outside play

[katnoud]

I have owned hedgies off and on for over 10 years, and consistently for the last 2 years, but I have always been afraid to take them outside and let them play in the grass. Is it safe for them to play in the grass? (We dont use any chemicals on our lawn) I would love for my babies to experience the great outdoors, but I dont want them to get sick or anythng. Also we found out the hard way (lost 2 beloved dogs) that our yard has had Parvo in it. Can hedgies get Parvo? I would be absolutely heart broken if I lost any of my babies.

[Stasi]

I'm not sure about parvo and hedgehogs. I don't 'think' so - but possibly someone else has knowledge of it. As for the outdoors - absolutely! Obviously with supervision, and watch any small crevices they can get into. (log piles, under porches, etc)

[CThogs]

Not sure whether hedgehogs can get parvo but I would avoid anywhere outside that people have walked their dogs because it can be spread by dog feces

[katnoud]

Thx everyone. I am now looking forward to my day off so I can take them outside and enjoy their reactions. Maybe I can even get some pics and enter the photo contest.

[HamorHollow]

Not sure whether hedgehogs can get parvo but I would avoid anywhere outside that people have walked their dogs because it can be spread by dog feces

I want to 2nd that. I would err on the side of caution and NOT take them where the parvo is until you talk to a vet.

K

[dzmeadows]

Supposedly hedgehogs can not get parvo. However, since hedgehogs are insane and always do what they aren't supposed to, I got in a rescue hedgehog with bloody stools years and years and years ago who tested positive for parvo. Blew the vet's mind. :-P If you wanna take them out, supervise them closely, and give them a bath when you take them back in.
B

[katnoud]

wow, I took my momma and her 2 babies outside yesterday for pictures and the absolutely loved it. In fact Daisy liked it so much that when I put them back in the cage she was trying to climb out. (she has never done that before.) We had a blast, in fact I need to clean cages today, and I am going to take them outside to do it so that whoever is getting their cage cleaned can play while I clean their cage. Of course they will be supervised plus I have the little play yard fence that I will put up around them. I just know that they are going to be really happy.