Talk:Domesticated hedgehog

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Contents 1 Depression 2 foaming 3 Hibernation 4 the links being added are broken or promote the sale of hedgehogs in some way

[edit] Depression

Without room, a hedgehog will show signs of depression, such as excessive sleeping, refusal to eat, repetitious behaviour, and self mutilation.

Is that last item true? --Starwed 02:03, 7 May 2007 (UTC)

Yes. Very much so. Depression is common in pet hedgehogs. --Kainaw ^(talk) 14:22, 7 May 2007 (UTC)

I'm referring to "self mutilation"... --Starwed 16:34, 8 May 2007 (UTC)

Yes. Hedgehogs have been known to repeatedly rub against sides of the cage, chew on their feet, or scratch themselves to the point of drawing blood when they are depressed. Owners often comment that they have an OCD hedgehog. It is more accurate to say that they have a depressed hedgehog that is performing repetitive behaviour because it is bored and pain is at least some form of stimulation. I have seen hedgehogs that have chewed off their front toes, rubbed their noses raw on the bars of their cage and clawed at their ears until they were bloody shreds. --Kainaw ^(talk) 18:54, 8 May 2007 (UTC)

I can't help but feel this behavior is better described by a word other than self-mutilation, which has connotations which make its use seem odd here. On the other hand, I can't come up with a better term myself, and from a quick google search it does seem to be applied to animals quite often. So I guess it should be left phrased as-is. (Although the article could do with a couple of references; right now there are none.) --Starwed 00:02, 14 May 2007 (UTC)

[edit] foaming

I think the article needs something about the "foaming" habit that happens when they encounter something new. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 208.186.134.103 (talk) 08:40, 14 May 2007 (UTC).

It is called annointing. I'll check the article. I believe it is in the hedgehog article and not this article. --Kainaw ^(talk) 11:55, 14 May 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Hibernation

This article mentions in numerous places that a domesticated hedgie will die if allowed to hibernate. I had a hedgehog for five years who hibernated each year at the end of November and revived around the end of March. Are you trying to tell me that she was resurrecated from death each time? Please research the validity of this. Thanks! 24.119.6.181 15:32, 4 September 2007 (UTC)Dorfner

It states "Attempts to hibernate due to lowered body temperatures are commonly fatal." It depends on many circumstances. -- kainaw™ 15:44, 4 September 2007 (UTC)

I have disagree strongly that "hibernation attempts are commonly fatal." As an owner of hedgehogs for 14+ years and a breeder for over 4 years, I have had many hedgehogs go into hibernation at 73F (when other issues were present) or when the temp has slipped slightly lower. The hibernation attempt, if found within a reasonable amount of time (a day or 3), is easy to reverse by warming up the hedgehog with a heating pad or body heat and then adding a heat element to their cage. However, if the hedgehog is neglected for a long period of time or exposed to very cold temperatures, they will die. Since our domestic hedgehogs are housed indoors and most people keep their houses reasonably warm, a hibernation attempt that if found within a few days is generally not fatal and usually doesn't even require vet intervention (although it is recommended that the hedgehog see a vet since the attempt could be triggered by health issues).

I feel that stating that hibernation attempts are "commonly fatal" is an over-statement and may turn away potential hedgehog owners. I would propose that the wording be changed to "hibernation attempts may be easily reversed if caught quickly, however they may become fatal if the hedgehog is neglected and left hibernating for several days." Thank you, Kelly Sosik-Hamor /Hamor Hollow Hedgehogs —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.68.126.204 (talk) 07:02, 12 September 2007 (UTC)

I changed the wording on hibernation to "Attempts to hibernate due to lowered body temperatures can be fatal, but are easily reversed if caught quickly." as I think this is more accurate. —Preceding unsigned comment added by CThedgehogs (talk • contribs) 12:47, 20 October 2007 (UTC)

[edit] the links being added are broken or promote the sale of hedgehogs in some way

breeder sites are not reference links. one of the links is broken. the ihr or hedgehog registry does not repsond to clients. as i been trying to get in contact with them for 3 months. this is not sites i would refer to readers for reference. hedgehog breeder alliance is just that for the promotion of hedgehogs sales along with the hedgehogs central and hedgehog club. i also know numerous other hedgehog owners and hedgehog friends that have problems with the resgistry. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Hedgehogclub (talk • contribs) 01:32, 12 September 2007 (UTC)

I agree, but reverting the links over and over is not the proper way to handle this. There is a 3-revert rule on Wikipedia. If you revert the same thing 3 times, you are setting yourself up to be blocked. The proper way to handle this is:

• First time: Revert the edits and leave a note on the user's talk page explaining that they shouldn't put the information on the page. If they disagree with you, take it to the talk page for the article, Talk:Domesticated hedgehog in this case.
• Second time: Revert the edits and leave a message repeating yourself on the user's talk page and stress that you will suggest administrator intervention if they continue.
• Third time: Go to WP:AIAV (Administrator Intervention Against Vandalism) and report the user. Let an administrator warn/block the user and remove the vandalism. This keeps you away from the 3-revert rule.

I hope this helps. Vandalism is frustrating, but this system of handling it has been developed over many years to make it easier on all of us. -- kainaw™ 01:43, 12 September 2007 (UTC)

I have to agree on this as well. The links that keep coming up are not compliant with wikipedia rules. Breeder lists, and ones that promote commerical products and advertising shouldn't be on here. I just hope this can all get under control. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Hedgehogsforever (talk • contribs) 02:25, 12 September 2007 (UTC)

I believe the 4 toed hedgehog page also needs a review of the external links as to be consistent with the rest of the hedgehog section? —Preceding unsigned comment added by CThedgehogs (talk • contribs) 00:31, 14 September 2007 (UTC)