PENNY'S PRICKLY PIGS

So you've submitted adoption application here, you've been placed on the waiting list, now what?

Below is the method to my madness in contacting the waiting list. Every breeder is different, but this is what I've found to work the best for us. This, of course, is subject to change. 

Note: We do not require a deposit to be placed on the waiting list. We prefer to take a deposit when we know there is a hedgehog available for you and one that is a good fit. 

The process begins when the hoglets are between 3 weeks and 4 weeks old. By then, sex, approximate coloring, and price range is listed online here. 
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I contact the top individuals who I can guarantee that I have a hoglet available. If they are interested in purchasing one of the available hoglets, they respond by the given deadline (usually within a few days) stating that they are still interested. If they do not respond by the deadline, then I begin contacting individuals on "stand-by" (see below). If an individual would like to remain on the waiting list, but would not like to purchase a hoglet from the current litter, I will bypass them and contact them regarding future litters, and they keep their spot on the waiting list.

While contacting the top of the waiting list, I simultaneously contact the individuals who are next in line, but who I cannot guarantee a hoglet due to the number available. So while the top individuals are getting back to me, I can already know whether or not the next group is still interested in the current litter. This helps make the process move as quickly, and efficiently as possible. As soon as a hedgehog becomes available I contact the individuals on "stand-by" to let them know and proceed with the deposit process. 

*It is very common to be on stand-by and be bumped up to having a hedgehog available for you from that litter, so do not fret if you start on "stand-by."*

I start accepting deposits around when the litter is approximately 4 weeks old. Pick of the litter is determined by the order in which I receive the deposit. If I do not receive a deposit by the deadline given, I begin contacting the next individuals on "stand-by" and we may no longer have a hedgehog available for you from that litter. You will then be placed back on the waiting list and will be contacted about future litters.

Deposits are non-refundable $50 that goes toward the price of the hedgehog. Deposits can be made by Zelle to rachel@pricklypigs.com or cash. Please do not pay a deposit until we say there is a hedgehog available for you. 

This process is repeated until all hedgehogs are placed on hold with a deposit.

When the litter is around 6 weeks old, I start arranging pick-up times for once they are weaned (7-8 weeks). Pick-up is available in Pittsboro, NC. Final payment is due prior to pick up and can be paid via Zelle to rachel@pricklypigs.com or in cash at pick-up. Please bring the exact amount, we will not have change. Then you get to take your new hedgehog home. Don't forget to stay in touch and let me know how they are doing!

If you're interested in being added to our hedgehog waiting list to be notified when  we have a hedgehog available, go ahead and fill out the brief adoption application.

Do you have any other questions on how the waiting list process works? Let us know below.

The day is finally here! Your hedgehog gets to come home. As exciting as it is, you will want to keep in mind that this is also a BIG day for your new companion as well. It can be quite the transition, so your primary goal is to make the hedgehog feel safe, secure, and loved. 

As tempting as it may be to travel with the hedgehog in your lap or with a companion holding him or her on the ride home, it is important that your hedgehog travel in a secure small pet travel carrier. We typically use the one pictured above, but you can also use a smaller clear storage bin with holes in the side or lid or most any variety that has a secure lid. Not only is it safer to travel in a carrier, but they can get quite squirmy suddenly and the last thing you would want would be for your hedgehog to escape your lap and end up in difficult to reach places in your vehicle or worse - under your gas or brake pedal. 

*Optional* To help with the adjustment, it can be nice to see if you can have a small amount of bedding from their previous cage for their travel carrier and transitioned into their new cage, so they have some familiar and comfortable smells around them. You may also leave something that smells like you in their cage. For example, a piece of an old t-shirt. Be sure that it does not have any loose fibers or holes to get stuck in. Monitor any wear and tear on the item and remove after a week or so. 

It is so tempting to just want to cuddle up to your new hedgehog, but you will need to be patient. Your hedgehog went through one of the biggest transitions of their life going from their home with siblings and mother to its new home. For the first week, we recommend minimal interaction other than feeding, water, and brief checks on them. Keep in mind they might be a bit grumpier than normal while they adjust to their new surroundings. Also, depending on their age, they may go through a quilling process losing their baby quills while their adult quills come in, also adding to a bit more unease.

In the first week, try to limit handling so they can adjust and feel safe in their new surroundings. After a week of transition time, you can slowly increase your handling and socialization time with your new hedgehog. 

​You've decided a hedgehog is the right pet for you, but where do you begin to find the perfect hedgehog for you?

Like any pet, you will not want to buy your new family member from just anywhere. 

We realize it can be hard to discern a quality hedgehog breeder from a back-yard breeder, so we've put together some helpful resources on where to look for breeders and questions to ask potential breeders before purchasing your hedgehog. 

