The Ultimate Guide to Hedgehog Toys: Keep Your Pet Entertained

 

The Ultimate Guide to Hedgehog Toys: Keep Your Pet Entertained

Hedgehogs are curious, energetic little creatures that love to explore their environment, so keeping them entertained is essential for their well-being. Whether they’re racing around their cages or exploring new textures and objects, providing stimulating toys can keep your hedgehog happy and healthy. In this ultimate guide, we’ll highlight different types of toys that are not only fun but also safe for hedgehogs, including some DIY options you can easily make at home.

Why Are Toys Important for Hedgehogs?

Toys and enrichment are key to a hedgehog’s mental and physical health. Just like humans, hedgehogs need mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to stress, overeating, or even health problems. Toys provide them with exercise, improve their coordination, and allow them to express their natural behaviors, like foraging and investigating.

Types of Hedgehog Toys

Let’s take a look at different types of toys that are safe and entertaining for hedgehogs:

1. Exercise Wheels

Every hedgehog needs an exercise wheel to keep their muscles strong and burn off energy. Not only is it essential for their physical health, but it also serves as one of their primary forms of entertainment.

• Safety Tip: Look for a solid-surface wheel, as mesh or rungs can cause injury to your hedgehog’s feet or legs. Ensure the wheel is large enough for your hedgehog to run comfortably without curving its back too much.

2. Tunnels and Tubes

Hedgehogs love to hide and explore, and tunnels or tubes are great for encouraging natural burrowing instincts. These toys can be placed inside their cage, allowing them to crawl through and discover new spaces.

• DIY Option: You can use PVC pipes or even cardboard tubes (from paper towel rolls or wrapping paper) as tunnels. These are inexpensive and provide hours of entertainment for your hedgehog. Just be sure the tunnel is large enough for your hedgehog to move freely inside.

3. Foraging Toys

Foraging toys encourage hedgehogs to search for food and satisfy their natural curiosity. These toys promote mental stimulation and provide a great outlet for their natural instinct to forage.

• DIY Option: Take a paper towel roll, stuff it with some hay, and hide a few mealworms or pieces of their favorite treat inside. Your hedgehog will love rooting through it to find their reward. You can also create a fun foraging station with shredded paper or bedding where you hide their food.

4. Chew Toys

Chewing is a natural behavior for hedgehogs, and providing safe chew toys is essential to prevent boredom. Chewing can also help keep their teeth clean.

• Safe Chew Toy Materials: Wooden toys (like untreated applewood or willow) are great for hedgehogs to gnaw on. Avoid anything that might splinter or break into small pieces. Some hedgehogs also love chewing on cardboard, which is another inexpensive option.

• DIY Option: You can make a simple chew toy by rolling up pieces of cardboard and securing them with safe twine. Let your hedgehog go to town on it!

5. Balls and Playthings

A small, soft ball can provide lots of entertainment for a hedgehog. They can nudge it around the cage or simply enjoy watching it roll around.

• Safety Tip: Avoid small plastic balls with holes where your hedgehog could get stuck. Choose soft, flexible balls or ones made from non-toxic materials. Rubber or soft fabric balls are good options.

6. Hedgehog Hammocks

Hedgehogs love to curl up in cozy, secluded spaces. A hammock provides a comfy spot for your hedgehog to rest and sleep while also adding a little extra fun to their habitat.

• DIY Option: You can make a hammock out of soft fabric, like fleece, by sewing two squares together with a little pocket for your hedgehog to curl into. Make sure the fabric is safe for hedgehogs and won’t fray or pose a risk of swallowing small fibers.

7. Climbing Toys and Ramps

Hedgehogs love to climb, so providing ramps or climbing platforms in their cage gives them a new challenge and helps them exercise their muscles. These toys are great for providing a bit of variety to their environment.

• DIY Option: You can easily create a climbing ramp using pieces of smooth wood or an old piece of furniture. Just make sure the ramp isn’t too steep or slippery to avoid any risk of injury.

Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Hedgehog Toys

When selecting toys for your hedgehog, it’s important to remember that not all toys are safe or suitable for them. Keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Non-toxic materials: Always choose toys made from non-toxic materials like untreated wood, plastic, or fabric that is safe for small animals.
• Size matters: Make sure the toys are the right size for your hedgehog. Toys that are too small can be swallowed, and toys that are too large might be difficult for them to use.
• Avoid small parts: Toys with small, detachable parts can pose a choking hazard, so be careful when selecting or making toys.
• Cleanliness: Regularly clean your hedgehog’s toys to prevent bacteria build-up. Washing or wiping down toys with safe, pet-friendly cleaners will keep their environment safe and hygienic.

Why DIY Hedgehog Toys Are a Great Option

Making your own toys for your hedgehog can be a fun and rewarding activity, and it allows you to customize toys to your pet’s specific preferences. DIY toys are also an affordable option, and many common household items can be transformed into fun, enriching activities for your hedgehog.

However, always make sure to avoid using materials that could be harmful, like toxic paints, treated wood, or small plastic pieces that could be ingested.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your hedgehog entertained is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. With the right toys—whether store-bought or DIY—you can ensure your hedgehog stays active, mentally stimulated, and happy. By providing a variety of toys that cater to your hedgehog’s natural instincts, you’ll help them thrive in their environment.

Remember, every hedgehog has its own personality, so feel free to experiment with different toys and observe which ones your pet enjoys most!

For more hedgehog care tips, fun stories, and updates, be sure to check out our website at Setareh Hedgehogs. Don't forget to follow along on Instagram @setarehhedgehogs to see more adorable hedgie moments. We can’t wait to share the quill-filled fun with you!