hedgehogs for adoption, hedgehog breeders, hedgehogs for sale, hedgehogs Michigan

  Coming home check list!
    *The information found here is solely owned by Prickly Creek Exotics, if found on other
     breeders web sites without our consent, please realize that the information was stolen
     from our site, and we are not liable for the way in which they do business.

 If you buy one of our babies, please read this before your hedgehog comes home, and then again
 after you get him or her home.

 The day you bring your baby hedgehog home is a special day! I would like to address some
 things that will help every new hedgehog owner with what they should do to make sure their
 baby is doing well.

 1) Make sure to have your cage completely set up before you take your baby out for handling.
     Allow them some time to roam around and learn their new home. Make sure your baby
     knows right where their water bottle and food bowl are.
      a) Make sure that your hedgehog is eating and drinking each day, if you notice there 
          isn't much water being drank, you may offer some seedless grapes to help with
          hydration, or give a small syringe of Pedialyte to the hedgehog.
      b) The food you use for your hedgehog may need to be chopped in a nut chopper to break
          up larger pieces. We only recommend feeding a mix of all natural cat foods such as Felidae,
          Wellness Super 5 mix, and Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul. Store bought hedgehog
         foods are not suitable for hedgehogs. The preservatives and additives can lead to cancer
         in hedgehogs. If you choose to feed anything but what we recommend, your health
         warranty is null and void.

 2) Make sure to quarantine your hedgehog from the other pets you have in your home for at
     least two full weeks. Always use good hand washing techniques prior to handling your
     hedgehog.

 3) Spend at least 15 minutes a day, twice a day with your hedgehog from the day you bring
     them home. You want your hedgehog to get comfortable with you and get to know you.
     Once you get your hedgehog to trust you, this is a good time to start doing daily exams on
     their appearance.
      a) check for clear eyes, not watery
      b) make sure the nose is moist, not dry
      c) check the quills and the skin, does it look dry?
      d) is he/she gaining weight?
      e) is he/she eating and drinking a good amount each night?
         The better you get to know your hedgehog, the quicker you will realize when something
         may be wrong and the more likely your hedgehog will be able to get better sooner. If at
         any time you feel your hedgehog is not acting normal, then seek a vet immediately!
         NEVER wait! A baby hedgehog can die quickly if something is wrong! You are their
         new parents, and you must tend to their needs like you would your own child. They
         depend on you!

 4) Make sure to spot clean the cage when needed, and empty out any bedding that needs to
     be changed. Offer fresh water daily, and make sure to offer them a full bowl of food, please
     do NOT try to limit their food intake, their is no reason to restrict the amount they eat.
     They are growing babies and need plenty of nutrition.

 5) When your baby comes home, it is only going to be use to the staple diet that it was fed
     here. At 6 weeks of age, I recommend offering freeze dried crickets and freeze dried
     mealworms. At 8 weeks of age, start introducing new foods such as: fresh fruits and hard
     boiled eggs, but make sure to try one thing at a time. Only offer them one new treat for a
     few days. If your hedgehog is going to have a reaction to it, at least this way you will know
     what it is having a reaction too. Once you know that the treat is ok, then start with
     another treat.

 6) Do not allow your hedgehog in any area where they are not going to be completely safe, 
     and never leave them unsupervised at any time. Never allow your hedgehog out doors or in
     your lawn. Although you may not use pesticides in your lawn, your neighbors may, and that
     can cause a hedgehogs premature death.

 7) Make sure to keep your hedgehog away from direct sunlight, and away from any windows
     or entry doors into your home. A cool draft can cause them problems.

 8) The more time you spend with your hedgehog, the more enjoyable the experience will be
     of owning one.

 9) If at any time your hedgehog is not acting normal- do NOT hesitate to seek a vet
     immediately! I can not stress this enough! They depend on you to know when something
     isn't right. Find a qualified vet by visiting our list of verified vets who see hedgehogs, or
     find one close to you.

 10) Enjoy your new baby! Hedgehogs are a great addition to any home, provided they fit
       the lifestyle of your family. Always feel free to email us with questions you have, if it is a
       medical emergency, then take it to a vet immediately! You are responsible for your baby
       once it leaves our home and care.

  Failure to follow the advice outlined above can lead to serious health issues. It only takes a
  few days of not noticing when something may be wrong for a hedgehog to crash and never
  come back. If at any time you have questions or concerns about your new baby, don't
  hesitate to reach us for advice. You are responsible for providing adequate care and ensuring
  the well being for your new pet.