whitetiger55
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My Hedgehog Story - 2008/01/26 00:02
Hey everyone! Here is just my (long) story so far with getting a hedgehog.
So, to start, I am 2 months from being 14. Yes, this seems young, but I assure you, I am unlike many others of my age, who want a Hedgehog for the sole reason that they are "cute", or because they are "exotic". Goodness no. I understand, that for the sake of you, and the animal, that it is vital to do research and think matters like getting a hedgie through before executing the plan.
Well, I have had 4 dwarf hamsters in the past. I got my first pair when I was young, and they lived for about 1 and a half years; the average dwarf hamster life span. However, the next single dwarfie I got was different, my little sweetie, Mini. She lived to be 4 years old. She was my baby and always will be. Now, there is Yoshi, my little boy. He is getting older now, going on 3. He is still happy as ever in his personality, but his physical life is nearing to an end. Bless his heart, the little rescue boy is becoming more and more lethargic.
You see, Yoshi was a rescued boy. After a cold, lonely 2 months after Mini passed, I decided that it was in fact time to get another. So I went to the Humane Society. Well, it turned out, they had only one dwarf hamster in. I checked him out. Poor little guy seemed so scared....helpless....and so small. My heart ached for him as the lady who worked there told me how he came from a so called "breeder" who had no clue what they were doing, and left him and his sister in a paper bag on the door step of the Humane Society. So, interested, I asked to try and become more familiar with him. In the closed, small room, the nice lady opened the lid to his small cage and told me that he probably would bite. Me, being young and used to Mini, a little sweetie who did nothing but cuddle and give kisses, was not at all ready for what was about to happen. I picked Yoshi up and he bit me so hard that he drew blood.
Despite this, I asked to adopt him. I knew no one else would, and that the poor baby would probably end up being euthanized. To this day he will not let me take him out of his cage. But you know what? It was worth it. He finally is atleast, to an extent, comfortable with me and will let me put my hand in his cage so that he can plop up on it and lick it. He lives a happy life in a 2 gall long aquarium filled with carefresh, toys, fresh water, and fresh food. He even gets fresh veggies every now and again. I love him, so please, as you read on, do not get the impression that I've already moved on passed him.
Alright, So since Yoshi is maturing rapidly, I have been thinking and compiled a plan in which I should get a Hedgehog after Yoshi's passing. I realize that there are a few obstacles to get over first. Let's see, there is the money, that's a big one. Then there is, you know, convincing my parents. Well, let's start here, I've done hours now of research on the fascinating critters. I know most (if not all) of the basics about their care. I realize that a large cage is neccesary, along with toys, a large, solid wheel, toys, and other accessories. This along with the fact that I would have to give the little guy alot of attention each day, atleast an hour's worth. This is a challenge for a kid who's about to start highschool.
I accept.
I can get a job (my neighborhood has numerous yard work jobs, including one in which for about 6 hours of work each month, you get $120) and help earn the money to go towards the Hedgehog and supplies. Heck, with the amount of money I am capable of making each month (around $200), I could probably cover most vet costs, too. Therefore, the money really isn't much of a problem.
Okay, and i've thought of all other things too, such as other pets, temperature of my room, cage size and cage fitting in my room, vets I would use, Breeder I'd go to, ect. In my opinion, it is no coincidence that all of this just seems to work perfectly. I think I should get a Hedgehog.
So there you go, my story. I hope you liked it and such, and if you have any advice for a potential new Hedgie owner, I'd be so grateful to hear. All of you guys here are great, and I really appreciate this forum along with all of it's posters.
Thank you.
-Tiger
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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lozzabubble
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Re:My Hedgehog Story - 2008/01/26 10:19
Hey and welcome!
It's great to hear how much thought you have put in to getting a hedgie, and clear that you understand how much of a commitment they are. You need to also consider what you will do with your hedgie if you go on holiday, i've found that it even makes staying over at a friend's house more challenging as you need to be around to provide very regular handling, wheel cleaning and to change the water and food.
I would recommend that you talk it over with your parents, maybe show them some website and things that you have learnt and really prove to them how serious you are about it.
I would also recommend visiting your local breeder. Any good breeder that has the animal's welfare at heart will be happy for you to visit even if you are not intending on getting a hedgie yet. Spending some time with a breeder will be fantastic for you as you will be able to ask any questions you have also get a chance to hold a hedgie and experience what it is like.
