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Training for Hedgehogs
Many people don’t realize that hedgehogs can be trained, but it is indeed true. Hedgehogs can not only be trained to do tricks, but they can be litter trained as well. The thing to realize, however, is that all hedgehogs are capable of learning. It’s really just a question of whether or not they want to learn, and the fact is that if your hedgehog doesn’t want to be trained, nothing is going to change his mind.
Among all of the things that you can teach a hedgehog, litter training is probably the easiest. In fact, most hedgehog owners agree that litter training a hedgehog is actually easier than litter training a cat. It is a little known fact that hedgehogs actually like to keep their homes tidy, and this means that they don’t generally like to do their business where they live, therefore, they will most likely welcome a litter box.
First, you need the right equipment. Hedgehogs are small, and therefore, they need small litter boxes. The litter box shouldn’t be more than two to three inches high. Otherwise, the hedgehog will have trouble getting in and out of the box, and you will fail at litter training. The box, of course, should be plastic for easy cleaning.
Next, you need material for the litter box. Whatever you do, do not use clumping cat litter or cedar wood shavings in the litter box for your hedgehog! Instead, you can use regular cat litter, aspen shavings, or shredded newspaper. Next, make sure that you keep the litter box cleaned out. If the litter box becomes full and disgusting, your hedgehog won’t want to use it. Would you want to use a toilet that was overflowing with waste?
Start litter training by letting him know that this is where his feces goes. Wait for him to do his business, and then have him watch you move his feces to the litter box. Confining the hedgehog to a small space with the litter box is a good idea, as this doesn’t give him too many choices to make. Each time the hedgehog goes on the floor, move the feces to the box, and place the hedgehog in the box as well.
Discipline will not work with a hedgehog. Don’t bother yelling, never ‘spank’ a hedgehog, and by all means, do not ‘rub his nose in it.’ None of this will make any difference, and it is animal cruelty. Furthermore, your hedgehog will come to view the litter box as a scary place that he wants nothing to do with if he associates it with discipline.
Repeat this process over and over again until he gets it. Litter training a hedgehog usually takes three to five days, but can take as long as two to three weeks. If at the end of a month, however, your hedgehog is still not using the litter box, it is time to accept the fact that he never will, but the chances are good that he will, because again, he likes a tidy home.
Hedgehogs, Hedgehogs information, Hedgehog tips, Hedgehog pets, Hedgehog advice
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