How to Clean a Hedgehog Cage

The African Pygmy hedgehog is the most common "domestic" hedgehog, that is bred in captivity. Wild hedgehogs are typically much larger than pet hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are solitary creatures that prefer a cage to themselves. They are nocturnal, so your pet hedgehog is likely to be active while you are asleep. If you are careful to take care of your hedgehog by feeding it a healthy diet and keeping its cage clean, it can live up to 10 years.

Things You'll Need

  • Newspaper
  • Aspen wood chips
  • Dish soap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove your hedgehog and its wheel, food, water and nest box from the cage. Place the hedgehog in a plastic or cardboard box to keep it safe and contained while you clean the cage. If your hedgehog has a wire cage that can be taken apart, place the top of the cage around it, or put it in an empty bathtub.

    • 2

      Dump the old bedding and newspaper from the bottom of the cage into an outdoor garbage can to keep your home odor free.

    • 3

      Wash the bottom of the cage with hot, soapy water. This eliminates any remaining urine or feces, and sanitizes the cage. Wash it regularly to keep it smelling fresh. Dry the bottom of the cage thoroughly when you finish washing it.

    • 4

      Lay fresh newspaper in the bottom of the cage. Place a few layers down to keep urine from soaking through quickly. Cover the newspaper with clean aspen wood chips. A thicker layer of chips keeps the cage clean and fresh longer.

    • 5

      Put the nest box, food dish, water bottle and exercise wheel into the cage, and then place your hedgehog back inside.