User:Kolzel/sandbox

Proposal for my edit of the page Hedgehog
Currently, the article about Hedgehogs on Wikipedia is an article of good standing and is edited/worked on by many people. I plan to edit the section about domesticated hedgehogs because it is short and does not offer enough information. My edits will include domesticated hedgehogs diet, habitat, and grooming techniques. Each edit will be properly cited and easy to read and understand.

Diet: Domesticated hedgehogs can eat a variety of foods. The basic, and most common, type of food is high protein cat food. In addition, wet cat/dog food may be used to feed domesticated hedgehogs, but dry food is a crucial part of their diet. On occasion treats may be fed to hedgehogs. It’s best to feed treats to hedgehogs only occasionally to keep them healthy. Treats can include, but not limited to, dried/alive mealworms or crickets, and certain types of fruits and vegetables. New foods should be tried in moderation in order to ensure the pets health. In addition, there should always be fresh water in the cage. This can either come from a dropper or water in a bowl.

Habitat: Hedgehogs need plenty of space to explore. Cages for hedgehogs can be varied and offer many options, which can include rabbit/other animal cages, or homemade cages. Cages should be big enough for hedgehogs to run around in and have enough space for the equipment needed for the animal. The floor of the cage should be smooth, not wire, to make sure that the feet of the hedgehog do not get hurt. The top of the cage should be open to create enough air flow. In addition, the cage requires a hideaway for the hedgehog, a wheel, food/water bowl, a heat lamp, an optional thermometer, and toys. On the bottom of the cage there needs to be bedding in order to keep the hedgehog warm and offer them a soft material on their feet. Many materials can be used as bedding including, wood chips, newspaper, and fleece. Only soft material should be used because wire/mesh/rough materials could harm the hog. Sawdust based litter should be avoided because the dust in it can cause lung problems in the animal. Hideaways, which include beds for sleeping, should be always available to hedgehogs. These allow the hedgehogs to relax and sleep in an isolated area to feel safe. Options for hideaways and beds include pet igloos, sleeping pouches, tunnel, half log, and anything that offers them a place to feel safe and comfortable by themselves. Wheels are also a necessity for the cage because it offers the hedgehog daily exercise. The wheel should also be solid and not wire because wire wheels hurt the paws of hedgehogs. Heat lamps are also a necessity for hedgehogs. Hedgehogs need to be in an environment of 75-80 degrees constantly. Heat lamps should be positioned on top of the cage so that it could heat up the entire area. Thermometers are a good option to add to the hedgehog cage because it shows the temperature of the cage at all times, allowing for maximum care for the animal. In addition, toys are great options for hedgehogs because it offers fun time and relaxation.

Grooming: Hedgehogs are fairly clean animals and rarely need grooming but it should still be a priority. On occasion hedgehogs needs baths. This can be done in a sink with very minimal amounts of water. In addition, hedgehog nails need to be trimmed. This is very important because the environment the animal lives in does not aid in trimming the animals nails. Trimming hedgehog nails can be done with baby nail clippers when done carefully, or some veterinarian offices offer hedgehog care.