Part I: ABOUT THE HEDGEHOG FAQ (this file)

0. *** About this FAQ ***

   <0.1> Notes on formatting
   <0.2> Where to get the Hedgehog FAQ
   <0.3> Goal of this FAQ
   <0.4> Credits and editor's notes
   <0.5> Information I would like to track down and add -- please help!
   <0.6> Copyright and redistribution information

1. *** Revision history of this file ***

Part II: FINDING MORE INFORMATION

2. *** Where to get more information ***

   <2.1> What books are there on pet hedgehogs?
   <2.2> Is there any other information available on-line?
   <2.3> International Hedgehog Registry
   <2.4> Hedgehogs Welfare Society
   <2.5> International Hedgehog Association
   <2.6> Canadian Hedgehog Association
   <2.7> Other hedgehog organizations
   <2.8> Miscellaneous hedgehog stuff and sources

Part III: INTRO TO HEDGEHOGS AS PETS

3. *** Introduction to pet hedgehogs ***

   <3.1> What are hedgehogs?  Should I get one?  What's good and bad
         about them as pets?
   <3.2> Where are pet hedgehogs illegal?
   <3.3> Are hedgehogs wild animals?  
   <3.4> What's the average hedgehog lifespan?
   <3.5> I'm allergic to cats.  Will I be allergic to hedgehogs?
   <3.6> Do hedgehogs smell?
   <3.7> Do hedgehogs have tails?
   <3.8> Hedgehog monikers -- what do I call a hedgehog?
   <3.9> Her-hog or Him-hog?  What sex is Prickles?

4. *** Getting a pet hedgehog ***

   <4.1> Which types/colours are there?  Male or female?  What age?
   <4.2> How many should I get? 
   <4.3> What to look for in a hedgehog / How to choose a hedgehog
   <4.4> How can I find a hedgehog breeder/contact in my area?
   <4.5> When Hedgie comes home
   <4.6> Hedgehog handling / socializing
   <4.7> How can I introduce my hedgehog to my (dog/cat/bird/fish/
         rabbit/etc.) with the least trouble?

Part IV: HEDGEHOGS AS PETS

5. *** Things you'll need ***

   <5.1> What will I need to take care of my new hedgehog?
   <5.2> Do I need a cage?  How should I set it up?
   <5.3> The pet store uses wood shavings as bedding.  Should I?
   <5.4> Litter boxes and what kind of litter should I use?
   <5.5> I'm having problems litter-training my hedgehog.  What should 
         I be doing?
   <5.6> Hedgehogs and wheels
   <5.7> Making your own wheel
   <5.8> Any suggestions on toys?

6. *** Basic hedgehog care and training ***

   <6.1> How can I best hedgehogproof my home?
   <6.2> What should I feed my hedgehog?
   <6.3> Commercial hedgehog foods and nutrition
   <6.4> What are good treats?
   <6.5> Any suggestions on bathing, cleaning ears, and clipping nails?
   <6.6> Biting and nipping
   <6.7> HELP, my hedgehog is LOST! (or Hedgehog Hide-and-Seek)

Part V: HEDGEHOG CARE AND UNDERSTANDING

7. *** Things hedgehogs say and do ***

   <7.1> Self-anointing.  What is it?  Why do hedgehogs do it?
   <7.2> My hedgehog snuffles and hides a lot.  Is that normal?
   <7.3> Is he just asleep or hibernating?
   <7.4> My hedgehog sneezes.  What should I do?
   <7.5> My hedgehog's gone ballistic?  Is this normal?
   <7.6> Basic hedgehog repertoire

8. *** Basic health care ***

   <8.1> What health risks should I worry about?
   <8.2> Mites (or mites, not?)
   <8.3> Tattered or ragged ears
   <8.4> Hedgehog first-aid kit
   <8.5> Do I need to spay/neuter my pet?  
   <8.6> Vaccinations, etc.

9. *** Problems to watch for and related information ***

   <9.1> Various hedgehog health issues
   <9.2> My hedgehog's had funny-looking stools for a couple of days.
         What's wrong?
   <9.3> My hedgehog's not eating.  What should I do?
   <9.4> How did I get fleas in my home?  How can I get rid of
         them?
   <9.5> Wobbly hedgehogs

Part VI: ADVANCED TOPICS IN HEDGEHOGGERY

10. *** Breeding, babies, and advanced issues ***

   <10.1> Breeding
   <10.2> General care for babies
   <10.3> Hand feeding baby hedgehogs
   <10.4> Colours, types, and species

Part VII: WILD HEDGEHOGS

11. *** Finding Information ***

   <11.1> Intro to wild hedgehogs
   <11.2> What hedgehog books are there?
   <11.3> Is there information available on-line?
   <11.4> Wild Hedgehog Organizations
   <11.5> Miscellaneous Hedgehog stuff and sources

12. *** Care and Helping ***

   <12.1> The hedgehog calendar
   <12.2> Caring for visiting hedgehogs
   <12.3> Feeding and caring for orphan baby hedgehogs
   <12.4> Hedgehog housing
   <12.5> Hedgehogizing your garden
   <12.6> Wild hedgehog health
   <12.7> Dangers to wild hedgehogs
   <12.8> Watching out for hibernating hedgehogs

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0. *** About this FAQ ***