extra cozy. Also great for cuddling/drying after a bath, protecting your lap from a baby hedgehog's "accidents", and bonding in general.
Litter tray: Highly recommended. For ease of cleaning, and essential for "litter training". The best options are trays that will fit underneath the wheel (including legs/base of the wheel). Aluminum foil trays are a good option (will have to be replaced occasionally). Corner litter pans are acceptable but not as effective.
Litter: Paper towel, fleece cut to size (washable and reusable), pine pellets, or paper-based (not clay) cat litter.
Toothbrush: For scrubbing the feet and quills.
Additional hideaways: If the cage has enough space, it's great to offer a few different options for sleeping spots. Plastic igloos, sleeping bags, Hedgigamis, tunnels, domes, cuddle cups, dig boxes, fleece strips (to burrow in), 3-4" PVC pipe, etc.
Light source: A lamp next to the cage, or overhead light in the room. An artificial light source is a good idea during the fall/winter when natural light is not reliable.
Timer: A timer that's plugged into an outlet to control when a lamp comes on and off. Great for keeping a consistent light schedule if you're always going to be around to do it manually.
Treats: Store-bought feeder insects, baby food, cooked meat, fruits/vegetables. (For a more extensive list, click here. VVH treat mix can be purchased here.)
Toys: Any small objects that can provide entertainment. Cuddle buddies, tea pockets, solid-sided balls, small rubber squeaky toys, rubber ducks, foam tubes, toilet paper tubes (cut length-wise), small stuffed animals, toy cars, mini porcupine balls, etc. (Note: Avoid toys that a hedgehog's feet or mouth can get stuck on; anything with slits or large enough holes.)
Play pen: For supervised exploring and playtime outside the cage. Plastic kiddy pools or collapsible wire pet pens are ideal.
Paper towels: Self explanatory. Good to always have some on hand!
Hand wipes: Similar use as paper towels. Also a good alternative to giving foot baths.
Household cleaner: A pet-safe household cleaner for using on the wheel and the cage. Bleach/water solution (properly diluted and given time to air out), standard citrus spray cleaner, 50/50 vinegar/water solution, etc. (We use Simple Green D Pro5, which is certified safe for zoos, vet clinics, kennels, etc.)
Laundry detergent: For washing liners, bags, and other hedgehog-related items. Should be unscented and dye-free. (We use All Free & Clear.)
Hand warmers: Individually packaged hand warmers, 10 or 12 hour. A perfect short-term heating solution for traveling in the winter or for during power outages, or for some extra warmth in the sleeping spot. (Avoid direct contact with the hedgehog by using hand warmer covers, a balled up sock, or wrapping it in fleece.)
Hand warmer covers: Fleece/fabric covers for hand warmers, to prevent direct contact.
