Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals that have become increasingly popular as family pets in recent years. They are native to Europe, Africa and Asia, but can now be found all over the world. Hedgehogs make wonderful pets for those looking for a unique and low-maintenance companion.
Hedgehogs come in a variety of colors and sizes, ranging from white to brown to black. They have a lifespan of up to six years, and can grow up to 9 inches in length. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals that are native to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. They are not venomous, but they can bite if hurt or threatened. They are solitary creatures, preferring to live alone, and are not particularly fond of human interaction. They are very territorial, and will defend themselves against intruders.
Hedgehogs are a very interesting and fun pet to have, but their needs are different from cats, dogs, and other animals most people are used to. Hedgehogs are wild animals that are not domesticated like dogs and cats, and they should always be considered wild, even when they are young.
They might look like a walking cactus, but that little thing is a Hedgehog. Hedgehogs are great for families with older children and either don’t have the space for a larger pet, or who don’t have the time that a larger pet can take.
Hedgehogs don’t need much of your time at all compared to other pets. Because they are solitary most Hedgehogs are happy to spend their day exploring their cage undisturbed. If you do have some extra time then you have a number of different ways you can play with them if you are up late.
If you’ve ever wanted to stand out as someone with a unique pet then this one will do in most cases. Hedgehogs are not terribly popular within the US because they are not as sociable as other pets. Many families love having a low maintenance pet around to play with.
If your family is too busy for other pets, and you have time in the evenings or weekends and want a pet, this one might be right for your family.
It’s important to provide your hedgehog with plenty of space to explore and play, as well as a variety of toys and hiding spots. Finally, Hedgehogs should never be handled roughly or picked up by their spines, as this can cause them serious injury.
Overall, Hedgehogs make great family pets for those looking for a low-maintenance companion. If you’re looking for a unique pet that doesn’t take up a lot of your time, a Hedgehog may be the perfect choice.
Information about Hedgehogs
- Average Size: 6 to 9 inches
- Average Weight: 12 to 17 ounces
- Coat Colors: Deep Brown; Pale Brown; White and Black; Cinnamon and Snowflake
- Grooming Needs: Low
- Sensitive to Touch: No
- Tolerance to Heat and Cold: No
- Good Pet: No
- Safe with Children: Not with children under 5
- Good with Other Hedgehogs: No
- Good with Other Pets: No
- Good for Less Experienced Pet Owners: No
- Training: Difficult
- Exercise Needs: High
- Weight Gain: High
- Health Concerns: Cancer, Ringworm, Obesity, Respiratory Diseases, Gastrointestinal problems and Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome.
- Allergies: Hedgehogs are allergic to strong scents and dust which can lead to respiratory infections
Average Life Span: 5 to 6 years
Physical Appearance of Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are small compact mammals. The most unique feature of these animals is that they have quills on their back. The quills look similar to what the porcupines have but the quills on the Hedgehog’s body are softer and do not spike out in defense. They can have as many as 6,000 quills on their body!
The fur on their face, tail, stomach and neck is short and soft. They have 5 toes on each foot and their ears are short and snout.
They can have a variety of colors like deep brown, pale brown, white and black, cinnamon, and snowflake. Some Hedgehogs might also have deep brown or black markings on their face.
There are 17 different species of Hedgehogs but the African Pygmy Hedgehog is the most common one kept as a pet. They have white quills, but otherwise look mostly like the other types.
Temperament of Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are quiet, active and independent mammals. They don’t seem to have much interest in human interaction or with other pets. They are perfectly happy alone in their cage tunneling around.
Hedgehogs are not aggressive and will rarely bite. If they feel scared they will usually just roll themselves up in a ball with their quills expanded. If you pick them up expect to see this happen often.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals who will sleep during the day and will be most active during the night. They can sleep for up to 18 hours a day! The best time to play with them is in the evening or early morning. If your family isn’t available in the mornings or evenings, a Hedgehog may not be the best pet for your family.
Training Hedgehogs
Since Hedgehogs are independent and do not like social interactions, training is largely limited to litter box training.
