Congrats!  Your new little friend just came home with you.  So what do you
need to know ASAP, other than to spoil him absolutely rotten?!

    (1) Hedgehogs are escape artists!  Make sure that whatever cage or 
    enclosure you use, has openings too small to get through, or to
    get stuck in.  Hedgehogs can squeeze through any opening just a
    fraction bigger than their skull, and they will.  They can, and
    will, also climb -- anything, especially water bottles.  Lids are 
    NOT optional, especially with babies.

    (2) Temperature.  Hedgehogs need to be warm -- warmer than you keep your
    house.  See section [5.2] for ideas on keeping a hedgie warm enough,
    but generally something like a heating pad on its lowest setting,
    under part of the enclosure (so the hedgie can get away from the 
    heat if it gets too warm) is the usual way to go.

    (3) Food and water.  For food, at first, the best thing to do is use the
    same food your hedgehog was eating at the breeder or store, at least
    to help them adjust to the move.  Ideally, you should feed them  one 
    of the better hedgehog foods now available see section [6.3].  If you
    can't find that, then a diet, or light, premium cat or dog food will 
    suffice, at least for now.  A Guinea pig water bottle works well (if 
    your hedgie is used to one), if not, a small water dish works well.

    (4) Cage, bedding, and a den.  The enclosure is up to you, but beware of
    number (1) above.  It should also be big enough -- 2' x 3' is pretty
    much a minimum for a hedgehog.  If yours is smaller -- it's VERY 
    temporary, at most.  See section [5.2] for ideas on cages.  For bedding,
    pine or better yet, aspen chips work well -- avoid cedar!  A den can
    be anything from a big piece of plumbing tube to an empty Kleenex box
    with a door cut in one end.

    (5) Playtime.  Play with your new friend as often and as much as you 
    want, keeping in mind that your new hedgie will likely tire quickly, 
    especially if young, so give your new friend a break at times.  It will
    also help to keep the lights low, and not be too loud -- both of which
    will increase the nervousness of a new hedgehog.  

    (6) Expectations.  Your hedgie is going to be nervous and upset over the 
    change to a new home.  Hedgies don't like change, and rely mostly on 
    sense of smell to know their way around.  Don't be surprised if your
    hedgie gets a bit withdrawn for a while.  It takes time for a hedgie
    to adjust to a new home.