Taking care of hedgehogs involves more than just feeding and playtime; maintaining a clean enclosure is essential for their health. From my experience, cleaning the cage regularly prevents buildup of odors and reduces the risk of infections. When you have multiple hedgehogs, especially babies, it’s important to use safe, pet-friendly cleaning products that won’t harm their sensitive skin. I usually start by removing all the bedding and replacing it with fresh, absorbent material that keeps the area dry. Spot cleaning daily with a damp cloth can make the weekly deep cleaning easier. Remember to clean toys and hideouts too, as these can harbor bacteria. It’s helpful to give each hedgehog their own space within the enclosure to reduce stress and the spread of germs. Also, watch out for signs of pregnancy and new babies, as I learned when a pregnant hedgehog unexpectedly gave birth. Nest areas should be handled gently during cleaning to avoid disturbing the young. Proper cage hygiene is key to keeping your hedgehogs happy and healthy, making cage cleaning days part of a rewarding routine.