I'm sure everyone on here will agree that although hedgies are wonderful pets and extremely rewarding to own, they are a big responsibility and can sometimes even mean changing parts of your routine to accomodate them. I wouldn't trade my hedgie for the world but he does require a lot of time, love and patience.
I hope this is of some help to you, good luck in your quest to become a hedgie owner
Lauren, Hufflepuff and Scarlet
UK
Please visit my site: www.freewebs.com/coolpighedgies
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whitetiger55
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Re:My Hedgehog Story - 2008/01/26 12:07
Thank you so much for the great reply!
You know, that is an excellent idea, I never actually thought to go down and talk with a breeder. I will definetley look in to that and try and do it, it seems like a very helpful thing to do. Then plus, I'll beable to, like you said, perhaps get to experience holding a hedgie, and ask questions to get proffesional help and advice. Great idea! Thanks you!
Going on vacation, or even spending time away from house for over night occasions has been brought up to me by my parents, and I've defiently thought this over a couple times. The good news is, I don't do things like this too often, though, during the summer we like to take 3-7 day trips occasionally. The good news is, I have a trustworthy neighbor next door who we can pay to take care of the hedgie. If she is not available, then I'm sure my Aunt Katie would beable to comeover once a day and clean the guy out, along with give him some romping time. But there lies the problem, because the hedgie won't be used to them or their touch. Any suggestions for this? Or will it be ok if the little boy is still handled, or should I just ask the volunteer care taker to let him play in his run about ball or playpen without trying to hold him much?
Thanks again!!
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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HamorHollow
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Re:My Hedgehog Story - 2008/01/26 16:29
It sounds like you are really putting a lot of thought into getting a hedgehog, and I give you a lot of credit for that. You also worked Yoshi and gave him a much better life then he would have had without you, and it really sounds like you made great progress in getting him to trust you (and a lot of adopted animals don't trust easily).
If you have a local breeder, get your parents to visit with you. That way, both you and your parents can ask questions and get answers.
The nice thing about hedgehogs is that they don't have to get out of their cages every day. So if you are going to be away for an over-night or even a few days, it isn't a big deal. If you will be gone for more then a weekend, you will want to find someone to check in on your hedgehog. It sounds like you have that base covered with your neighbor.
In the mean time, keep reading all the info you can find.
-K
Kelly 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. |
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whitetiger55
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Re:My Hedgehog Story - 2008/01/26 18:47
That is good to know, thanks!
i would definetley love to go to our local breeder(s) and ask questions along with my parents. However, the difficulat part is getting my parents into a situation in which they would actually do this. They are both very understanding, and fully aware that I really want a hedgehog, but the frustrating part is, they don't know that I am SERIOUS about wanting one. I'll just have to be consistent and keep doing my research until they take notice. I also occasionally bring the subject up, but not frequently enough to irritate them about it.
So, all in all, it seems to be going well, and hopefully I will eventually get a Hedgie.
Until then, I'll be crossing my fingers and researching on them! It is amazing how addicting they really are! All through classes and throughout the days I find myself contantly day dreaming about them. 
Anyways, thank you for all the great help!
Again, all the advice and info I can get is appreciated and wanted immensley!
-Tiger
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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jick
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Re:My Hedgehog Story - 2008/01/26 19:45
I think it would be a great idea to show them this website and involve them with the posts here. I'm sure that once they read this one that you started they will realize how much thought you have given this and how serious you are.
One thing that I can imagine might be difficult, is that your parents probably don't know much about hedgehogs and that might be scary to them. Learning everything that you can beforehand will definitely be helpful but finding a good breeder that will answer the questions you have, even after you bring your little guy home, will be invaluable. Good luck!
Check out Ham's Blog ! |
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LORI611
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Re:My Hedgehog Story - 2008/01/27 14:44
Tiger, I just want to say that you sound like a very , sweet and very smart girl!!Good luck with your parents!!
Lori
P.S. This is definitely the best place to come to for advice!!
LORI, SOUTHINGTON, CT
Mom of:
Chloe(dog), Mr.Toad(frog) and Hazel the hedgie!! |
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whitetiger55
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Re:My Hedgehog Story - 2008/01/27 15:01
Hey there everyone!
