Domesticated hedgehogs are often more sociable than those being raised in solitary confinement. Hedgehogs have become increasingly popular as pets due to their serene nature and their small size. They take less space and require almost little attention.
With every pet kept inside the house, there are questions about how they do their business:
Hedgehogs can be litter trained and you can train your hedgehog to use the litter box like other pets.
A lot of people are surprised to hear that hedgehogs can be trained to use the litter box. Training a hedgehog will not always come with a 100% success rate as accidents are bound to happen. If you are looking to house a hedgehog, this is certainly good news!
Can Hedgehogs Be Potty Trained?
The answer is yes! Hedgehogs can certainly be potty trained.
However, you cannot have unrealistic expectations with hedgehogs always going to the litter box. But if you begin to train your hedgehog at an early age, you can certainly have more success. Older hedgehogs can still be potty trained, though.
If you have decided on potty training your hedgehog, you must stick to the process and remain consistent with it. Potty training your hedgehog will take a while, so you must not give up as then you will not receive any results.
Can You Use Cat Litter for Your Hedgehog?
There are many sites that state that cat litter is suitable for hedgehogs. However, that is not the case. It would be best if you did not use cat litter for your hedgehog as it may contain chemicals that can be harmful to it.
Moreover, the cat litter pieces can get stuck to your hedgehog’s genitalia. Cat litter can thus be irritating and harmful to hedgehogs.
Which Litter is Suitable for Hedgehogs?
When deciding which litter to buy for hedgehogs, there are many factors that you should consider:
You should choose a litter that does not include any toxic chemicals. The litter should be free from dust so to eliminate any chances of allergies. Your hedgehog poops during the night as it is a nocturnal animal, thus get a litter that will mask the odour. Otherwise, your room will smell.
You should never buy a litter that is sharp or has sharp edges. This will hurt your hedgehog and discourage it from using the litter box. The litter should not be clumping or made from clay or pinewood pellets.
Amazon sells a range of suitable litter options which are well worth considering. This one in particular has some great reviews.
How You Can Litter Train Your Hedgehog
Litter training is essentially placing your hedgehog in the litter box whenever you feel it is about to poop or pee.
Place the litter box wherever you find that the hedgehog poops or pees the most. This way, your hedgehog will turn to the litterbox whenever the need arises. If the hedgehog poops outside the litter box, place it inside, so it knows that that is the place it is supposed to poop in.
You should continue to do this time and again until your hedgehog gets the hang of it. There will be accidents in the beginning and the middle, but you can get there in the end!
Are Hedgehogs Easy to Train?
Hedgehogs are intelligent animals, and you can certainly train them. Litter training a hedgehog is quite like training a cat. You should begin training your hedgehog as soon as you bring it home. Young hedgehogs naturally are easier to train than older ones.
You should look for signs which indicate that your hedgehog is about to poop.
Hedgehogs usually poop after they wake up or after eating. Once you recognize the signs, it will not be difficult to train your hedgehog. Some hedgehogs even start using the litter box on their own.
It is not difficult to train hedgehogs, but it is unrealistic to expect perfect results. Your hedgehog is still an animal, and accidents are bound to happen.
When Should You Finish Training
Many hedgehog owners find that results are not that promising. However, before you become pessimistic, many hedgehogs have been known to use the litterbox as soon as they are introduced to it.
You should begin training your hedgehog when they are young and continue the training for 2-3 weeks. Please remember that you must be consistent and not take any breaks in between; otherwise, your hedgehog will not get used to it.
Your hedgehog should be fully trained in around 3-4 weeks.
Many owners have found that some hedgehogs take longer to train. Some might start using the litterbox out of the blue even if they have not used it in a long time.
Benefits of Training Your Hedgehog
Training your hedgehog to use the litter box comes with many benefits. If you manage to train your hedgehog well, it will be a relief and add convenience to your life.
Litter training your hedgehog will save you time that you spend cleaning out their bedding and cage. You also do not have to spot clean around the house because your hedgehog will have one dedicated space to do its business.
Moreover, you will save money on the bedding. Training your hedgehog means that the bedding will not get as dirty as it used to be. You will not have to replace the bedding as often.
Summary
So can hedgehogs be litter trained? Hedgehogs are smart animals that can be litter trained. The process of litter training a hedgehog is like that of a cat.
However, it is not recommended to use cat litter for your hedgehog as the pieces can get stuck to their private parts. Cat litter also contains harmful chemicals that can be damaging to the hedgehog’s health.
You can litter train your hedgehog by placing the litter box wherever they relieve themselves the most. You must keep track of their behaviour and understand when they are about to pee or poop and place them in the litterbox.
Training your hedgehog can save a lot of money as you do not have to replace its bedding as often. You will also save a lot of time as you will not have to spot clean or clean out the cage.