First, let's cover where to not find your reputable breeder. I would avoid the following:

• AVOID Craigslist | Unfortunately many of these are scams or back-yard breeders
• AVOID Facebook Marketplace, Facebook groups or Facebook only | Facebook bans the selling of animals on their site. Breeders can have Facebook pages, of course, but the transaction should not take place on Facebook. It's best if the breeder has a legitimate website with more information on their breeding program and available hedgehogs
• AVOID Pet Stores | Most pet stores have very limited information on where their hedgehogs came from, which includes any health information, health guarantees and the like 

So where, then, is the best place to find a breeder?

• Hedgehog Central
• Hedgie List
• NAHHI
• Ask another breeder | If a breeder you trust does not have any hedgehogs available or is not in the location you're in, ask if they know anyone in the area. Many times they do!

Most reputable breeders are happy to answer questions about their breeding programs. If you receive push back, it may not be the best fit. 

Where did you find your breeder? What other questions were helpful when you were looking for a breeder? Is there another great resource for hedgehog breeder listings? Let us know!

Your long-awaited hedgehog is finally ready for his new home. It's always so exciting to bring home a new hedgehog, but do you have everything you need? We've included our checklist, as well as where to purchase, to ensure you have the proper hedgehog set-up. While there are alternative cage, bedding, and hide-away options, we included the options that we've found are the most comfortable and easiest to clean for your new companions. 

The Cage
Recommendation: Sterilite Clear Storage Bin (min. 100 qt)
Available at: Target, Walmart, Amazon
The ideal hedgehog cage is large enough for how active hedgehogs are. They can run miles on their wheel each night! We prefer the Sterilite bins because they are very easy to clean.  Not pictured, but we recommend a well ventilated lid for your cage. You can drill holes in the Sterilite lid to ensure proper airflow. Hedgehogs are capable of climbing and some like to get adventurous if given the chance.

The Wheel
Recommendation: Kaytee Large Comfort Wheel
​Available at: Walmart, Amazon, Local Pet Stores
Hedgehogs run multiple miles at night. Hedgehogs can also be prone to obesity, so it is essential that they have a proper wheel to exercise on. Be sure to get a large wheel with a solid floor. Wire wheels are not safe for hedgehogs as they can get their small feet and toes stuck in between the wires and holes. 

The Bedding
Recommendation: Yesterday's News Unscented Cat Litter and Fibercore Eco-Bedding
Yesterday's News available at: Walmart, Amazon, Chewy, Local Pet Stores
Eco-Bedding available at: Walmart, Amazon, Tractor Supply Co.
You want a safe and comfortable bedding for your hedgehog. We prefer the Yesterday's News non-clumping unscented cat litter (do not substitute normal cat litter), since it seems to be much more absorbent and odor resistant than when we used shavings. They also enjoy the Eco-Bedding to move around and build nests out of. (Note: if you purchase Eco-Bedding in a 10lb box, it is A LOT of bedding and will last you a very long time for just one hedgehog.) You can also use pine shavings, but do not use cedar shavings or anything with cedar in it as it is toxic to hedgehogs. 

The Hideout
Recommendation: Kaytee Small Animal Igloo - Large
Available at: Walmart, Amazon, Petsmart, Local Pet Stores
Hedgehogs love to be able to burrow, and feel safe during the day. The hideout is an essential part of their habitat. We prefer the plastic igloos since they are durable, easy to clean, and allow for the hedgehog to bring in and remove bedding. Sometimes fabric hideouts can get dirty and fibers may wrap around the hedgehogs legs if they get worn down.

Food & Water
Available at: Walmart, Amazon, Pet Stores
For water, we recommend water bottles and our hoglets will be used to drinking out of a bottle by the time they arrive home. While bowls are fine, hedgehogs love to burrow and often times this leads to dumping out the water and soiling their bedding. Any basic small animal food bowl will do. 

Just as important as the essential items, there are items that seem like a good idea, but need to be avoided for the safety of your hedgehog. These items include, but are not limited to:

• Cedar bedding: Cedar is toxic to hedgehogs and should not be used as a bedding option
• Wire wheels (wheels with holes on the bottom): Hedgehogs have small feet and toes and can easily get their feet stuck in these wheels, which can cause significant damage and/or break their legs.
• Ramps and climbing structures: Hedgehogs are not natural climbers, although they might try. They are prone to fall off structures and hurt themselves, so make sure there are no ramps or climbing structures in their cage. You'll see this with multi-level cages designed for other animals. Unless the ramps and lofts have walls so there is no way for them to fall off, please avoid.