Thank you all for your support and kind words!
Well, I had an unfortunate talk with my parents today. Neither of them seem like they would even consider a Hedgehog, they say that it would hold us back from vacationing, and also put more work on them.
I tried my absolute best to assure them that this is not true, and that throughout his whole life, that I would be an excellent owner and never get lazy despite any conditions. It didn't work. 
They also were saying that this point of veiw is coming from a 13 year old, and will probably be different when I am 17 and still have a Hedgehog. I don't really think this is the case, but they do, and they are like metal (no, not maliable metal!) and are firm in their opinion.
Well, if I am really lucky, then they might eventually come around, but I'm worried if by then that it would be too late to get one.
Well, again, thanks everyone for listening and helping. I still have a chance, and despite my cruddy emotional state now, will not give up and will stay enthusiastic about this.
If anyone has any tips or advice on how to help persuade parent, that is always welcome and appreciated!! 
Thanks!
-Tiger
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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CThogs
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Re:My Hedgehog Story - 2008/01/27 15:23
Tiger,
The best way you can show your parents that you are serious is to address their concerns.
If they are worried that it will create more work for them, then you have to take care of your other animals without being asked to show how responsible you can be.
If they are worried about who will watch the pet on vacation, see if you can find someone who will do that nearby and teach them about hedgehogs so it won't be a pain for your parents.
I'm sure your parents only have your best interest and the hedgehogs best interest in mind and that's not a bad thing
Ann
Connecticut Hedgehogs
We had a great time at Hedgehog Fest 2008!!! |
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jick
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Re:My Hedgehog Story - 2008/01/28 09:20
Sorry to hear that, but I'm sure that it will never be too late to get a hedgehog as I'm guessing they're not going anywhere soon. So maybe showing a consistent interest in hedgehogs, without being pushy of course, would show to your parents that this isn't a passing fad for you. Another thing that might be good to talk to them about, when the time is right of course, is that hedgehogs are fairly low maintenance. Of course you will need your parents in case of an emergency but other then that you should be fine. I think that is a major selling point for hedgehogs in general. They pack a lot of personality without requiring an entire lifestyle change (such as a dog).
Check out Ham's Blog ! |
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saabgirl9000
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Re:My Hedgehog Story - 2008/01/28 11:41
Well, if worse comes to worse you could always wait until you are on your own and then get a hedgie. I am a college student and I live on my own with my boyfriend. We decided to get a hedgie because they are low maintainence, they do not really smell (if the cage is cleaned regularly) and they are very quiet! We just thought that a hedgehog would be the perfect pet for us. They are great for apartment living! Also a hedgehog can be left for 1-2 nights as long as they have enough food and water.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=106956777
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pricklesnquills
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Re:My Hedgehog Story - 2008/01/28 13:22
Welcome to Hedgehog World! My name is Emily and I'm 14 too! I have 3 hedgehogs that I breed.
I'm sorry to hear that the thought of you getting a hedgie isn't going over well with your parents. I agree with the others. I would make sure you don't continue to bug your parents with the thought of getting a hedgehog. Instead, I would just continue to research and show an interest in them. Maybe show your parents HW and let them read some articles on hedgehogs. Continue to be a responsible pet owner to your hamster so that your parents will see how capable you are and that adding another pet to your family will not really affect them at all.
Good luck
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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Sharoane
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Re:My Hedgehog Story - 2008/02/02 11:40
One thing to consider is that hedgies do live longer than hamsters. You're 14. In three to four years you might be leaving home to go to school or to the military or some other path that might make it difficult/impossible to take a pet with you. In that respect I can see why your parents might hesitate, but what with your track record taking care of your hamsters I don't understand why they're saying they are afraid you'd lose interest.
With a longer-lived specialized pet like a hedgie you might be better off visiting someone who has hedgehogs (or volunteering for a breeder in your area, etc.) until you're in a good place to have a pet of your own. College, even if you rent your own place, is not going to be the best place to try and take a pet with you. I was an older college student who saw many well-intentioned students have to give up their pets when they got a semester abroad, had to move into the dorms, got into graduate school, etc. Your parents might not like the idea of you leaving your hedgie at home for them to care for while you go away for your education, etc., and that period right after is equally challenging for pets.
I do understand how badly you want one, I've been there. Hang in there--you'll get a chance!
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