You might be wondering whether taking your hedgehogs outside is a good idea after seeing pictures of other people’s quill babies roaming in backyard gardens and other outdoor areas during the summer.
This article answers the question “Can Hedgehogs Go Outside?” by discussing whether taking your pet hedgehogs outdoors is a good idea and what pitfalls to watch out for. We also look into how to hedgehog-proof the outdoor area to prevent escapes since these creatures are masters of sifting through the smallest cracks, crevices, and holes. Let’s get started.
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Can Hedgehogs Go Outside?
Hedgehogs may be taken outside to play in clean, hazard-free environments as long as the temperatures are not too hot with a cool bath given afterward. Hedgehogs should be well-fed and be placed in safe travel carriers with essential supplies like food and water.
Taking your hedgehogs outside can be a great way to provide some fresh air which results in mood improvements and positive changes in their overall wellbeing. Cage fatigue is common when hedgehogs are kept indoors for several months and taking them outside for a change could soothing.
Benefits of Taking Hedgehogs Outside
The benefits of playing with your hedgehogs outdoors during the summer can be enormous. Shall we delve into a few positives below?
Change of Scenery
After staying in restricted enclosures 24/7, taking hedgehogs outside offers a well-deserved change of scenery. Not only does this provide a sense of freedom but they could fall in love with the outdoors resulting in a new wave of happiness by the time they end up back in their cages.
The change of scenery can minimize cage rage and other psychological problems arising from being stuck in a confined space indefinitely.
Fresh Air In The Summer
Who doesn’t enjoy the feeling of the cool breeze on the skin when outdoors during the summer? Well, animals love the fresh air prevalent during that hot time of the year and hedgehogs are no different.
It is no secret that many homes may feel unbearably hot in the summer and hedgehogs could be exposed to scorching heat despite your best efforts. The fresh breeze could cool down their body temperature and minimize the risk of suffering heatstrokes.
A reminder of Their Time In The Wild
Hedgehogs are wild at heart even when domesticated and allowing them some time off from their cages to play in natural environments like backyard gardens may be a timely reminder of their period in the wild. It puts them in tune with their wild traits leading to a genuine sense of peace.
How Often Can I Take My Hedgehogs Outside?
Hedgehogs can be taken outside every 2 weeks during the summer months when outside temperatures are not too low to stimulate hibernation. Early mornings or late afternoons are the most suitable periods to prevent exposure to direct sunlight which could be harmful to their eyes.
What Outside Temperature is Safe For Hedgehogs?
The best temperature range in the summer for taking hedgehogs outside is 70-72 degrees which are reasonably comfortable. We recommend taking them outside in the late afternoon or early morning when the sun’s furious rays are dim for the best experience.
By late afternoon, the ground is likely to have dried up even if it rained overnight since hedgehogs should never be allowed to play on wet grounds for fear of picking up disease-causing parasites. Have an umbrella or some form of shade on standby to protect the hedgehog from direct exposure in case the sun flares up unexpectedly.
Precautions For Taking Hedgehogs Outside
Here are a few precautions to follow before taking hedgehogs outdoors to play during the summer.
Feed and Allow Your Hedgehog To Poop
Hedgehogs should be well-fed before taking them outside during the summer. Treats like tasty fruits and vegetables or mealworms can set up the tone for a great day outdoors because hedgehogs typically respond favorably to them.
Also, allow your hedgehogs to poop at least once before leaving the house because they are uncontrollable poop bags that ease themselves indiscriminately. Bring a couple of unscented wet wipes to clean up the hedgehog in the event of future defecations.
Make Sure The Hedgehog is In Good Health
Taking sick hedgehogs outdoors may be needless at best and could even escalate their discomfort. Examine their demeanor to be sure there are no signs of pain or sickness and rule out the following symptoms before leaving the house together.
