1. **Housing**: A spacious cage or enclosure is crucial. The minimum size should be 2 feet by 4 feet for a single hedgehog, but larger is always better. Make sure the enclosure has solid sides, a secure top, and is well-ventilated. Avoid wire-bottom cages as they can hurt their feet.
2. **Bedding**: Use soft, absorbent bedding like paper-based or aspen shavings. Avoid cedar or pine shavings, as they can be harmful to hedgehogs. You can also use fleece liners that are easy to wash and maintain.
3. **Hiding Spots**: Hedgehogs are nocturnal and appreciate having places to hide during the day. Provide tunnels, igloos, or cardboard boxes where they can feel safe and secure.
4. **Temperature**: Keep the environment warm, ideally between 75°F and 80°F (24°C to 27°C). Use a heat lamp or a heating pad (under one side of the cage) to maintain the right temperature, but ensure there are cooler areas for them to retreat to if they feel too warm.
5. **Exercise**: Hedgehogs are active animals and need space to explore. A solid-bottom exercise wheel is essential for their physical health. Choose one that is at least 12 inches in diameter to prevent back injuries.
6. **Enrichment**: Provide toys and activities to keep them mentally stimulated. Items like crumpled paper, tunnels, and foraging toys can help keep them engaged.
7. **Diet and Water**: Ensure they have access to fresh water at all times and a balanced diet of high-quality hedgehog or cat food. You can also offer insects like mealworms or crickets as treats.
By setting up a suitable environment, you’ll help your hedgehog feel happy and healthy, allowing them to thrive in your care!
This answer doesn't make sense or isn't related to the question. Mark it as a probable hallucination of the AI model.