Hedgehog World - A community for African Pygmy Hedgehog Owners and Breeders - Re:Playing outside

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General Care and Handling

Handling and Socialization

Kimm

User

Posts: 13

Playing outside - 2007/08/09 07:50 Yesterday we took our hedgehog outside and let him run around for a little while. It was awesome, he was all over the place sniffing and picking things up. My boyfriends dad heard about it and told us it was a bad idea, because there are hawks in the area, or other birds, that will swoop in and pick up our hedgie even if we're standing right there with him(we live in NH by the way). How much validity is there to this? We were always super close to him and it just seemed so good for him to get out and play. Is it dangerous?

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Stasi

Admin

Posts: 651

Re:Playing outside - 2007/08/09 08:42 It *could* be dangerous. As long as you're right with him, I wouldn't think a predator would try for him, but I think it would depend on how hungry said predator is.

Other things you have to watch for, if there are chemicals used on the lawn, or if your lawn gets run off from other lawns that *could* be chemically treated, I would recommend against outdoor play. As for the predator issue, if you keep an eye out for any other animals, you should be ok. Stasi
Terrapin Hedgehogs
Joppa, MD
www.terrapinhedgehogs.com

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clutterbuster

User

Posts: 513

Re:Playing outside - 2007/08/09 09:28 John has had birds swoop and knick him while he's doing yard work... so humans really don't scare off predators if the predators are determined to send a message!

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zorra578

User

Posts: 405

Re:Playing outside - 2007/08/09 10:02 We have hawk that lives in the area that is often seen near our house, so I am always on the lookout.

I don't think I have too much to worry about though, chances are they aren't very hungry. Almost all of our crows have been knocked off due to West Nile Virus, so there is an excess of rabbits in our area. I'm sure the hawk is quite plump and satisfied to risk going near a hedgehog next to this big human thing. Jessica
Des Plaines, IL

My critter list: Dil bert (welsh terrier), Bowser R.I.P. (betta fish), Qu en tin (hedgehog).

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clutterbuster

User

Posts: 513

Re:Playing outside - 2007/08/09 12:15 I know I'm going to get criticized for this, but outside is the best place to put your hedgie into a critter ball - could avoid a split second tragedy from a soaring bird or a roaming dog!

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zorra578

User

Posts: 405

Re:Playing outside - 2007/08/09 12:25 I know, but I just don't want to knick my pretty clear critter ball.

Though I would prefer that over a knicked hedgehog...

Jessica
Des Plaines, IL

My critter list: Dil bert (welsh terrier), Bowser R.I.P. (betta fish), Qu en tin (hedgehog).

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pricklesnquills

User

Posts: 262

Re:Playing outside - 2007/08/09 15:03 I can't let Millie play outside as I have 2 MAJOR hunter kitties outside & they won't take their eyes of her. They have tried to pounce on her before & she didn't even jump or hiss, so she's too comfortable around them & it scares me too much to risk it. Emily
Prickles N' Quills Hedgehogs
Breeding for Excellent Health, Personality & Color
Charlotte, NC
www.pricklesnquills.webs.com
www.remembermethemovie.webs.com

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clutterbuster

User

Posts: 513

Re:Playing outside - 2007/08/09 20:30 best to be super careful and not take them out since you know the risks. I have yet to take mine outside, even though we have a leash law there is sometimes an occasional loose dog that wanders through our yard. That is why I'm considering the critter ball, it would protect them until I could scoop them up and get them inside.

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