Hello, hedgehog community! I am working on the 3rd edition of Pet African Hedgehogs: A Complete Guide to Care. Because I produce these books to be an easily accessible, reliable resource for hedgehog owners, I would love your input on what you'd like to see this time around.
Background: Previous editions were published in 2009 and 2012 and posted on my website for free download. The second edition was downloaded more than 1500 times in the first year in a half - and helped lots of people and their hedgies! Hard copies were sold at cost and I received a small (less than $100 total) sum of donations from generous individuals since its release.
Goals: To publish a significantly updated version of the PAH book. I want to reflect changes in acceptable standards of care since we have grown as a community, and reflect my personal increase in experience with hundreds of hedgehogs since the previous edition, and education in the animal science field. One of my downfalls with the previous editions was “trusting the voice of the majority” in some areas, where I will be re-evaluating recommendations without the status quo bias. I want to have a stronger emphasis on the natural history and natural environment of pet hedgehogs, and correct some misconceptions on their origin as pets. I'll address some pros, cons, and misconceptions about recent trends in hedgehog care and handling, and have some updated/new chapters, including:
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Completely rewritten handling and behavior sections
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Body condition assessment
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Improved exercise and health sections
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Improved information on bathing and skin care
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Better presentation of sexual behavior topics
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Totally updated nutrition section (I'm working extensively on some very exciting hedgehog nutrition topics and research!)
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Additions to the housing/accessories section, recommending new enrichment ideas for increased welfare
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Additional notes on dental health management
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Updated legality notes
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Updated WHS section
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Fixed mistakes and misrepresentations for subjects I have more accurate, reliable information for
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Additional collaborations with veterinarians and experts in their field for certain topics
Time frame: I have a lot of additional data collection and research to do, as well as the actual writing and compilation to make the book pretty and useful. I don't have an estimated completion date estimate currently.
Accessibility: The previous two editions of PAH have been released as a PDF for free download with the option to purchase a hard copy. Because of the significant time and financial commitment involved in producing the book, I cannot afford to complete the book without charging for it. I intend for the full PDF to be available for purchase for $5-10 USD, HOWEVER I still want to be sure this does not keep someone from safe, reliable information. If a person would like a copy of the book and cannot pay the $5, I will have an option available for those in need to download the PDF at no charge. I hope to finde a more affordable option to print quality, full color hard copies, and will have those available for shipping worldwide as well. Specific details on the best method of delivery are being worked out.
How you can help: Email me (shop@hedgehogprecision.com), or message me through www.facebook.com/hedgehogprecision if you have suggestions, especially for new topics you'd like to see covered. No messages to my personal facebook account I may miss! I truly appreciate the support of the community and your understanding that I won't be able to provide the book for free this time around. I can't wait to get this edition completed and share this greatly improved resource with you!
Current Planned Section and Chapter List
Introduction
Preface
Natural History
Physical Traits
Growth and Development
History of Hedgehogs as Pets
Preparing for a Hedgehog
Is a Hedgehog the Right Pet for You?
Choosing a Veterinarian
Shopping List
Where to Get a Hedgehog
Male or Female?
Personalities
Colors, Patterns, and Markings
Living With a Hedgehog
Welcoming Hedgie Home
Keys to Settling In
Finding Time for Your Hedgehog
Routines and Frequency
Traveling With or Without Your Hedgehog
Capturing an Escapee
Zoonotic Diseases
Behavior and Handling
Realistic Expectations
Interpreting Body Language
Handling and Bonding
Training
Anointing
Quilling
Biting and Aggression
Sexual Behaviors
Hedgehogs and Other Pets
Housing and Husbandry
Choosing a Cage
Eliminating Escape Risks
Cage Heating and Lighting
Bedding and Substrate
Litter Training
Cage Accessories
Cleaning
Housing Hedgehogs Together
Nutrition
Hedgehog Nutritional Needs
Impact of Diet on Dental Health
Choosing a Staple Diet
Reading the Label
Commercial Hedgehog Food
How Much to Feed
Switching / Adding Foods
Insects
Treats
Vitamins and Supplements
The DIY Diet
Raising Feeder Insects
Exercise and Enrichment
Choosing a Wheel
Enrichment and Toys
Playpens
Going Outside
Exercise and Weight Management
Hygiene
Trimming Nails
Foot Baths
Bathing
Skin Care
Health
Preventative Health
Body Condition Assessment
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
When to See a Veterinarian
First Aid Kit
Hibernation / Torpor
Scruffing
Syringe Feeding
Common Health Issues
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome
Cancer in Hedgehogs
The Elderly Hog
Resources
If You Can't Keep Your Hedgehog
Helpful Pages and Charts
Additional Resources