Top Document: Hedgehog FAQ [2/7] - Finding more information Previous Document: CONTENTS OF THIS FILE Next Document: <2.2> Is there any other information available on-line? See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge For a long time there was only a single tome available on our prickly little friends, which was often referred to as ``The Hedgehog Book.'' With the increasing popularity of hedgehogs, a number of books are now available. There still seems to be little information on hedgehogs in print, especially compared to most other animals, but this, fortunately, appears to be rapidly changing. Also, many, but not all, of the books that are commonly available contain outdated information. As of spring 1997 there are two new complementary books now out that have virtually made all the previous offerings obsolete. The first of these additions, is _The Hedgehog: An Owner's Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet_ by Dawn Wrobel and Dr. Susan Brown, DVM. It is published by the Howell Book House, and is available in pet stores that carry their Happy, Healthy Pet series. It is also available through the Spike and Friends Catalog [2.8]. For those of you who want to order it, the ISBN number is 0-87605-501-3, and it is listed as having a price of $12.95 USD, or $17.95 CDN. Having had the luxury of seeing some of the preliminary text (thanks Dawn!), I had high expectations for the book, and when I got to see it, I was quite amazed at how far it exceeded my imagination. Simply put, this is a great book, and one that no hedgehog owner should be without. It is full of great tips, ideas and great knowledge, accompanied by some fantastic pictures. The medical chapter by Dr. Susan Brown is more than worth the price in itself, not that the rest of the book wouldn't be a bargain even without it. Dawn's book is targeted at the pet owner, rather than the breeder, as has been the case all too often in the past, and in this respect it succeeds brilliantly. The other great tome that was published about the same time as the one above, is _The Pygmy Hedgehog a Perfect Pet_ by Sharon Massena with Bryan Smith. Having now had the chance to see this book, I can attest that it is more than worthwhile as well. The best part about it, is that rather than being another great hedgehog book, it is complementary to books like Dawn Wrobel's, by addressing many different areas. Here is the information I have on it: The ISBN # is 0-9655629-1-3 The list price is $16.00 US and $19.00 CDN + post. 80 pages, soft cover, gloss pages with b/w and full colour photos. Contains limited standard info and full colour pics many of the standardized colours. Also has club and show information. -- Bryan Smith I should probably add a disclaimer here -- I have had numerous conversations with Dawn and Bryan, and a bias in favour of either book could easily be assigned to this. In the case of Dawn's book, I read the advance text she sent with the intent to essentially critique it -- expecting it to already be dated in many ways (as most books have been by the time they get to print) or just a rehash of what has gone before, and I came away honestly impressed. Having now seen Sharon's and Bryan's book, the same feelings apply. I'm sure that I could nit-pick in minor places, but at most that's what it would be, nit-picking about things that don't matter. We finally have very good, up-to-date books that can go a very long ways towards giving people the information they need about keeping hedgehogs as pets, and providing them happy healthy lives. Going back a bit now, the book, often called ``The Hedgehog Book,'' is actually titled _Everything You Wanted to Know About Hedgehogs But you didn't know who to ask_ by Pat Storer. This was one of the first books available on pet hedgehogs. Pat Storer has two books available on hedgehogs, and while there is considerable crossover between the two, her newer book _Hedgehogs As Pets_ (my thanks to John Ofner for my copy) is targeted more at pet owners, while the original ``Everything...'' is more oriented towards breeders. These books are, for all intents and purposes, the original formal tomes on pet hedgehogs, and having one or the other was virtually a must for any hedgehog keeper (keepee?). While they don't cover absolutely everything, and they are becoming a bit dated, now, they do provide a lot of very good information. Both books cover areas of the other to some extent, so a pet owner looking for basics on breeding will find it in _Hedgehogs As Pets_, while a breeder can also find pet level information in ``Everything...'' Probably the most essential thing both offer is a reference section on hedgehog health, body chemistry norms, and drugs (including quantities) that have been safely used to treat hedgehog maladies. Given that relatively few veterinarians in North America have even heard of hedgehogs as pets, let alone ever treated them, taking one of these books with you to a vet in time of emergency could easily be a life saving act. That's the good news; the problem is that