There are quite a few options than can be used as hedgehog toys. Below are a few examples. Hedgehogs love to run, bury and go through things so these are the basic things you have to consider when looking for hedgehog toys.
EXERCISE WHEELS
Hedgehogs need a lot of excercise and love to run. In the wild, they get a lot of excercise while seeking and hunting prey. They are cabable of running 6.5 feet per second.
Hedgehogs need a lot of excercise and love to run. In the wild, they get a lot of excercise while seeking and hunting prey. They are cabable of running 6.5 feet per second.
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One of the most important and essential toys you can buy for your hedeghog is a wheel.
Hedgehogs who have access to a wheel have the opportunity to run as much as their little heart desires, and reaching no destination in the end does not seem to matter.
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A hedgehogs wheel should be at least 11" and have a flat smooth running surface. If the wheel is too small, the hedgehog will not use it.
TUBES AND TUNNELS
PVC Tubes are also great for hedgehogs. They must be a large size only. You can find these at Canadian Tire, Home Depot or any other hardware store.
A toiler paper roll is the easiest toy you can get for your hedgehog. They love to stick their face into it. If you leave your hedgehog unsupervised and he plays with the roll, I recommend cutting the roll sideways so your hedgehog does not get stuck in the roll and cause himself damage.
PVC Tubes are also great for hedgehogs. They must be a large size only. You can find these at Canadian Tire, Home Depot or any other hardware store.
A toiler paper roll is the easiest toy you can get for your hedgehog. They love to stick their face into it. If you leave your hedgehog unsupervised and he plays with the roll, I recommend cutting the roll sideways so your hedgehog does not get stuck in the roll and cause himself damage.
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Super Pet Hammock for small pets is also a great way to keep you hedgehog occupied. They love anything they can explore and crawl into. These are usually found in the ferret section. Many ferret toys are suitable for hedgehogs.
The Snak Shak collection provides accessories and activity toys which are safe and edible for hedgehogs and small pets. These are a great wood alternative as well. They are quite durable and long lasting.
BALLS
Balls can be used to stimulate foraging, or to help you identify when your hedgehog is active most. New hedgie owners are encouraged to put a ball with a bell inside the cage. This way they can hear when their hedgie is out and about and help identify when the hedgie is active most.
Balls can be also used as toys. Find a small cat ball with openings and insert mealworms or treats into the ball. The hedehog will rely on its smell and spend time foraging, trying to get the worm out (see 1st video below).
Ball playpens are also great though they require more room.
Balls can be used to stimulate foraging, or to help you identify when your hedgehog is active most. New hedgie owners are encouraged to put a ball with a bell inside the cage. This way they can hear when their hedgie is out and about and help identify when the hedgie is active most.
Balls can be also used as toys. Find a small cat ball with openings and insert mealworms or treats into the ball. The hedehog will rely on its smell and spend time foraging, trying to get the worm out (see 1st video below).
Ball playpens are also great though they require more room.
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OUTDOOR PLAYTIME
During warm weather, many hedgehog owners love to spend time outdoors with their hedgehogs. There are a few precautions that you must take.
1) Do not take your hedgehog out on hot humid days. Hedgehogs are nocturnal creates and are not used to high heat or high humidity. They can overheat quickly.
2) Always watch your hedgehog if they are not in a cage. Many owners use kiddie pools and playpens as playgrounds for their hedgies preventing them from running off, but a persistent hedgehog will get out!
During warm weather, many hedgehog owners love to spend time outdoors with their hedgehogs. There are a few precautions that you must take.
1) Do not take your hedgehog out on hot humid days. Hedgehogs are nocturnal creates and are not used to high heat or high humidity. They can overheat quickly.
2) Always watch your hedgehog if they are not in a cage. Many owners use kiddie pools and playpens as playgrounds for their hedgies preventing them from running off, but a persistent hedgehog will get out!
Hedgehogs can run very fast, and can disappear out of sight before you know it!
3) If you are going to let your hedgehog run on the lawn, please make sure it is not chemically treated.
One of the major concerns with hedgehogs playing outside is parasites. Mites, fleas, and ticks are the major concerns. Giving your hedgehog a bath after playing outside is a way to prevent any parasites. You can also rub some olive oil on your hedgie before taking it out to avoid parasites from being able to latch on (they will slip off).
I've previously used Force Field by McIntosh all natural spray to make sure our hedgies stay safe ( no longer available in Canada, can be found sometimes through shop.ca). Best prevention is to give your hedgehogs a flea/mite treatment such as Revolution (for kittens/puppies) during the warm months ( http://www.canadavet.com/Revolution-for-Kittens-Pink-P247C90.aspx ) It can be obtained without a prescription through CanadaVet website. Apply recommended amount per weight (usually around 1 drop of a tube = approx 7 drops per tube).
Make sure water and shade is always available. Pay attention to weather conditions and always make sure the temperature is reasonable.
Give your hedgehog some time to adjust. Some hedgehogs love being outside and begin to explore as soon as they get outside. Others look for a hiding spot until they can adjust, especially during bright daylight hours.
Letting your hedgehog explore outside is the closest thing they will get to a natural habitat. My hedgehogs enjoy every minute of it.
3) If you are going to let your hedgehog run on the lawn, please make sure it is not chemically treated.
One of the major concerns with hedgehogs playing outside is parasites. Mites, fleas, and ticks are the major concerns. Giving your hedgehog a bath after playing outside is a way to prevent any parasites. You can also rub some olive oil on your hedgie before taking it out to avoid parasites from being able to latch on (they will slip off).
I've previously used Force Field by McIntosh all natural spray to make sure our hedgies stay safe ( no longer available in Canada, can be found sometimes through shop.ca). Best prevention is to give your hedgehogs a flea/mite treatment such as Revolution (for kittens/puppies) during the warm months ( http://www.canadavet.com/Revolution-for-Kittens-Pink-P247C90.aspx ) It can be obtained without a prescription through CanadaVet website. Apply recommended amount per weight (usually around 1 drop of a tube = approx 7 drops per tube).
Make sure water and shade is always available. Pay attention to weather conditions and always make sure the temperature is reasonable.
Give your hedgehog some time to adjust. Some hedgehogs love being outside and begin to explore as soon as they get outside. Others look for a hiding spot until they can adjust, especially during bright daylight hours.
Letting your hedgehog explore outside is the closest thing they will get to a natural habitat. My hedgehogs enjoy every minute of it.
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