Your Hedgehog may not immediately start using their litter box but being persistent can help. To encourage them to use the litter box, place them inside their litter box when they wake up and after their meals. The goal is to place them inside the litter box when they are about to potty. Unless you are active during the times when they are, it will be almost impossible to potty train them.
Sometimes it may take months for the Hedgehog to start using the litter box but in some cases it can take upto a year! It will depend on your Hedgehog and how stubborn they are, but the important thing is to keep trying.
On a final note, even if you do potty train them you can still expect daily “accidents” outside of their litter box. This is especially true if you have something like an exercise wheel for them or some tubes. Expect to clean these out once a day.
Their Compatibility with Children
Hedgehogs are not recommended for families with children under 5. The fast movements and excitement of children can scare the Hedgehogs. They may roll themselves into a ball, causing their quills to raise which could hurt or scare the children.
Hedgehogs are not the cleanest animals to start with as they will usually go to the bathroom wherever they are, even while walking. They also carry salmonella, which can make people incredibly sick if they do not wash their hands after handling them, or rub them against their face.
Younger children are at an increased risk of getting a serious illness from the germs Hedgehogs carry. For older children, make sure there is an adult around to supervise when they play with the pet because their spikes may hurt the children. Make sure your child does not kiss the Hedgehog and always washes their hands after playing with them to prevent salmonella infections.
How to Handle a Hedgehog
Hedgehogs have prickly backs but their bellies are soft. To handle your Hedgehog scoop them from their belly. Keep one hand around their belly and the other to support their back. Avoid touching the quills while handling them and limit your touch to the fur on their body.
Stay calm and allow your Hedgehog to get used to your touch. They may roll up into a ball when you first handle them but you need to be patient. The quills look sharp but they will not hurt. Wait for your Hedgehog to calm down. After a while they may start sniffing around and let you handle them.
Some important things need to be followed while handling them. Hedgehogs are known to carry Salmonella, a bacterial disease that infects the human intestinal tracts. There have been several instances of the infection spreading through contact with a pet Hedgehog. While handling them:
- Always wash your hands after handling or playing with your pet Hedgehog. For children, adults should make sure that children wash their hands after playing with them.
- Avoid kissing your Hedgehog because it can cause a potential infection to spread to your face.
Best Habitat for Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs look small but like to stay active and need a lot of space. Their cage should be big enough for your Hedgehog to move around and exercise. It should also have space for hiding areas, litter boxes, a running wheel and food bowls.
Hedgehogs will spend most of their time inside their cage so make sure to give them lots of toys and accessories to keep them entertained.
Cage
Your Hedgehogs cage should be at least 2’L x 3’W. If you can give them a bigger cage then that is even better. The best cage for Hedgehogs is a wire cage with a solid floor. Avoid using a cage with a wire floor because it can hurt their feet and make it difficult for them to walk properly.
Hedgehogs like to climb and multi-level cages are good because it gives them a lot more space. There are many different types and styles available at local pet and online stores.
Place their cage away from air conditioners, drafts, heaters, windows or any other location where the temperature can get too hot or cold. The best temperature for your Hedgehogs is between 75 to 80 degrees F.
Since the Hedgehogs are nocturnal, their cage should be placed in a location where they can experience both day and night.
Bedding
For bedding shredded paper is cheap, easy and makes a great choice. They are cheap and easy to replace. Avoid using wood shavings because it can be harmful to your Hedgehogs.
Hiding Areas
Hedgehogs like to relax in covered spaces as it makes them feel safe. They need to be given hiding areas inside their cage. Wooden box, a hollow tube or a pet igloo all make good, safe hiding spots. It is important that the size of their hide is large enough for your Hedgehog to stretch and relax. This space is important for them because they feel safe and secure while hiding.
Toys and Wheels
Hedgehogs enjoy playing with toys and should be given a variety of toys. Balls, chew toys and bells are good toys for Hedgehogs. PVC pipes, ramps, tunnels and wooden shelves are all great because they give your Hedgehog different experiences while traveling. Exercise wheels are also great because it lets them exercise and keeps them busy and lets them burn off extra energy.
