QuestionI've read that sometimes hedgies go through a second phase of quilling after
about a year. Fagan is 20 months old and has been quilling again for almost
a month now. She loses at least 20-30 quills a day. I do not believe it is
mites because the base of the quill is in tact. She is starting to bald on the
lower part of her back. Help!
AnswerA hedgehog may go through several quillings related to growth, but not at Fagan's age. I would look for physical causes (e.g., dry skin, allergy), and also for emotional stress (HHs usually don't like changes). You didn't mention Fagan's color -- is she albino? Albinos are the HH 'color' most prone to skin problems. Maybe try a bath, using a soothing shampoo, like Baby Oatmeal by J&J. Follow w/ a dilute Vit E oil rinse. Try the Yahoo bulletin boards hedgehoghelp and hedgehogwelfare for more ideas. It would be appropriate to take Fagan to the vet, but not all vets will treat HHs.
