So, if you've seen some of my other posts and topics around, you'd know that I am new to Hedgies, and do not own one yet. However, I have been trying to do all the research I can about them (which is actually quite fun and addicting! ) and so I would like to ask this long pondered question.
Okay, so let me start off with the fact that throughout my whole career of small pet owning, I've used and strongly trusted Carefresh as my bedding.
But, I know that there are lots of people on here that like to use liners. Then, there are others whom use Carefresh (and others who use shavings, but if possible I'd like to steer clear from that route) for their little lovelies.
So, with that said, I am curious what the best thing to do here is? Oh, and also, how do liners work? Do you have to wash them once a week or so? Also, do (can) you use both a liner and Carefresh or does that have no purpose?
Thanks much and sorry for all of the question asking!
-TigerHey! I'm a soon to be Hedgie owner! But for now, I have a 3 and a half year old dwarf hamster, Yoshi. I also have two cats both around the age of three; Nicky and Boo. Hope to see you on the boards!
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pricklesnquills
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Posts: 259
Re:Carefresh or Liner or Both? - 2008/01/27 13:41I'm a fan of aspen shavings. Not all of my hedgies will use a litter box, so I find it easier to use the shavings instead of the liners. I would say that ideally, if you hedgie is litter box trained a liner would be best, since liners greatly reduce the chance of mites.
Carefresh will work too. It's just a matter of opinion.Emily Prickles N' Quills Hedgehogs Breeding for Excellent Health, Personality & Color Charlotte, NC www.pricklesnquills.webs.com
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I think that I will first try Carefresh, and use a litter box, and see where he goes. If he uses the litter box only, I'll consider liner.
Thanks everyone!Hey! I'm a soon to be Hedgie owner! But for now, I have a 3 and a half year old dwarf hamster, Yoshi. I also have two cats both around the age of three; Nicky and Boo. Hope to see you on the boards!
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I used to use Carefresh, but then my herd grew and it got expensive so I switched to pine shavings. I think the hedgehogs like to have something to borrow in.
-KKelly Sosik-Hamor Hamor Hollow Hedgehogs - a New Hampshire breeder, serving Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and any where else hedgehogs are legal. | Do you want to buy a baby Hedgehog? Please fill out out questionnaire. | Hedgehog World - A Community for African Pygmy Hedgehog Owners and Breeders
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pricklesnquills
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Posts: 259
Re:Carefresh or Liner or Both? - 2008/01/28 06:36HamorHollow wrote: Use what works best for you, and feel free to try both.
I used to use Carefresh, but then my herd grew and it got expensive so I switched to pine shavings. I think the hedgehogs like to have something to borrow in.
-K
Yeah, I agree. The loose bedding encourages their natural instinct to borrow.
But, don't expect for you new hedgie to automatically use a litter box, as you will most likely have to teach him.Emily Prickles N' Quills Hedgehogs Breeding for Excellent Health, Personality & Color Charlotte, NC www.pricklesnquills.webs.com
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jick
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Posts: 290
Re:Carefresh or Liner or Both? - 2008/01/28 09:29I really like using liners, especially since I sew well and am very good at making them now. I change mine every few days and keep a small hamper by the cage. I wash them all in one go after a week or so. Sometimes I'll remember to throw a folded paper towel under the wheel and that certainly helps make the liner stay cleaner and last longer.
As far as carefresh goes.. I like to keep a bundle on hand and use it in a sterilite tub. I'll throw Ham in there (sometimes with a few live crickets) when I'm cleaning his cage and he likes to play and dig. I wouldn't mind using it in his cage but it's expensive and the liners ensure that I never miss a spot when I clean.Check out Ham's Blog !
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Hedgehog Forums 
) and so I would like to ask this long pondered question.
Hope to see you on the boards!