Playpen
A Hedgehog needs to spend a few hours outside the cage. Because of the Hedgehogs anywhere anytime toilet habits, few people will want them running around on the floors of their house. Most families will get them a playpen to spend their time outside the cage. A playpen will ensure that your Hedgehog has enough space to explore and also prevent accidents from happening in your home.
Food and Water Bowls
Hedgehogs need access to clean water at all times. A bowl of water should always be inside their cage. Their cage should also have two food bowls – one for wet and the other for dry food. Hedgehogs like to run around the cage and may accidentally hit the bowl. A good way to prevent them from being tipped over is to attach the food bowls to their cage.
Litter Box
Hedgehogs can be trained to use a litter box. A small litter box in one corner of their cage. Use shredded paper as litter pellets. Avoid using clay or clumping cat litter because it can be harmful to your Hedgehog because it can stick to their body.
Habitat Maintenance
To keep their cage clean, remove the poop and any uneaten food from their cage every day. The food and water bowls should be cleaned and replaced with fresh water every day.
Replace the bedding once a week. Look for, and replace any damaged toys and cage parts once a week.
Disinfect their cage and anything else inside the cage once a month. Carefully clean the walls, floor and hiding areas inside their cage.
The Attention Requirements of Hedgehogs
The attention a Hedgehog needs depends on the individual pet you have. Most Hedgehogs don’t like a lot of human attention. While most don’t enjoy being handled by people, there are a few that either don’t mind or seem to enjoy it. You will know after a week or two if your pet Hedgehog likes being handled.
While handling them, be careful with them, they may curl themselves up with their quills puffed out without warning. This sudden curling can cause you to drop them.
Health Issues
A clean cage, a well-balanced diet and lots of exercise will help keep your Hedgehog healthy. They may still suffer from some health issues and you should take them to the vet immediately if you see any signs of illnesses or infection.
Some common health issues are listed below:
Cancer
Cancer is a serious health concern for small mammals such as mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs. These animals are susceptible to many types of cancer, including skin tumors, lymphomas, and digestive system tumors. It’s important to recognize the signs of cancer in these animals so that they can be treated promptly.
Early detection is essential for successful treatment, which can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care. With timely diagnosis and treatment, some cancers in small mammals can be cured. It’s important to discuss any concerns with a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a common fungal infection that affects small mammals such as guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils. It’s caused by a type of fungus called Microsporum canis. This fungus is found on an infected animal’s skin and can be spread to other animals through contact with their fur or bedding.
Obesity
Small mammals are prone to obesity, just like humans. Obesity in small mammals is a serious condition that can lead to a number of health complications and even death if it’s not managed properly. Symptoms of obesity include an increase in body fat, excessive hunger, low energy levels, difficulty breathing, and labored movements.
The primary cause of obesity in small mammals is an unhealthy diet or not enough exercise. Poor dietary choices such as high-fat, high-sugar foods can lead to weight gain and obesity in these animals. A sedentary lifestyle without enough exercise can contribute to obesity in small mammals. Stress and hormonal imbalances can also lead to excess weight gain in these animals.
Respiratory diseases
Small mammals such as mice, rats, and guinea pigs are prone to respiratory infections. These infections can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Common signs and symptoms of respiratory infection in small mammals include sneezing, nasal discharge, labored breathing, loss of appetite, and weight loss. If left untreated, these infections can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Small mammals such as mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs are prone to many gastrointestinal problems. Common issues include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and vomiting. These issues can range from mild to life-threatening if left untreated.
In order to prevent these illnesses, it’s important that small mammal owners feed their pets with a balanced diet and give them a clean environment. Diets should include fresh vegetables, fruits, and seed mixes that are specific to their species. Their habitat needs to be regularly cleaned and their bedding changed.
If you think that your pet has a digestive problem, it’s important to take them to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
No matter what the cause, it’s important to take preventive measures to ensure that your pet’s gastrointestinal system remains healthy. With proper care and attention, your pets can live long and happy lives.
