H
Hillybean
Guest
Hey Everyone,
I am looking into getting a hedgie.
I have seen several sites that state they are USDA Licensed breeder, and ones that state they are a Hobby Breeder with only three breeding females (so no license).
I would naturally assume that a USDA breeder has regulations they have to go by, as the law states...but most breed several females. They also state that their hedgies are held often and are friendly.At the same time it is hard to believe that the babies were held often due to the numbers of females they keep.
I am guessing good health is a guarantee with a USDA breeder.
The usda breeder I am looking at allows you to interact with more than one hedgie, to pick out the one that you like.
Hobby breeders only breed one or two females at a time. The one I am looking at is a member of some clubs, which appear to be the right clubs after some research. But they aren't by law watched or regulated. Then in my mind health concerns pop up. They also guarantee a friendly hedgie, which makes since because it is a small scale breeding operation.
It also seems that because there are fewer to pick from, that I won't be able to pick my hedgie from a selection.
I am currently looking at two different sources in my area. One is a hobby breeder two hours from me (4 hours round trip), and requires that you reserve a hedgie (male or female). They also state that you can meet them at 4 wks.
The other a USDA breeder about one hour (2 hours round trip) from me. They allow you to pick your hedgie out from 3-5 different hedgies. These are of course weaned (6-8 weeks).
They all seem to guarantee health, and temperament. The current hobby breeder is charging more for females than males, and usda breeder has a set price.
I want to be able to pick mine out, that I know. I want to meet it, and go by how it acts. I am right now neutral on the sex. I am keeping in mind that females can be housed together.
My brother owns a hedgehog, so I already have a real idea on how they act. I have also read information about them for a few years now. In the past the time hasn't been right, now I think it is (due to more time,money,and vet care).
I guess what is bothering me is how often they are handled, before going to a new home.
That being said, where did you get your hedgie from?
Advise and comments are welcomed. I think I may be over worried about the health and handling..
-Hilly
I am looking into getting a hedgie.
I have seen several sites that state they are USDA Licensed breeder, and ones that state they are a Hobby Breeder with only three breeding females (so no license).
I would naturally assume that a USDA breeder has regulations they have to go by, as the law states...but most breed several females. They also state that their hedgies are held often and are friendly.At the same time it is hard to believe that the babies were held often due to the numbers of females they keep.
I am guessing good health is a guarantee with a USDA breeder.
The usda breeder I am looking at allows you to interact with more than one hedgie, to pick out the one that you like.
Hobby breeders only breed one or two females at a time. The one I am looking at is a member of some clubs, which appear to be the right clubs after some research. But they aren't by law watched or regulated. Then in my mind health concerns pop up. They also guarantee a friendly hedgie, which makes since because it is a small scale breeding operation.
It also seems that because there are fewer to pick from, that I won't be able to pick my hedgie from a selection.
I am currently looking at two different sources in my area. One is a hobby breeder two hours from me (4 hours round trip), and requires that you reserve a hedgie (male or female). They also state that you can meet them at 4 wks.
The other a USDA breeder about one hour (2 hours round trip) from me. They allow you to pick your hedgie out from 3-5 different hedgies. These are of course weaned (6-8 weeks).
They all seem to guarantee health, and temperament. The current hobby breeder is charging more for females than males, and usda breeder has a set price.
I want to be able to pick mine out, that I know. I want to meet it, and go by how it acts. I am right now neutral on the sex. I am keeping in mind that females can be housed together.
My brother owns a hedgehog, so I already have a real idea on how they act. I have also read information about them for a few years now. In the past the time hasn't been right, now I think it is (due to more time,money,and vet care).
I guess what is bothering me is how often they are handled, before going to a new home.
That being said, where did you get your hedgie from?
Advise and comments are welcomed. I think I may be over worried about the health and handling..
-Hilly
