When people think of hedgehogs, the first thing that comes to mind is of spiny little creatures with very sharp quills. The latter often means the hedgehog is confused with the porcupine, whose quills can cause severe harm, unlike the hedgehog’s quills, which are soft. This allows these small mammals to be playful and fun pets.
Caring for the low-maintenance hedgehog as a pet can be a rewarding experience. Hedgehogs are commonly playful and cuddly creatures that bond with a person for life. They are awake during the day or night, so they can adapt to anyone’s lifestyle and schedule.
Their average life span ranges from four to six years, but some hedgehogs have been known to live to age 9. They enjoy warm temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and avoid direct sunlight. Hedgehogs can even be trained to use a litter box and can be caged or left to roam the house.
Fun Facts
- The hedgehog was used to predict spring before the groundhog.
- At one point in history, the Irish thought hedgehogs were witches hiding in animals.
- Hedgehog bites were once rumored to be poisonous.
- Hedgehogs have been hunted and killed for many inaccurate reasons, such as stealing milk from cows and stealing and eating eggs from other animals (the hedgehog can’t crack an egg on its own).
- Consuming hedgehogs still occurs in some countries for food, medicinal purposes and rituals.
Furry Friends
Hedgehogs are solitary creatures and prefer to be caged alone. When left to roam free, hedgehogs present other considerations for existing pets. Cats seem to take to hedgehogs quite well; once their paws meet the quills on the hedgehog’s back, they are more likely not to attack or show aggression.
Small breeds of dogs may acclimate to the hedgehogs, while large breeds are not suitable. As with any new pet, supervise all interactions with your pet and your new hedgehog until you feel confident their play is safe.
Outfitting the House
Hedgehogs can be caged or left to roam free if trained to use a litter box. They do not emit any odors and do not require any immunizations. The ideal housing for a hedgehog should provide at least four square feet of ground area, have a solid bottom (no wired or fenced cage bottoms), a hedgehog or closed-footpath wheel for exercise, and child-safe toys. Empty toilet tissue rolls can be given to hedgehogs older than 3 months.
You can use shavings for bedding up to two inches thick inside the cage, but do not use cedar chips. The recommended litter (if using a litter box) is a non-clumping cat litter. Hedgehogs also like to play with their water and put things into their water bowl, so it is best to use a water bottle. A heavy food bowl is also recommended to avoid having the hedgehog dump out its contents.
This video offers an example of a typical hedgehog habitat:
Bathing
Hedgehogs can have dry and itchy skin. Bathe them occasionally — usually a few times per month — in an unscented body wash. You can do this in a sink or bathtub, but make sure the water is not higher than the hedgehog’s legs.
Diet
Although hedgehogs are insect-eating mammals, they can eat other foods as well to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Dry cat food, ferret or hedgehog food, cooked poultry and eggs, insects, fruits and vegetables are recommended, with dry cat food being a staple in the diet. Hedgehogs are mildly lactose intolerant, so avoid dairy products. Dry food can wear down the hedgehog’s teeth over time; alternating wet and dry foods can help eliminate tooth wear.
Concerns & Oddities
- House male and female hedgehogs separately unless you intend to breed them. Males and females are ready for breeding at different times; please check the timing of their mating before starting reproduction.
- Housing hedgehogs together or having too many of them in close proximity can cause loss of eyes from quill pokes.
- Treat infections immediately upon discovery.
- Cancers and lesions are possible; the risk is comparable with other species.
- Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome, or WHS, is a genetic disorder that eventually paralyzes the hedgehog. This disorder is difficult to detect and eliminate, and there is no known cure.
- Hedgehogs can froth at the mouth and lean their head upward to allow the saliva to travel onto their quills. There is no known reason for this behavior.
Choosing Your Hedgehog
Before you set out to find your new friend, check your local wildlife laws. Several U.S. states and some countries have restrictions or complete bans on hedgehog ownership. When purchasing or adopting a hedgehog, ask for a guarantee from genetic defects from the breeder and inquire about any previous WHS issues they may have had in the past.
Once you are ready to choose the hedgehog, there are a few things to remember. Temperament is important; try to find a hedgehog that unrolls without too much delay, does not make a “clicking” sound (this is made to be threatening) and does not appear aggressive. Hedgehogs can make hissing sounds, but these are perfectly normal.
Confirm that the hedgehog is over 6 weeks old. Review the face and head for any injuries, discharges or visible afflictions from the eyes, nose and ears. Check the back for missing quill patches and the cage for green droppings; these are all signs of an unhealthy animal.
Coming Home
Baby hedgehogs can sleep for long periods of time; this is normal. When arriving home, allow your new pet to have a full day in his new environment without distractions. This will give the animal time to get acclimated to his surroundings before getting comfortable with you. This process usually takes one week but times can vary. Be patient with your new friend and he will warm up to you (and your existing pets) in no time!
Additional Resources
Check out these hedgehog-loving websites for more information on care, fellow owners, forums and more information on our spiny friends: Hedgehog Club, Hedgehog World and Hedgehog Central.
Photo: Peter Lundgren/Flickr
