I've recently had a hedgehog that was trying to hibernate. In order to discourage this behavior, it is recommended to increase the room temperature. The area my hedgehogs stay in maintains a 72 degree temperature, which is okay, but at the lower end of the temperatures they like. It is recommended that they be kept at a temperature between 72-82 degrees.
I have 3 other hedgehogs, and none are trying to hibernate. The first thing I did was moved all their cages to a corner, and increase the room temperature a few degrees. I then got on my computer to search for cage warmers. I love Amazon, with their variety and great prices. In my search, I was looking for safety, temperature control, and not too big. That's when I found this...
Made of a hard plastic, it is durable and easy to clean. It also has a coated cable to prevent chewing of the cords. The size is 9" x 12", perfect for what I was looking for. My Lucy, loves it!
A cover can also be purchased to fit this pad, but I don't need it with the hedgies sleeping in a Cozy Sak.
Just like people, hedgehogs like a variety of temperatures. Little Lucy, is now a happy hedgie.
I bet my cats would love that heater. We are always finding them on top of our laptops which is not good for the laptop.
ReplyDeleteJust curious - Why don't you want your hedgehog to hibernate? Are you trying to get sleepy-head to sync up with the other three?
I love that it only heats up when something is on top of it.
ReplyDeleteAfrican Pygmy Hedgehogs do not usually hibernate, although they can. It is their European relatives that hibernate. When they hibernate, their body temps drop, and they usually die from hypothermia or starvation.