Hedgehogs as Pets:

Small Exotic Spiny Mammals at Home

Although this exotic small animal is a wild animal, it adapts quite easily to life in captivity and quickly gets used to people.

Nowadays keeping certain species of a hedgehog as pets in domestic conditions is quite common in different countries, including the USA.

In this article, we will tell you how to care for a pet hedgehog and what features of its behavior you should be aware of.

A less extreme way is to buy a small animal from a breeder. Today there are communities of lovers of these animals. Therefore, the purchase of this exotic animal from domesticated parents will give the seller a guarantee that the animal has excellent health and a focus on humans.

5 Cute Hedgehog Facts for Pets

Presently, 17 distinct species of hedgehogs exist, with none originating from America.
These pets possess poor eyesight and are primarily dependent on their senses of taste and smell.
As compared to most mammals, hedgehogs maintain a lower body temperature, ranging from 96º to 99ºF.
Contrary to what might be thought, the spines of this small animal bear no barbs or venom, unlike the quills of a porcupine.
The name 'Hedgehog' is derived from their habitat of garden hedges and the pig-like grunting noises they produce.

Hedgehog Appearance, its Species and Distinctive Features

Long-eared Hedgehogs and African Pygmy Hedgehogs are best suited for keeping in an apartment.

African Pygmy Hedgehog is larger than a human palm (about eight inches). The tail is short (forty millimeters). They come in various colors. The body of all representatives of this breed has a light gray (almost white) color. Needles are gray with white tips, and brown, milky shades. There is a small brown/grey/light pink stain around the nose. The ears are also brownish. The muzzle is elongated.

These mammals are recognized as a special breed, artificially bred by humans. African Pygmy Hedgehogs do not trample, do not have an unpleasant smell, and eat ready-made cat food with great pleasure. They do not fall into winter hibernation, and their summer mode differs little from the winter one.

With good care, African Pygmy Hedgehogs live for about 5 years, they are very attached to humans and are completely unable to adjust to life in the wild.

Long-eared Hedgehogs pose a greater challenge in terms of care compared to African Pygmy Hedgehogs. These mammals are not as domesticated, which makes them more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior. When they feel threatened, they tend to flee rather than curl up into a ball for protection.

Physically, Long-eared Hedgehogs have longer ears, legs, and a more pointed face. Their appearance is quite similar to the rarer Desert Hedgehog, although the latter often has a darker coloration.

In terms of agility, Long-eared Hedgehogs are faster and better climbers than African Pygmy Hedgehogs.

Long-eared Hedgehogs love warmth; drafts are dangerous to their lives. The lifespan of a hedgehog pet can reach up to 10 years.

Pet Hedgehog Cage and Other Caring Conditions

The comfortable air temperature for this exotic animal is 20-25 degrees, humidity is 55-65%. It is important to install the pet’s home away from radiators, drafts, and direct sunlight.

Hedgehogs are pets meant to be kept alone. They zealously defend their territory and do not tolerate neighbors. They are nocturnal, so be prepared for the fact that your spine friend will run around, dig into the litter, and snort loudly at this time of day.

Like any other pet, this mammal needs its own secluded corner. Of course, prickly animals move around the house with pleasure, but at the same time, they should have a place where they can relax and enjoy quiet. The enclosure for an animal should be quite spacious; the ideal size of a pet home is 30x30 inches.

You should not place your small animal in a cage with iron bars. The fact is that hedgehogs very easily arrange escapes from it. The enclosure door must close tightly.

To ensure the happiness and well-being of these mammals, it is crucial to provide them with opportunities to remain active and mentally stimulated. One essential item in a hedgehog enclosure is an exercise wheel, as it allows them to engage in physical activity. Additionally, it is important to include a litter box, a sleeping box, and a designated feeding area to maintain their hygiene and comfort. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, so the sleeping area should be darkened.

Corn filler, tofu, cellulose fillers are usually used in the pet's home to cover the floor. Do not forget to change the litter regularly.

There are cases when these small animals that are particularly capable of training have learned to use a tray with litter for the toilet, as cats do. If you have enough patience, and the mammal is still young and ready to learn, try to accustom your hedgehog to such cleanliness.

Pet Hedgehog Diet: What Do Pet Hedgehogs Eat?

