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What wattage bulb should I get? 100 watts is the minimum wattage to properly heat your hedgehog’s cage, 150 watts is optimal. I prefer Flukers 150-watt bulbs because I’ve seen them last 4-5 years before burning out.
What kind of heat light does a hedgehog need?
Hedgehogs need a heat lamp called a ceramic heat emitter (CHE) to keep warm, as they explore and feed in their cage. The CHE only emits heat and not light, as any light at night could confuse hedgehogs into thinking it was day time, stopping them from coming out to feed.
What is the best heat source for hedgehog?
Option 2: The Best Hedgehog Heating Pad Hedgehog heating pads are another great way to keep your hedgehog warm. You’ll pretty much see owners split down the middle when it comes to pads vs lamps. The best way to use them is by placing them underneath half of the cage.
How can I keep my hedgehog warm without a heat lamp?
Heating Pads for Hedgehogs The easiest way to guarantee your hedgehog has a warm place to stay is by placing a heating pad underneath or in its cage. Our recommended heating pad is the K&H Small Animal Heating Pad.
What temperature is too cold for hedgehogs?
Temperatures lower than 70 degrees are considered “cold” for hedgehogs and can result in a hibernation attempt, which can be fatal. A sudden drop in temperature, even if it doesn’t get below 70 degrees, can still trigger a hibernation attempt or cause other health problems.
How do you warm up a hibernating hedgehog?
It is very important to start to warm your hedgehog immediately but very slowly. You can place your hedgehog under your shirt next to your body. You can also warm your hedgehog on a heating pad or by wrapping it in towels warmed in the dryer. NEVER LEAVE UNATTENDED WITH A HEATING PAD.
How do ceramic bulbs work?
The Exo Terra Ceramic Heater is a radiant heat source which creates a natural sunlike heat with a uniform pattern. Infrared heat penetrates the scales and skin tissue, promoting health and healing as it widens the blood vessels and increases blood circulation.
Can I use a reptile heating pad for hedgehog?
Reptile Heating pads Many under tank heaters designed for reptile use will also work well for hedgehogs. You must read the instructions to make sure the stick on mat won’t get too hot for your cage.
Is infrared safe for hedgehogs?
It only gives off heat, not light. Infrared can bother some hedgehogs at night. Better not to risk it. There are stickies in some of the forums with heat and lighting options.
Can I use a space heater for my hedgehog?
Supplementing The Hedgehog Cage Heater Set-Up. To avoid over-heating, make sure your space heater has the thermometer built in. A space heater alone may not provide adequate heat for your hedgehog cage heater system. You could also try using a floor radiator or if the AC is running, block the vent.
Do hedgehogs need a light at night?
Because they are nocturnal, hedgehogs do best with a consistent source of light for about 12-14 hours each day. This is important since natural light isn’t always consistent, and light is important to avoid triggering a hibernation attempt.
What happens if a hedgehog gets too cold?
So letting them become too cold will eventually cause internal organs to shut down, respiratory problems, or sudden death. The signs that your hedgehog is too cold are if it is very lethargic, much huffier/grumpier than usual, slow to respond to being woken up, has a cold belly or feet, or is even wobbling.
How do I know if my hedgehog is too hot?
A hedgehog cage is deemed hot when the temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When your hedgehog begins to show signs like “splatting” with their stomach on the floor and the legs splayed out, then your pet is hot. When the temperature exceeds 90 degrees your hedgehog can collapse due to heatstroke.
How do you insulate a hedgehog cage?
You can also insulate from the bottom, especially if the cage is on the floor. Putting a thick quilt or a sheet of styrofoam under can help as well. If you can get it off the floor (if that’s where it is now), that will help as well.
How long can hedgehogs be in the cold?
Wild hedgehogs in colder climates often hibernate for around 6 months, though this is decreasing as the global climate warms. Interestingly, hedgehogs do often wake up on warmer days during hibernation and usually remain in their nest but may search for food, or even build a new nest.
Can hedgehogs be kept outside?
Yes! You can take your hedgehog outside to play. It is likely that your hedgehog will enjoy the fresh air and change of scenery during the summer months. However you should always take some precautions to ensure your hedgie is safe from harm.
At what temperature do hedgehogs hibernate?
It’s incredible to note that hedgehogs stop being warm blooded creatures, as this state often uses up too much energy. A comfortable surrounding temperature for hedgehogs to hibernate effectively is around 5 degrees, and freezing conditions must be avoided.
How do you help a hibernating hedgehog?
Putting out food and water in a feeding station each evening will help to give your hedgehogs the best chance of making it through the winter. Keep feeding into November or December, when the food stops being taken stop leaving it out. There is no need to leave food out during the hibernation period.
Can you leave a ceramic heat emitter on all the time?
Seriously though yes it can stay on, providing a thermostat is attached to maintain a correct and safe temperature.
How long does a ceramic bulb take to heat up?
Registered. On first switch on the ceramic will get hot. If left on they will reach temperatures of 300c in five minutes. You could check the heater by simply wiring it direct to a plug and plug that in, you will notice if it gets warm or not within minutes of inserting the plug in the wall.