- Bloody stool or urine
- Breathing difficulties
- Coughing
- Eye or Nasal discharge
- Lethargy
- Paralysis
- Sneezing
Escape-Proof Travel Carrier
Hedgehogs should be taken outdoors in a leak-proof travel carrier to lower the risk of getting lost after accidentally falling out of it. Hedgehogs may attempt to escape en route to the destination so make sure there are no holes or spaces available to exploit.
Also, the travel carrier should be dry with no signs of dampness to protect the hedgehog from exposure to skin infections.
Clean and Pesticide-Free Ground
Hedgehogs should only be allowed to play on grasses devoid of pesticides and other chemical treatments if you intend to take them to the neighborhood park to play. They typically taste grass in the course of their time outdoors and the last thing you want is for toxic chemicals to end up in the hedgehog’s digestive tracts.
Unfortunately, you cannot be sure whether the neighborhood park is treated with pesticides so allowing your hedgehogs to play over there may not be the best idea. Backyard gardens could be a better alternative but make sure your neighbor does not spray your grass on your blindside.
Rule Out Environmental Hazards
Before setting up your hedgehog to play in the outdoors, make sure there are no existing environmental hazards that can create problems. Also, verify the absence of nets that may entangle your hedgehog’s quills to create discomfort.
Armies of bugs like ants in the area should also be checked for because they could bite your hedgehog’s skin. Also, be sure there are no beehives in the outdoor area to prevent exposure to attacks by a swarm of bees resulting in fatal consequences.
Since hedgehogs are going to play on the ground, getting your hands dirty by walking barefooted and examining the ground thoroughly may reveal subtle hazards that could be easily missed.
Additionally, scout the area to eliminate the presence of predators especially birds like hawks and owls that can attack and pick up hedgehogs within an instant. Do not forget to watch out for wild or stray dogs that may attack your hedgehog after mistaking it for a toy of some sort.
Create A Playpen
Sectioning off a spot in the outdoors for the hedgehog to play can protect them from potential hazards in the environment. This could also prevent escapes since these creatures are masters of running from their owners once in the outdoors.
They may quickly camouflage themselves in gardens and other woodlands making your ability to find and rescue them almost impossible. Always verify the absence of holes, seams, and other potential escape routes or burrowing opportunities in the playpen used.
Keep Your Eyes On The Hedgehog
No matter how secure you think your hedgehogs may be, never take your eyes off them even for a few seconds. Not only can they suffer predatory attacks within a split second but another person could even steal your beloved hedgehog.
If you must go to the toilet, take your cute quill baby along and bring him back to the outdoors when you’re done. Leaving hedgehogs unattended can provide enough time for them to make a run for it because they’re accomplished escape artists and the last thing you want is to give them the freedom to play without supervision.
Hedgehogs may also eat potentially toxic insects during your absence or even get exposed to rapidly-developing situations like a stray dog running into their playpen and attacking them.
Give An Oatmeal Bath
The probability of picking up toxins and disease-causing organisms can be high after spending time outdoors. Providing an oatmeal bath could ensure the highest sanitation with additional benefits like calming down the hedgehog’s nerves.
Enjoyable baths can also help strengthen the bond with your beloved hedgehog and improve its total well-being.
Book A Trip To The Vet
Hedgehogs that spend time outdoors need routine veterinary attention, especially at the end of the summer months. This can uncover illnesses or infections early before things escalate to complicated levels.
Can I Walk My Hedgehog On A Leash?
Hedgehogs cannot be put on a leash during walks because of their tendency to curl into balls upon sensing danger and the presence of quills on their backs. A leash may expose them to dangerous situations that could trigger discomfort.
Conclusion
Allowing hedgehogs to spend some time outdoors can be great for their health and wellbeing. It provides a much-needed change of scenery that minimizes cage rage and provides access to the fresh breeze everyone craves in the summer.
However, precautions like making sure there are no environmental hazards in the outdoors and keeping your eyes on the hedgehog without fail can come in handy. Hedgehogs should also be placed in secure playpens to prevent escapes.