The primary component of your hedgehog pet food intake should be a combination of top-notch hedgehog feed and first-rate, low-fat cat food.

The under-mentioned supplemental food types can be additionally provided in modest quantities a few times every week:

Insects that have been gut-loaded, like mealworms and crickets. Gut loading is the process of providing the insects with a nutrient-dense diet before them being given to your pet. This ensures that your hedgehog ends up receiving the extra nutrients from them.
An assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, for example, apples, pears, bananas, and small pieces of cooked carrots.
A hard-cooked egg.

What Food Should Be Refrained?

Exclude lettuce and celery from the diet, as their nutritional content is negligible.
Do not include avocados in their food, as it may poison your pet.
Restrict from feeding your animal with raw meats or uncooked eggs.
Avoid giving milk to these mammals. The inability of these animals to generate the lactase enzyme makes them lactose intolerant. It could result in digestive disturbances and lead to symptoms such as stomach aches, diarrhea, and bloating.
Refrain from providing nuts, seeds, or tough foods like raw carrots, as they might get lodged in the upper mouth part (particularly pieces of peanuts).
Do not consider giving any human foods without prior approval from your vet.

What’s About the Water?

Water must be accessible all day long. Filtered water is the preferable choice. The majority of hedgehog caregivers opt to use a sipper bottle attached to the enclosure to provide water. When using a sipper bottle, verify that your spiny friend can drink from it. Each time you refill the water (which should be daily at a minimum), ensure that the sipper tube is free of food that could cause a blockage.

All food containers and water dispensers should be cleaned daily using soapy water and thoroughly rinsed afterward.

Hedgehog Pet Care: All Pros and Cons of Hedgehog Pet

Pros:

A prickly friend is suitable for people suffering from allergies since they will definitely not cause allergic reactions, unlike the fur of a dog, cat or rabbit.

The pet's sociability depends on its individual preferences. Although most of them do not like to meet their owner, it is often the case that they become attached to their owner over time.
This mammal will never be aggressive! The only risk is to be injured by its spikes. At the same time, they are not as sharp as wild hedgehogs, so a domestic hedgehog can be successfully stroked (if he allows it).

Cons:

These exotic animals are usually nocturnal and can be noisier than most hamster breeds - they often stomp loudly.
The cost of buying a spiny friend is much higher than, for example, a guinea pig or a rabbit.
Hedgehogs are usually distrustful and it is difficult for them to get used to their owners, although it is not impossible. Some pets can truly love.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long do pet hedgehogs live?

In general, these mammals kept as pets have an expected life span ranging from 4 to 6 years, but some managed to reach the age of 10. Pet hedgehog lifespan could be influenced by a variety of factors from living conditions, genetic background, overall health status, nutrition, levels of stress, amount of physical activity to even access to veterinary services. A widely spread breed, the African Pygmy Hedgehog, usually could live up to 5 years old whereas the Long-eared Hedgehog could frequently break a 7-year line.

1. Do pet hedgehogs hibernate?

Hibernation in pet hedgehogs is a health risk and should be prevented due to the potential for serious, even fatal, complications. Their intake is insufficient to build up the fat reserves required for hibernation. While their wild counterparts may hibernate from December to March, depending on climatic conditions and available nourishment, animals in captivity do not follow this pattern. Rather, they are predominantly active during the night and have periods of rest throughout the day. It is of paramount importance to keep a consistently warm environment for your pet, especially through the chillier season, so they are deterred from initiating hibernation. Take notice of any signs of hibernation, and should they appear, it is advisable to raise the temperature inside your living space as a means to prevent your spiny friend from entering into a hibernation state.

1. How expensive are hedgehogs as pets?

Usually, the initial investment for a pet ranges from $150 to $300, with continuing expenses comprising of items like bedding and nourishment. It's worth noting that, unless your pet requires specific health care, veterinary costs are typically not a substantial concern.

3. Are hedgehogs good pets for kids?

Hedgehogs can be appropriate pets for children, although they are better suited to older children, preferably aged 10-12 or above. Such older children can follow the rules, take due handling, and devote their attention to the well-being of their pets. The spines of this exotic pet aren't as sharp as those of a porcupine but still bear a risk, particularly the spines of younger hedgehogs which tend to be more pointed.

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