these books are generally only available directly from Pat Storer herself, although the Ain't No Creek Ranch [2.8] also carries them. In any case, here are the details: Everything You Wanted to Know About Hedgehogs But you didn't know who to ask Third Edition Written and Compiled by Pat Storer Country Storer Enterprises, Publisher P.O. Box 160 Columbus, Texas 78934 USA Fax: (409) 732-9417 email: rzu2uREMOVE_TO_SEND@intertex.net www: http://www.rzu2u.com/ Single Copies (In U.S.): $29.00 US dollars + shipping by 4th Class Mail Please note that Pat Storer no longer takes orders by telephone, but she does by fax, and now has email access. And, Hedgehogs As Pets First Edition By Pat Storer Country Storer Enterprises, Publisher P.O. Box 160 Columbus, Texas 78934 USA Fax: (409) 732-9417 email: rzu2uREMOVE_TO_SEND@intertex.net www: http://www.rzu2u.com/ Single Copies (In U.S.): $22.00 US dollars + shipping by 4th Class Mail Pat Storer now takes credit cards, but money orders are fine too. The prices and info above is up to date as of July 1997, thanks to Pat Storer herself. There is one minor correction to ``Everything...'' that should be noted: The correct number for Rainbow Mealworms (mentioned in Storer's book) is 310-635-1494. -- Katherine Long Other books on pet hedgehogs are also available and can be found at some book stores, or by contacting the publishers directly. I've listed the information I have on them below. The first is with thanks to Elizabeth Jane Monroe and Znofyl. African Pygmy Hedgehogs as your New Pet Dennis Kelsey-Wood, pics. by Ralph Lermayer copyright 1995 distributed by T.F.H. Publications, Inc., One T.F.H. Plaza, Neptune City, NJ 07753 or National Book Network, Inc. 4720 Boston Way, Lanham, MD 20706 or in Canada, H & L Pet Supplies Inc., 27 Kingston Crescent, Kitchener, Ontario N2B 2T6 and other places. ISBN # is 079380192-3 Abstract: ``This book represents the culmination of years of research by dedicated hedgehog breeders. Dennis Kelsey-Wood has compiled, through intense research, interviews, and study, what I feel is the finest, most accurate, and complete gathering of hedgehog facts on husbandry, breeding, and care that has ever been assembled in one book. From its accurate text to its superb photos, it is destined to become a classic and will no doubt be the standard for anyone interested in these fascinating animals. Enjoy it and Happy Hedgehoggin!'' Ralph M. Lermayer, [former - ed.] President, North American Hedgehog Association [now defunct - ed.] For anyone having a hard time finding it, you can call TFH directly at 1-908-988-8400, ext. 117 and order it from their customer service department. This is a good book, especially for beginners (which is really where it is directed). It does not contain the health standards, and medicine usage that are in other books, listed above, and is to my mind a good supplement, but not a replacement for them -- especially if your veterinarian is not well acquainted with hedgehogs. I found it to be good reading, but it always seemed to avoid a direct answer to most questions, lacking in real detail. I must admit, however, that the pictures alone were both great entertainment, and very useful, giving an excellent glimpse of what a healthy hedgehog should look like. I'm still trying to figure out how the photographers managed to avoid getting blurred pictures of all those busy noses. Dennis Kelsey-Wood has also released a second book (1996) called _Hedgehogs Today_. It can be ordered from TFH, etc., as with his earlier book. Hedgehogs Today Dennis Kelsey-Wood copyright 1996 distributed by T.F.H. Publications, Inc., One T.F.H. Plaza, Neptune City, NJ 07753 ISBN # is 0-7938-0103-6 The information above came to me by way of Brenda Basinger. Having had a chance to look at this book, I have to say the quality of the photos is excellent. That, however, is about the only good thing I can say. The book is full of contradictions, and just plain bad advice. It goes on to suggest that you should ``always use a glove'' to hold a hedgehog (which captions a picture of a person holding one in bare hands). It also suggests that a temperature range of from 60-75 degrees F, or 16-24 degrees C is okay, when many hedgehogs will become unhealthy or even go into semi hibernation at anything much below 70F/22C. It shows multiple hedgehogs being kept in a Tupperware container barely big enough to squeeze them into (although it says it's not big enough for a ``long term home'' -- it's clearly not big enough for anything more than carrying them across the room. Finally, its listing of states where hedgehogs are not allowed is totally misleading, and was clearly the result of only the briefest research. The book even shows feeding of raw eggs to hedgehogs -- something that can all too easily result in salmonella [6.2]. While there certainly are good points to this book, including excellent photos showing how a healthy hedgehog should appear, the sheer weight of bad information means I cannot recommend this as much beyond a photo album, and definitely not as