Miss Truffles needs helps

Webbster · Jul 24, 2011

Hi, I am a new owner of a almost one and half year old hedgie. I got her from Craiglist last weekend and I have been browsing through this forum the whole week.
Anyway, I am very excited but I have a few questions that have bothered me.
Her previously owner wasn't a very nice lady and so I think she has been ignored for a long time, but she looks pretty healthy and poops the right order so I think health wise she is fine.
However, 1. The cage smells a lot, even after a thorough clean this Monday, the cage still has a strong smell, during the same time I have cleaned the cage every single day. The cutie sells too, I wanted to introduce her into bath (she has never taken a bath before according to the previous owner) but I am afraid this will scare her since she is already in a new environment. But the worst thing is this is starting to attract flies into my apartment, since now is a rain season in mid west, I am afraid this is gonna get worst and I definitely should do something with her hygiene.
2. She poops in the wheel but I don't know where she urinates, I am using the aspen pine bedding but seems like it combined with urine can smell even worst. Is there something I can do to reteach her where to poops or urinates or I should get a fleece bedding?
3. She balls up every time I get close to her. Since she is grown up so I will need a pair of gloves to lift her out of the cage. In the forum lots of threads say to put her near by me and just to let her explore, I put her over the couches but she is afraid to make any move. I sit there for like a hour but she did not move at all. I tried to put my fingers close to her but she still tended to ball up.
If anyone can help me out that will be great!

Hammie · Jul 24, 2011

I would change the bedding to either carefresh or fleece liners. It's more comfortable and it's easier to deal with. It also keeps the cage fresher smelling. Continue cleaning the wheel daily using vinegar or a pet cage cleaning solution.

It's possible to litter train a hedgehog but it's more difficult with older hogs. Scoop some of her poop into a litter box (I use fleece liners and a long tupperware container filled with carefresh) and continue this daily. If she gets it, she gets it. If not, she doesn't. Just make sure you keep the rest of the cage spotless.

My Hamlet was just like her when I got him. Be patient. She may warm up, she may not. Try hand feeding her a cricket or another yummy treat once in a while when you hold her (find acceptable treats in the forum).

As far as baths go, most people recommend aveeno oatmeal bath or fragrance free baby shampoo. Baths can be very scary for hedgehogs, so try to make it calm and pleasant for her. Finish with a small treat.

And post pictures!! Welcome to hedgehog parenthood!!

Kalandra · Jul 24, 2011

What food is she being fed and are you feeding the same food she was being fed previously? Some foods can make hedgehogs absolutely reek. Sudden changes in their diets can cause upset as well.

I dislike all substrate beddings, and this is one of the many reasons why. I prefer cloth liners, and have never had a problem switching one from substrates to cloth. Yes a few have burrowed and took a couple of weeks to adjust, but all have taken to it readily once they figured out what was going on.

Do not use gloves. Gloves are scarey. She needs to be able to smell you and get used to you. If you have trouble picking her up, instead of gloves, use a piece of fleece in one hand and gently roll her onto your other hand. Yes those quills hurt some, but really they don’t hurt that much. If you have read the forum and the suggested methods for socialization, then you already have how to go about it. It can take many months to finally gain a hedgehog’s trust… especially one that wasn’t being socialized or perhaps was abused. One major quality for yourself that you will learn is patience. These guys will demand quiet and patience and it can be quite a challenge sometimes.

Nancy · Jul 24, 2011

If she is smelling that bad, she really should have a bath for her own comfort as well as yours. Yes baths can be stressful but there are ways to minimize the stress level.

Put a towel, or bath mat in your kitchen sink. You want her to have a solid footing so her feet don't slide around. That will help minimize the stress. Only have half an inch or less water in the sink. You really don't even need water in the sink. The water should be warm, but not hot. Off to the side, or if you have a double sink, have some warm water ready so you don't have to turn on the tap. Use a plastic glass and gently pour the water over her back. Usually pouring water over them is less stressful than standing in a sink of water. If she is really stressed, hold her in your hand and pour the water over her. If she is stressed, make it quick and then cuddle her in a warm dry cloth.

Webbster · Jul 24, 2011

Thank you all for the inputs! I really appreciate them!
I just gave her the first bath today after I got back from work, she was SUPER nervous, I did put a piece of cloth underneath and I poured warm water over her, still, she was very nervous and tried to get out the sink all the time.
But all and all, she doesn't smell even a bit now, I am so happy a shower helped that much.
About the bedding, if I use fleece bedding, how do I treat her urine? Do I just need to change her bedding every week or I have to change it once I spot her urinated?
I have been treating her the same Purina cat food that the previous owner has used (she gave me half bag of the left), but I added some timothy hay in it.
Treat wise, I bought her some mealworms but she ain't like them at all. She was not used to eat any veggie or fruit too. I know I should not feed her grapes, but what are some of the common fruits or veggies a hedge shall accept easily?
This is really a sweet forum and you guys have been really helpful. I will soon start posting her pictures once we get closer.

Kalandra · Jul 25, 2011

Remove the timothy hay. Hedgehogs are not rodents and will not eat the hay. If one does eat the hay it will only prematurely wear their teeth down. Their teeth do not continually grow, so premature wear will result in a special needs hedgehog.

Purina is one of those foods that I dislike. I have had several rescues some to me eating it and they all had smelly stool. Take a look through the diet section, there are plenty of threads with brand names that we commonly feed. You'll want to find a high quality, mid protein (30-35), and low fat (under 15) food.

Keep trying the mealworms, if she has never had them it may take time for her to realize they are food. Some fruits and veggies mine like, watermelon, honey dew, pears, banana, apple, cooked green beans, peas, sweet potato, carrot, etc.