Different Types of Hedgehog Bedding
Hedgehogs are a common animal found throughout the United States. They regularly frequent back yards and gardens. Though they're wild animals, it is possible to keep them as pets or to build them places to hide and sleep while remaining able to come and go as they please. If you do decide to build or buy a hedgehog home, make sure you get the bedding right to avoid any potential problems and to make sure the hedgehogs are as comfortable as possible.
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Cured Pine Shavings
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The biggest problem you face when looking for suitable hedgehog bedding is finding bedding that is nontoxic. Cedar bedding is sometimes used, but as it contains an aromatic toxin called Plicatic Acid it is generally viewed as unsuitable for use as hedgehog bedding. Pine shavings fall into the same category, unless the pine has been cured. If it has, it is suitable for use as hedgehog bedding.
Aspen Shavings
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For an alternative to cured pine, use aspen shavings. It is best to use aspen in chip form as it is less messy than other varieties. Although there are some instances of hedgehogs suffering from allergic reactions to aspen shavings, it is seen as a bedding that will not cause many problems in the majority of cases.
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Newspaper
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Use old newspapers or cheap, easily sourced bedding. Crumble up the newspaper and place it into your hedgehog box. Newspaper is easy to find, remove and replace making it an economical alternative for many people. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society recommends using newspaper as hedgehog bedding.
Corn Cob
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Corn cob can act as good bedding for hedgehogs but it can cause some problems if you are not careful. Although soft enough for hedgehogs to burrow into, corn cobs can be swallowed and therefore pose a serious choking risk. Corn cob should be refreshed regularly to avoid them rotting and beginning to smell.
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References
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Comments
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Hedgehogs are not native to the US. They are native to Asia, Africa and Europe. They can also be found in the wild in New Zealand, but they were introduced there. You will not find a wild hedgehog ANYWHERE in the US!
