How to stop my hedgehog from pooping in its water and food bowls?

Question

Hi, My Hedgehog, Noël, keeps pooping in her water and food bowl. How should I resolve this? Thanks! Pet's info: Other | Other Pet - Not Listed | Female | unspayed | 9 months and 28 days old | 0.2 lbs

Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for your question about Noel, and I am sorry that she is doing this behavior! I didn’t see if she is also pooping in appropriate places in addition to the water and food, but if she isn’t, you may be able to try moving her dishes to a location where she isn’t going to the bathroom. Be sure to clean the dishes thoroughly to help to eliminate any fecal contaminants that may be present as well. You could also try to transition her to a water bottle - please continue to offer her water in a bowl until you see her using the bottle regularly so that she doesn’t become dehydrated. I also didn’t see how large of an enclosure you have her in - hedgehogs may not look athletic, but they are incredible athletes. They can run, climb, swim, and dig for hours on end. Due to this, they ideally need an enclosure that is at least 3 feet by 4 feet in size. If the enclosure is small, that may also lead to her going to the bathroom in inappropriate places. I hope that gives you a place to start, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

How to stop my hedgehog from pooping in its water and food bowls?

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