Attack of the Mites

          This is a very common health issue that your hedgie may come across. Symptoms include frequent scratching, dry and scaly skin, excessive quill loss, tattered and/or crusty ears, and open sores. If this isn’t treated, it will eventually result in blindness and death. Luckily, it is fairly simple to prevent as well as treat
          Some ways your hedgehog can get mites is through wood shaving bedding that isn’t kiln dried (I only use aspen); if it doesn’t say kiln dried or treated on the package then assume it isn’t! Mites can also be carried into the house by outdoor pets that aren’t treated with insecticide, untreated wood from outside and used toys and cages. With this in mind, always clean and disinfect any used toy or cage you plan on using for your hedgehog.
          If you suspect your hedgehog has mites, it’s time to make a vet appointment. Your vet can prescribe an insecticide treatment safe to use on an animal that weight. The treatment is applied to the skin between the shoulder blades, where it spreads killing all mites and eggs; this is usually applied once a month for 2-3 months. You must also replace the bedding and disinfect your hedgehog’s cage as well as all the cage accessories. Anything made out of wood should be disposed of, as it’s almost impossible to adequately kill all the insects and eggs hiding in the wood grain.