Hedgehog care is more complex than many of the other "pocket pets." Doing proper research before you decide to bring one home is extremely important. If you have ANY questions, feel free to ask me. I can be reached at ainsleywillowhedgehogs@gmail.com or by TEXTING 502-601-9201. I rarely answer phone calls.
Housing A clear storage tote is best as long as it is at least 105 qt. A C&C Cage with 10" walls is another good option. Other cages may work with modifications, which I will be happy to discuss with you. Generally speaking, the floor must be solid, no multi-level cages, and bars must be covered 10" up to prevent escape and climbing.
Heat You'll need a lamp with a ceramic/porcelain base (plastic is a fire hazard), a ceramic heat emitter bulb (no bulbs that omit light), and a reliable thermostat (I only recommend the Inkbird 306T). Avoid cheap bulbs from Amazon or the set that has the lamp, bulb and thermostat. MAJOR FIRE RISK!!! They need to be kept between 76-80 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.
DO NOT USE HEAT PADS! They cause burns and only warm that one spot. They don’t need a heat gradient like reptiles. The whole cage needs to be proper temperature.
You can also give as supplementation live bugs, hard boiled or scrambled eggs, plain cooked chicken, or pumpkin/butternut squash/sweet potato baby food. Don't begin anything extra before three months of age, then introduce things slowly. Leave kibble down even when feeding the extra stuff.
Bedding Anything but KayKob (corn) bedding or cedar should be fine. I recommend Kiln Dried pine, equine pine pellets, the pine flakes (white bag from tractor supply), or fleece.
What to use if you're breaking out in hives (try not to use more than once a month since it's medicated shampoo) https://www.amazon.com/BEXLEY-LABS-Curaseb-Medicated-Shampoo/dp/B01G2T1N5I/ref=sxts_rp_s_a_1_0?content-id=amzn1.sym.eff26b9b-e255-411b-a40d-eccb21f93fe4%3Aamzn1.sym.eff26b9b-e255-411b-a40d-eccb21f93fe4&crid=1MO8NB1B6F0GK&cv_ct_cx=curaseb+chlorhexidine&keywords=curaseb+chlorhexidine&pd_rd_i=B01G2T1N5I&pd_rd_r=ba46eb9b-9c20-40d2-abc2-530ab80c2f7f&pd_rd_w=XiXud&pd_rd_wg=P0ayv&pf_rd_p=eff26b9b-e255-411b-a40d-eccb21f93fe4&pf_rd_r=ZZEVE0PTK39V6F4WPT6H&qid=1672767036&sprefix=curaseb+chlorhexidine%2Caps%2C155&sr=1-1-5985efba-8948-4f09-9122-d605505c9d1e
You'll also want infant nail trimmers, kwik stop (styptic powder), oatmeal bath bombs for when they're quilling, and a quill brush.
Toys Matchbox cars, crinkle balls, ping pong balls, solid jingle balls (none that have openings they can get their teeth or jaws caught in), vinyl bath toys, or small stuffed animals (sewn on eyes and nose preferred are some of their favorites. I sell a toy kit in the Hedgehog Shoppe! Hedgehog Shoppe - Ainsley Willow Hedgehogs
Bonding Pouches I recommend having at least three. You use these when you are bonding on the couch or you can use them as hides in the cage. I sell them for $10. Please contact me for available prints.