Heating Options
**********HEDGEHOGS MUST BE KEPT ABOVE 70 DEGREES************
If hedgehogs get cold, they will attempt hibernation and it can be fatal for them. There are several heating options: ceramic heat emitter (sold here), space heater, reptile heating pad, and SnuggleSafe heating discs. We prefer ceramic heat emitters and space heaters since they can heat the entire area of the cage. Heating pads and disks will only heat up a small space in the cage and not all hedgehogs will know to go on them if they feel cold. Place a digital thermometer on the side of your hedgehogs cage (around his/her height) to monitor the temperature of the cage.
Please keep in mind that although your thermostat in your home may read above 70 degrees, this does not necessarily mean that your hedgehog's cage is also at the same temperature. For instance, a hedgehog housed in a basement may have a temperature 5-10 degrees cooler than the rest of the house. This is why it is imperative to have a thermometer in the hedgehogs cage so you know the exact temperature where they are housed.
Safety First
Be mindful of where you place your heat source as they will get VERY hot to the touch. I would highly encourage placing a smoke detector near the heat source just to be safe. With common sense and keeping safety in mind heat sources are safe to use. However, keep curtains, papers, toys, blankets, and all other fire hazards away from heat lamps and space heaters. If you need to remove the heat lamp for some reason, shut it off and let it cool before moving it. We have seen horrifying pictures of heat lamps that have been placed on the carpet or floors while plugged in and hot, they will melt and burn the carpeting!
**********HEDGEHOGS MUST BE KEPT ABOVE 70 DEGREES************
If hedgehogs get cold, they will attempt hibernation and it can be fatal for them. There are several heating options: ceramic heat emitter (sold here), space heater, reptile heating pad, and SnuggleSafe heating discs. We prefer ceramic heat emitters and space heaters since they can heat the entire area of the cage. Heating pads and disks will only heat up a small space in the cage and not all hedgehogs will know to go on them if they feel cold. Place a digital thermometer on the side of your hedgehogs cage (around his/her height) to monitor the temperature of the cage.
Please keep in mind that although your thermostat in your home may read above 70 degrees, this does not necessarily mean that your hedgehog's cage is also at the same temperature. For instance, a hedgehog housed in a basement may have a temperature 5-10 degrees cooler than the rest of the house. This is why it is imperative to have a thermometer in the hedgehogs cage so you know the exact temperature where they are housed.
Safety First
Be mindful of where you place your heat source as they will get VERY hot to the touch. I would highly encourage placing a smoke detector near the heat source just to be safe. With common sense and keeping safety in mind heat sources are safe to use. However, keep curtains, papers, toys, blankets, and all other fire hazards away from heat lamps and space heaters. If you need to remove the heat lamp for some reason, shut it off and let it cool before moving it. We have seen horrifying pictures of heat lamps that have been placed on the carpet or floors while plugged in and hot, they will melt and burn the carpeting!
