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If you are looking to adopt a fun and unconventional pet, consider a hedgehog (if they are legal in your state). While hedgehogs can be aloof at first, they are incredibly charming once their trust is earned. Additionally, they are quite easy to care for, as they do not require much to be happy and healthy.
That said, hedgehogs might not be a good fit for everyone. First, they are nocturnal, meaning you might have to alter your schedule to accommodate their needs. Second, they are notorious nippers, which means they’re not ideal for small children.
If you do not mind those stipulations, this critter will make a great pet! Here is everything that you need to know about caring for a hedgehog.
Where Can I Get a Hedgehog?
Since some jurisdictions do not allow you to keep hedgehogs as pets, you will have to check first whether it is legal to keep these animals in your area.
You can buy a hedgehog from a pet store or a breeder. We recommend purchasing from breeders since they should be experts on these critters. Before you buy a hedgehog, you want to be sure they’re healthy. They should have bright eyes, move around a lot, and display signs of curiosity. As such, avoid choosing a lethargic hedgehog, as the chances are that they’re ill.
What Kind of Home Does My Hedgehog Need?
In the wild, hedgehogs are active critters. They are constantly climbing, digging, swimming, or looking for food. That means their territories are large. As such, a pet hedgehog’s enclosure should be big enough to accommodate their natural tendencies. The minimum size of the cage should be 6 square feet. However, the larger the space, the better. Since hedgehogs are natural escape artists, a cage with high, smooth walls is the best option.
These animals are solitary in the wild except during the breeding season. That means they are inclined to fight when housed together. As such, if you want to keep more than one hedgehog, ensure that each animal has their own cage.
Remember to keep the enclosure away from direct sunlight. Hedgehogs sleep during the day, meaning direct sunlight prevents them from getting quality sleep. However, you do not want to keep the cage in a cold area, as these critters are susceptible to respiratory illnesses. Similarly, only use odorless cleaning products whenever you clean the cage.
Consider lining the bottom of the enclosure with a towel or fleece for bedding, as this is easy to wash. For litter, put shredded paper towels or recycled paper over the bedding. You will also need to accessorize the cage to make it a complete home for your hedgie. First, your pet needs an exercise wheel to help them stay in shape. Hedgehogs are tremendously active critters in the wild. So, without exercise, they are highly susceptible to becoming overweight. Unfortunately, obesity is one of the leading causes of death in pet hedgehogs due to the toll that excess weight has on their bodies, in addition to increasing their risk for life-threatening conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Avoid exercise wheels made of wire, as these can trap the hedgehog’s tiny feet, injuring them. Instead, go for solid wheels. Your pet will also require toys to keep them busy when you are not around. The best toys for hedgehogs include tubes and balls.
Since these are shy animals, ensure that they have a hideout inside their enclosure where they can retreat when they are feeling anxious. An anxious hedgehog is more likely to bite.
- Related Read: How Much Does a Hedgehog Cost?
How Do I Take Care of My Hedgehog?
Hedgehogs do not require much to be happy. Therefore, as long as you provide your pet with a nice enclosure, a proper diet, and a couple of toys, they should be content. If you have that aspect of hedgehog care down, the remaining aspect is forming a bond with your spiny friend.
What Should I Feed My Hedgehog?
For a long time, hedgehogs were considered insectivorous critters, meaning their diet solely consisted of insects. While that is partly true, it turns out that hedgies are omnivores, as they also eat fruits and roots.
At home, your pet can do well on a diet consisting of worms, crickets, and the occasional fruit. However, some owners have found high-protein, low-fat cat food to be suitable for hedgehogs.
Ensure that fresh water is available to your pet at all times. While they can drink from a water bowl, you will likely have to keep replacing the water due to them stepping in it. We recommend installing a bottle with a sipper from which your hedgie can drink.
How to Handle a Hedgehog
Hedgehogs have a nervous disposition, especially when in unfamiliar surroundings. Therefore, avoid handling your pet during the first few days of bringing them home. Simply give them food and observe them from a distance. Doing that will allow the animal to become more comfortable in their new environment.
That said, you will need to handle them eventually. The best way of picking up a hedgehog is by scooping them up gently from the belly using both hands. The belly does not have quills. After picking them up, you can hold them in the palm of one hand while the other protects their back.
Remember to stay calm and allow the hedgie to relax. There is a chance that they might roll up into a ball due to fear, as that is what hedgehogs do when a predator confronts them. If your pet does that, be patient. When they eventually realize that you are not an enemy, they will relax and might even begin sniffing and exploring you.
Understandably, you might want to wear gloves, thinking that the quills might hurt you. However, we recommend handling your pet using bare hands. For starters, the quills are not actually sharp enough to injure you. Most importantly, you want your hedgie to get accustomed to your scent and become comfortable around you.
Still, hedgehogs are notorious nippers, so there is no assurance that your cute little friend will not bite you occasionally as you try to handle them. It will depend on your hedgehog’s personality, however. Some do not mind handling, others tolerate it, and still others do not like it at all.
How to Groom a Hedgehog
Like cats, hedgehogs work hard to keep themselves clean. Therefore, as long as you keep their clean, you might not have to groom them.
How Do I Know If My Hedgehog Is Sick?
The following signs indicate that your pet hedgehog might be sick. If you notice any of these, schedule an appointment with the vet as soon as you can:
- Lethargy/weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of spikes
- Coughing or wheezing
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Blood in feces
- Discharge from nose and ears
- Squealing during urination
Fortunately, hedgehogs are hardy critters. In fact, the only health condition likely to afflict a pet hedgehog is obesity, which is something that is largely within your control. Therefore, as long as you provide your pet with proper care, they will likely live out their lifespan without falling ill. Nonetheless, scheduling annual checkups with an exotic pet vet is critical to ensuring a healthy life for your hedgehog.
Do Hedgehogs Make Good Pets?
Whether hedgehogs make good pets is a matter of subjective opinion.
On the one hand, they are easy to care for, allergy-friendly, and fun once they trust you. On the other hand, they might be unappealing to some people due to their tendency to bite, in addition to not having long lifespans. Additionally, their nocturnal nature might not be ideal for certain owners.
Hedgehog Facts
Hedgehogs are found all over Africa, Asia, and Europe. This animal loves hanging out around the hedges of shrubs and trees, and their nose resembles that of a hog, hence their name.
One misconception about hedgehogs is that they are distant relatives of porcupines since both animals have spiny armor. However, hedgehogs belong to the Erinaceidae subfamily, while porcupines are rodents.
Ancient Romans were the first people to domesticate hedgehogs. However, the modern domestication of these spiny critters began as recently as the 1980s. While there are numerous hedgehog species, the most popular one is the African pygmy hedgehog. This particular species measures between 6 and 8 inches long and has a 4- to 6-year lifespan. Another popular species is the long-eared hedgehog.
Conclusion
Hedgehogs are excellent starter pets. Even though they might take some time to warm up to you, they make up for it once they know they can trust you. This goofy critter is an excellent fit for those looking for an unusual pet to care for.
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