As you all may remember, I own an African Pygmy Hedgehog…It’s the 2nd one I’ve owned, in fact.
When you are choosing bedding for your little critters, you need to keep a few things in mind:
* Comfort
* Smell
* Dryness
* Safety
* Price
I use corn cob bedding, after trying so many different kinds over the years.
I found that cedar and pine shavings start to smell awful quickly! Also, they just hold the water and can harbor mold a lot easier. Plus, I didn’t feel that it was very comfortable to sleep in.
Why Do I Use That?
* Our hedgehog can move them around easily, since they enjoy burrowing. It moves to her body shape due to the small size of the pieces. It’s almost like lying down in small beads.
* It fights smell of hedgie waste longer than any other type of bedding I’ve used.
* It is organic and safe to use, even if it happens to get into their food or water.
* It is super absorbent and keeps the area dry.
* It is really cheap too! Only about $15.00 for a huge, 40 lb bag!
It Rocks!
Is That All I Use?
Actually, until just recently, this is all I used. However, I recently discovered a neat product that keeps the bedding from smelling.
It’s called Critter Litter, and it’s typically used to potty train your small animals. However, my hedgie hasn’t responded to this idea.
No worries because these little “pearls” are super absorbent. It keeps the cage smelling fresher longer!
How? Well, it “absorbs moisture on contact and inhibits the bacteria that cause pet waste odors.”
Supposedly, if your small animal responds to this “potty training”, it “reduces cage cleaning by 30% or more”.
This product is all-natural and non-toxic, made of bentonite, an inert clay material found in many areas around the world.
I give this product a thumbs up too!
***
I hope you find this to be a Great Animal Products on Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…
Live Exotically,
Kimberly Edwards 
P.S. I use this exact brand of corn cob bedding – Pestell Corn Cob Bedding! It’s only $16.49 for a 40 lb bag! Check it out for yourself and you’ll never use another product again:
P.P.S. I found you an Amazing Deal on Critter Litter…In fact, it’s less than I pay in the stores:
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I’ve heard that corn cob bedding is not to be used with young male hedgehogs. Is this true?
Hello Hannah…
Yes, you’ve done your research.
I have heard this too, as apparently, the corn cob bedding grains could get stuck in the hole of their ureter (“pee-hole”) and get lodged there.
There are different sizes of corn cob bedding too, as I’ve noticed varying with different brands.
Personally, I’ve never actually had a problem with the grains, and I hope I never do.
If you have a female, you’re golden and no problems.
I’ve only had a male that was over 6 or 7 months old, and no problems thus far.
However, I’ve been mixing the corn cob bedding with a “Yesterday’s News”-type bedding. I also add recycled material bedding that is fluffy, especially where he sleeps, and that pretty much “floats” to the top of all the bedding. He makes a nest of sorts.
I do not like to put the fluffy bedding near the food, as it ALWAYS makes it’s way into the food bowls and soaks up the water. Then, you have a right mess each morning to clean up. Not pretty.
I really dislike using wooden shavings of any sort, as they start to smell quickly and I wouldn’t want to sleep on that either…
I hope this helps you in your search for bedding for your hedgie…
Hannah, I’m guessing you have a male African pygmy? How old is he, and how many do you have? What color is he?
Great question too! Thanks so much!
Kimberly
Where do you buy yours from?? I saw it on pet food direct and the shipping was about 20$.. Do you pay less shipping or find it in stores??
Hi Kailey,
We have it in most of our pet stores in my area. It is very heavy, so I can understand such high shipping.
I get bags that are well over 20 lbs. Where are you located?
Kimberly