Introducing your Hedgehog to Other Pets

Emma chilling in her box on the patio last summer

Hedgehogs are not generally social with other animals. With any creature you should introduce your pet carefully to new animals. My BF has a lovely, curious cat (who turns 6 tomorrow... happy adoption day Emma!) who can be friendly or defensive depending on her mood and on the other pet's actions. (Just like people, gee, who woulda thunk it?).

We discussed how to introduce Peggy and Emma and decided that because Emma likes to be in charge they should be introduced at my place which is Peggy's "turf". With Peg playing on the floor Emma stared with confusion and curiosity at the moving spike ball. Emma curiously sniffed at her and eventually got up the courage to "paw" Peg's back (claws sheathed) Peggy Houffed (see: Houff) and Emma jumped away. This is pretty much the depth of their interaction

We were vigilant supervisors the first several times the two met and I won't leave them totally alone yet (this may change with time but they only meet every few months so I will continue to play lifeguard for now).

So far, Emma mostly ignores Peg but is very curious when Peg plays actively and very jealous when Peg is in her owner's lap. She has been known to squish herself onto his lap, carefully avoiding a tail full of spikes. I am happy that neither is aggressive and Peg seems indifferent/unaware of Emma unless Emma taps her with her paw. Then she will Houff at Emma.

 Mission: Inter Species Non Aggression Pact successful.  

          

Hogs from Other Blogs - Hedgehog Cheese Grater

Source: barcaluv67.posterous.com

I love hedgehogs ... and I love cheese. Who knew these quirks could come together in such a sleek, fun way!? I am fairly useless in the kitchen but this kitchy grater is something that would be fun to pull out when I pretend to cook.
 

Cooked Bugs for your Hedgehog - Zoo Med Can O' Review

As I have previously posted, hedgehogs need to eat insects as a regular treat in their diet. I am squeamish and I have a hard time with the idea of a box of live bugs living in my kitchen fridge. I did some research and I have found an excellent product from a company called Zoo Med. They sell cooked, canned insects for lizards and other critters that eat bugs. So far Peg loves the crickets and mini meal worms. Because she eats so few at a time I found that they would go off in a week or so (I guess a lizard or something would finish the can in that time). The best way to not waste or feed spoiled food to your hedgehog is to split the bugs into small sandwich bags when you open the can (about 20 - 30 in a bag) and freeze them. This way you just defrost what you need for a week or two and you will use the full can. I like this product because it doesn't have crazy chemicals as preservatives and is super convenient... no crickets living behind the fridge!!

EDITED TO ADD: To clarify, the bugs are to suppliment your hedgehog's diet. Feed them semi-daily to daily a few each serving. Too much or too little is not good.
  

HAPPY ADOPTION DAY!

Pic: trafalgarssquare's shop @ etsy.com

It is Peggy's adoption day today! She has dined on meal worms and is currently playing on the floor at my feet. She is fairly indifferent to this milestone, frankly I suspect she knew she was adopted before I told her. Regardless, it is an important day for me because I am so happy that I have her. /sap.

  

Hogs from Other Blogs - Swimming!

It is hot and I am cranky. I wish I was short enough to fit in a bathtub properly to cool like these Hedgehogs... maybe even have someone soap my belly as I am also feeling pretty lazy...

www.urlesque.com/2010/07/02/hedgehogs-swim-videos