Why Do Hedgehogs Stink?

Unlike many pets and animals, hedgehogs don’t have scent glands that produce bad odors like a skunk or a ferret. They are naturally odorless, which is a great thing. However, as with all animals, there are a few things that can cause them to smell, which is why it’s important to keep their habitat clean and check their cage regularly.

Having a dirty habitat is one of the main causes of a hedgehog’s stinky poop. They are extremely active and if you don’t take the time to clean their cage, their feces can build up very quickly and they will start to smell.

Another common reason hedgehogs can smell is if they don’t get enough exercise. These little guys have very short legs, cone-shaped faces and spiked quills that cover their backs. This can make it very hard to walk or move around when they are tired, so they need a lot of physical activity.

They also need lots of fresh water and healthy diets. If you aren’t sure what to feed them, there are many resources online that can help you figure out what is good for your hedgehog.

The right diet is essential to reducing their stinky waste, so make sure you’re providing them with the right foods. These should be high in fiber, nutrients and minerals. This will prevent your hedgie from having to go as often and therefore reduce their litter box usage, which in turn will also help keep the scent of your hedgehog’s poop down!

When cleaning their habitat, it is crucial to spot clean all areas and remove any fecal matter. This includes the cage itself, their bedding, toys, water bottle and their litter box if they have one.

If you don’t spot clean their cages, they will eventually get a build-up of poop and urine, which will then smell bad. This can be especially true if they’re running around for long periods of time.

Getting them a regular bath will also help to remove any fecal and urine residue that may be left on their fur, spines or feet after they’ve had a poopy or peep session. You should bathe them at least once a month or when they start to show signs of foul smells in their cages.

You should also thoroughly dry their cage after a bath. This will help to keep the fecal residue from soaking into the cage and the floor.

Be careful not to use a harsh shampoo or conditioner, as it could irritate your hedgehog’s skin and cause irritation. Instead, try using a gentle soap and warm water.

It’s also a good idea to clean their exercise wheel regularly, as this can be a major source of unwanted odors in their cage. This is because they can run for hours, but the poop and urine that they excrete can seep into the wheels and stay there until you’re able to clean it.

If you follow all of these tips, and your hedgie is still producing a strange smell, it might be a sign that they are sick or infected. If this is the case, you should bring them in to your vet immediately for a consultation.