Bath needed... panicing Hedgie - 2007/12/02 08:16So, unlike his great )great?) uncle, Schöndorn dislikes bathing. He gets panicy and tries to flee.
I tried going into the bathtub with him even, to try and ease him, it does not help, he just clings to me and after is utterly exhausted.
Brushing with a wet toothbrush somewhat works, but after I had to give him penecelin recently (with him anoiting himself ) I now have a punky-pink hedgie in several spots. He won't mold anytime soon at least
Any ideas how to get it off him?
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aislinsadia
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Re:Bath needed... panicing Hedgie - 2007/12/02 09:57Hmmm. You know, some hedgehogs just don't like baths and will act that way. Since the hedgehog feels more comfortable in your hands and not in the tub (one of my hedgehogs is the same way), I'd suggest instead of using the toothbrush, just lather the soap in your hands and work it over his quills and belly that way, and only have him in the water to rinse or get started. This may calm him down a bit more being in your hands instead of in the water. Good luck *~*Steph*~* Cotton, Noodles & Cocoa (hedgehogs), Kuruku & Kimiko (kittens), Sushi & Lily (Ryukin Goldfish), Rosy & Ruby (beagle sisters), Aries & Artemis (fancy guppies), Archie & Rocky (African Dwarf Frogs), and Squiggles (Blue Mystery Snail)
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kyliesmom07
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Re:Bath needed... panicing Hedgie - 2007/12/02 13:59Is there anyway that when he is upset in the tub your stressing over him being upset ? Could it be causing him to stress more? Animals are really receptive to our stress and will tend to get even more destressed if we get worried. Also have you tried talking to him in a soothing tone it may sounds weird to some but any of my critters when they are worked up the first thing I try to do is relax a bit and the second is talk to them in a gental tone.. Just a couple of ideas hope it helps!Mommy to 3 beautiful children They are my everything! Alyssa 6 yrs Aiden 18 months Kylie 6 months and my fur kids Isabella & Baby Katie-westie Lilly-boston Bommer-sugar glider Twinky, Iggy & Izzy- Chinchillas Marie & Michelle - Rats Blessed With Hedgehogs: Zeda, Balder, Colton, Berdine, Fluffy, Brillo & Snuggles
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Ges, VA
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Re:Bath needed... panicing Hedgie - 2007/12/03 07:19Well, I do feel sorry for him. After all, I don#t want him to be pink OR afraid.
I'll try to just rub or stroke him with my hands being soapy, see what the good Sir thinks of that. That he's a grumpy lill bastard who will HAPPILY sleep on my chest and then turns into a ball of spikes the moment I shift my weight dosen't help much.... and I have the prickles on my chest to prove it
*Edited to make it readable... Thou Shalt Not Post Sleeepily!
Post edited by: Ges, VA, at: 2007/12/04 07:37
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R@RRRpiggy
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Re:Bath needed... panicing Hedgie - 2007/12/03 10:32i want a pink hedgie Proud Mother of... Kookie the Hedgie Kitten...the kitty Miss Muffet the Yorky And a bijillion meal worms
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aislinsadia
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Re:Bath needed... panicing Hedgie - 2007/12/03 12:45LOL Sounds like Noodles . I have to admit though, I love his attitude *~*Steph*~* Cotton, Noodles & Cocoa (hedgehogs), Kuruku & Kimiko (kittens), Sushi & Lily (Ryukin Goldfish), Rosy & Ruby (beagle sisters), Aries & Artemis (fancy guppies), Archie & Rocky (African Dwarf Frogs), and Squiggles (Blue Mystery Snail)
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smhufflepuff
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Re:Bath needed... panicing Hedgie - 2007/12/03 13:09Another possibility is to put a towel down in the tub so he has a firm grip of the 'floor.' I also get in the tub with Satin - seems to help a lot. Sorry it hasn't worked yet for you. Other things I've tried that seem to help are putting toys in (her dump truck and one of her wheels) so she has some choices in elevation in or out of the water and using the powdered oatmeal packets. For whatever reason, she seems to freak out in clear water, but is okay when it's cloudy with the oatmeal. Water levels is another thing... 1/2" seems to be too low and she is upset; 3/4" she is okay; 1" and higher, she'll head toward me or the shallow end.
Edit: Just noticed, the little pic I have of her is in her bathtime wheel in the bathtub. There's water in there
Post edited by: smhufflepuff, at: 2007/12/03 13:11
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Stasi
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Re:Bath needed... panicing Hedgie - 2007/12/03 16:21Personally, I find the kitchen sink to be a perfect hedgie bathtub. For the ones that are afraid of the water, I keep one hand under their tummies and support them. I speak quietly, and try not to run the water very fast. It's worked here for many years, I hope it helps for you!!Stasi Terrapin Hedgehogs Joppa, MD www.terrapinhedgehogs.com
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