a starting point for beginners. Information on another book, which is now widely available, was sent to me by Tirya: Hedgehogs: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual by Matthew M. Vriends, Ph.D. pub: Barron's Educational Series, Inc. ISBN: 0-8120-1141-4 Barron's Price: $5.95 US Barron's has published numerous other pet books in their series, and they all seem to be well-received and easily available in pet shops. It's geared primarily towards the African, though it has a chapter on the European as kind of a compare/contrast thing. It also has a chapter on breeding by Pat Storer. A lot of good pictures and information, in an easy-to-read style, plus a chapter on ``Understanding Hedgehogs'' covering body language and sounds. While it's by no means all-inclusive (is there a hedgie book yet that is?) it's a good read. -- Tirya The book contains some medical information that complements other books quite well, but, does not replace them. However, some of the information is seriously outdated, and other parts contradict statements made elsewhere in the book. The chapter by Pat Storer is taken almost verbatim out of her books, but is a worthwhile addition to any hedgehog library, and if taken as a whole, the book is quite good, and is, at the price, probably where most new hedgehog keepers will start. For people seeking more in depth information on hedgehogs in general, including species, natural habitats, and research, another book, which came out in 1994, thoroughly addresses many of these issues. Hedgehogs by Nigel Reeve ISBN 0-85661-081-X T & A D Poyser Ltd. 24-28 Oval Road London NW1 7DX In published form, this book is probably the best source of true, scientific information on all types of hedgehogs. Beyond this point, you probably need to read scientific papers (30 pages of references to which are at the back of this book, which gives you some clue to Dr. Reeve's efforts at research). While it does focus primarily on hedgehogs in the wild, it does provide some very useful insights into what makes our little friends tick. I find myself turning more and more to this book, all the time -- especially when someone asks me a detailed question. Unlike many scientific books, this one shows the author had a real interest and excitement in his chosen topic of research, rather than limiting himself to dry phrasing, an entertaining sense of humour and wit shows through. The book can be hard to come by in North America (the publisher does not import it here), but it is available through the Exclusively Hedgehogs catalog [2.8], and the Spike and Friends Collection [2.8]. While I am at it, Richard Saunders passed along word of another book that he found. This one appears to possibly be a local effort by a hedgehog breeder on the west coast of Canada, but just in case, here is the information that is available: Hedgehogs Hedgehog Handbook - Everything You Need To Know To Raise Happy Healthy Hedgehogs Written & Illustrated by Joan Baydala (Copyright, 1994) The small paperback book (64 pages) indicated Joan Baydala is located in Kelowna, B.C. The book doesn't indicate a publisher or any ISBN reference. Outline of the book is: A Brief History (page 1-10) Survival In The Wild (11-18) Selecting Your Hedgehog (20-26) Housing (27-34) Care and Management (35-46) Breeding (47-56) Allergies (57) A Few Last Words (58-59) References (60) Index (61-64) Another resource for hedgehog information is the ``Exotic Market Review.'' This is a journal about exotic animals and pets, and is primarily intended for breeders. It contains articles on innumerable different animals that most of us will never have heard of, but also contains an abundance of info on hedgehogs. Subscription rates are $10.00/yr. in the U.S., $30.00/US/yr. for Canada, and $60.00/US/yr. foreign. They can be contacted at: EXOTIC Market Review P.O. Box 1203 Bowie, Texas 76230 USA phone: 1-800-460-3107 In addition to the books and journal, above, which are directly aimed at pet hedgehogs, there are a number of books on European (or all types of) hedgehogs which can be useful for pet owners and hedgehog lovers of all types. I would suggest looking at the listings in section [11.2] for other books which might be of interest. One final tidbit I can't resist adding. I have heard of a number of new hedgehog books that are in the works and (hopefully) due out over the coming year or two. Information on hedgehogs promises to continue to be forthcoming. User Contributions:Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic:Top Document: Hedgehog FAQ [2/7] - Finding more information Previous Document: CONTENTS OF THIS FILE Next Document: <2.2> Is there any other information available on-line? Part1 - Part2 - Part3 - Part4 - Part5 - Part6 - Part7 - Single Page [ Usenet FAQs | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ] Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer: macnamara@bastet.hedgehoghollow.com (Brian MacNamara)
Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:11 PM
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