Thinking of getting a chameleon... Updated - or even a hedgehog! :P

First topic message reminder :

Probably only a small one, like a PLC. It's only a little thought buzzing around my head at the moment, as I don't think mum is too keen on the idea!

What ever happens, it definitely won't be for a good while yet. One extra species is good enough for me and I want to focus on my stick insects.

Just a bit more affectionate, I hope!

Will definitely post pictures if/when I get one!

Well I got Dyson from a breeder and the girls from the APH rescue, if you want one from a baby please do go to a breeder who is registered and make sure you get all their pedigrees and paperwork rather then a petshop

Hedgehogs are probably more affectionate than a lion and won't eat you hahaha..

I won't be going to a breeder either. It'll definitely be a rescue and there's one not too far from us. Usual rule would apply - I'd rescue an adult, as people are more likely to adopt the hoglets than the adults. I'd sooner go without a hedgehog than buy one from a pet shop.

Yeah, I suppose they would be a bit more affectionate than a lion! Darn it, I was considering getting myself a lion as well!

Maybe opt for a Savanna cat.

I'm sure it'd get on very well with Dempsey!

It'll probably be larger than Dempsey (not heavier) so he might be a bit intimidated LOL.
Google Savanna Cat - I would love one. They're supposedly very dog like.

I love them too, but would never get one. If Dempsey had any sense, he'd be intimidated, but he's got about as much sense as a gnat.

HAhahaha... typical Bull Terrier.

Yay for rescuing

Yes, definitely typical! Although he does have some sense when it comes to foxes!

Rescuing gives you warm fuzzies! Besides, it'd be my first solo rescue!

We all need something that's our own.
I'm very happy for you... and jealous. I want one as well!!!!

My thoughts exactly! I love to take care of things and got myself a little starting pet(s) with my stickies, but I really would love something I could interact with a little bit more.

Well now we're even! You have your amazing views, with lions, cheetahs and God knows what else - I (might) have my hedgehog!

How are your stickies now Eleanor? They're not very interactive if I remember correctly!

Ella - hedgehogs have pedigrees?! I learn something new every day!

They're doing very well! Sticky Bun is about 6cm long now and still growing; Twiggy is about 4cm long, also still growing! Unfortunately, Ivy died shortly after she hatched.

Not very interactive, but I'll be able to handle the properly in a few months, when they've finished growing! They've calmed down a lot and don't swing themselves from side to side every time I walk past now.

Hedgehogs are surprisingly similar to dogs when it comes to getting one from a breeder! Checking for inbreeding, genetic disorders like WHS, making sure they've been weaned, checking the parents, etc..

Are your stickies the smooth green ones, or the ones that look like leaves?

Well I'm blowed - I thought hedgehogs were hedgehogs, end of; although I seem to remember that Ella got some special white ones from a breeder.

They're Indian Stick Insects, the smooth green/brown ones. There are hundreds of different types, but sadly most of them wouldn't do too well in our environment.

Hedgehogs are amazing as well! Illegal to keep European Hedgehogs as pets, of course, but the APH come in so many different colours! Some really striking ones.

I had the smooth green ones when I was young. I did get a "leafy" one from someone, but can't remember anything about it (it was a long time ago!)

I didn't know it is illegal to keep ordinary hedgehogs as pets, the second thing I've learned today.

Leaf insects can fly, so it'd be a pain in the neck, having to keep track of them!

Sadly, they're a protected species. Poor things have severely declined.

oh, what ever happened to your stickies/

LyndaW wrote:How are your stickies now Eleanor?  They're not very interactive if I remember correctly!

Ella - hedgehogs have pedigrees?! I learn something new every day!

I had no idea about that either. Or that it was illegal to keep european ones.

Hayley wrote:oh, what ever happened to your stickies/

Sticky Bun and Twiggy are doing great! Growing bigger and bigger!

Caroline wrote:

LyndaW wrote:How are your stickies now Eleanor?  They're not very interactive if I remember correctly!

Ella - hedgehogs have pedigrees?! I learn something new every day!

I had no idea about that either. Or that it was illegal to keep european ones.

If you get caught with one as a pet, you can be prosecuted! They're a protected species, so it's somewhat frowned upon!

yes hedgehogs have pedigrees, it was set up quite a few years ago, to try and ensure only good breeders are breeding for health of the hedgies as they can suffer from wobbly hedgehog syndrome which is genetic and incurable currently (along with other health problems)

I was vetted thoroughly when we bought and rescued our hedgies as they were for pet only homes

Still get the nasties selling them on Gumtree, Pets 4 Homes and Preloved though.

Ella, when you got your rescues from the APH Rescue, did they do a house check? Only asking so that I know whether or not certain precautions would need to be taken with Demps!

No, no home check I did however had an 'interview' online to begin with and then we had to go to the rescue to meet face to face before we could get one and had to prove our knowledge