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS) is an incurable neurological disorder that affects the movement of hedgehogs. Symptoms of WHS include tremors, poor coordination, difficulty walking, and an overall wobbly gait. The cause of WHS is unknown but it has been linked to genetic mutations in some hedgehog breeds. Treatment for WHS is limited and typically involves managing their symptoms with medication and physical therapy.
Grooming and Care Tips for Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are generally clean animals and do not need a lot of grooming. Sometimes their quills or fur may get dirty and will require you to bathe them.
Bathing
To bathe them you need towels and a toothbrush. They can be bathed in a sink or bowl. Fill the bowl/sink with half-inch of water and make sure the water is not too warm. Wet your pet Hedgehog’s back with water but avoid getting water on their ears, eyes and face. Use the toothbrush to scrub their quills and use your hand to gently rub the fur on their belly and legs. Shampoo is not needed but if you want you can use a mild cat shampoo.
Once you are done bathing them, remove your Hedgehog from the bowl and place them on a towel. Use the towel to gently dry them and remove the remaining water from their body. Make sure that your Hedgehog is completely dry before placing them back inside their cage.
Nail Trimming
Your Hedgehogs nails need to be trimmed every other week because there isn’t anything in their cage to naturally wear down their nails. Use a pet nail clipper to trim their nails. While trimming their nails it is important to be gentle and patient because your Hedgehog can sometimes become difficult and squirm or ball up while you trim their nails. Avoid clipping the nails too far because it can cut the blood vessels in their nails. If you accidentally hurt them and they start bleeding, use a styptic pencil or flour to cover their wound.
Dental Care
Check their teeth weekly for swollen gums or tartar build-up. If your pet is drooling excessively, has inflamed gums or any other signs of infection, take them to your vet. Sometimes your Hedgehog will be licking their quills and covering them with a foamy saliva. This behavior is completely normal and is known as Self-Anointing.
Feeding Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs primarily eat insects in the wild but pet Hedgehogs can be fed commercial cat or dog food. It is important to feed them a food that contains rich sources of protein like chicken or fish.
Dry food should be the main source of food for Hedgehogs. Dry Hedgehog food is great for them, but if it’s not available at your local pet store, you can also give them dry cat or dog food. They should occasionally be fed wet food, either canned cat or dog food will be good for them.
Small amounts of vegetables and fruits should be added to their diet. They can be fed beans, apples, carrots, peas and corn. Your Hedgehog may have a specific preference, you might try some foods out and see what they like. Try to give them a variety of vegetables and fruits rather than limiting it to one or two types.
For an occasional treat you can feed them insects like crickets and mealworms, boiled eggs or commercial cat treats. Treats should consist of a very small portion of their diet.
Ideally you should feed them at night because that is the time they are most active.
1 to 2 tablespoons of dry and wet food should be fed to them daily. Fruits, vegetables and treats should not be more than one tablespoon. If you see your Hedgehog gaining weight, their diet should be reduced.
Related Questions:
Is it Legal to Keep a Hedgehog as a Pet?
Just like Ferrets, Hedgehogs can be kept as pets in most states of the United States except for a few. States that have banned Hedgehogs include California, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Georgia and the Five Boroughs of New York City. States like New Jersey and Wisconsin require a special permit for owners to keep Hedgehogs as pets. The reasons for banning them include concerns about the Hedgehogs being carriers of diseases like Salmonella, potential threat to local wildlife and establishing their own populations. Check with your local municipality before getting a Hedgehog as a pet.
Can we keep 2 Hedgehogs Together?
Hedgehogs are independent and should always be housed individually. Keeping same-sex Hedgehogs will result in frequent fighting and keeping a male and female will result in many baby Hedgehogs. If you want to keep more than one Hedgehog, it is best to have a separate cage for each.
Maryna is an animal expert that has had dozens of animals in her life over the years. She has never found an animal that she didn't love immediately. It seems like every year she finds kittens that have been abandoned by their mom and she nurses them to health and finds homes for them. She contributes her vast knowledge about animals and family pets to our website and we're forever grateful to have her working with us. She's also an amazing graphics designer and has designed all of the social media images that we use across all platforms.