12 Truths about hedgehog as a pet. Do hedgehogs make good pets?

Are hedgehogs easy pets? Or are they hard to care for?

It’s easy to see why you might want to get a hedgehog. They’re adorable!

Besides wondering where to buy a pet hedgehog, you may be asking, “Do hedgehogs make good pets?”

The short answer is yes, hedgehogs are some of the loveliest pets in the world. However, they’re not easy to deal with.

They need a committed owner.

Before becoming a pet parent, it’s best to understand the challenges. In the following chapters, you’ll find out the realistic truths of pet hedgehog ownership.

Can you deal with them?

If not, it’s a better idea to put hedgehog ownership off for awhile.

Truth #1: Hedgehogs might not even be legal in your state!

Owning an illegal animal is a terrible idea. Fines, community service, attorney’s fees, and possible jail time are a few reasons why.

The worst consequence of owning an illegal animal might be that you put your pet’s life in jeopardy. Where are hedgehogs legal in the U.S.?

If you’re wondering, “Where can I buy a hedgehog for a pet?” understand that pet hedgehog ownership may not be legal in your city or state.

If you live in California, Georgia, Hawaii, New York City, or Washington, D.C., you’re out of luck. Hedgehog ownership is illegal in those areas.

Other states impose specific restrictions. For example, Idaho and Oregon prohibit European hedgehogs. Fortunately, the most common kind of hedgehog is allowed in those states.

New Jersey, Wyoming, and Wisconsin require special permits. In Pennsylvania, you can’t import any hedgehogs into the state.

Besides the legal ramifications, there are other issues. Your hedgehog needs medical care. Finding a vet who specializes in hedgehogs would be hard. Also, local pet stores may not carry food, enclosures, or other equipment.

Why is it illegal to have a pet hedgehog?

As we learned from Jurassic Park, there are big consequences to animals escaping into the wild.

Even though they’re small, escaped hedgehogs can hurt local ecosystems by competing with other animals for food and territory.

Another important issue is disease.

Hedgehogs can carry foot-and-mouth disease and salmonella. In 2019, the CDC found pet hedgehogs responsible for a multi-state salmonella outbreak.

Ultimately, responsible pet ownership begins with knowledge of the laws in your area. It’s best to avoid a rash decision.

Truth #2: Get ready to be pricked (often) by their spiky quills

Can a pet hedgehog hurt you?

Pet hedgehogs have between 5,000 to 6,000 quills. If you own a hedgehog, you’re going to get pricked by them.

Quills are a defense mechanism. When your hedgehog feels threatened, he balls up and spreads them out. Unlike porcupine quills, hedgehog quills don’t detach.

In fact, they’re not strong enough to break the skin. Touching a balled-up hedgehog feels like putting your hand on the end of a bunch of toothpicks.

It’s best to exercise caution around younger children or pets. Younger children should probably not handle hedgehogs at all.

It’s too easy for a child to overreact at the unexpected stick of a quill, and both the child and your pet could suffer harm.

Some pets learn to respect the hedgehog, but some dogs (and ferrets) treat them as prey.

A more serious reason to keep children and other animals away from hedgehogs is salmonella.

Truth #3: Can hedgehogs give you diseases?

YES! Unfortunately, hedgehogs can transmit diseases, especially salmonella, to other animals and humans.

Salmonella is a bacterium causing diarrhea, fever, chills, and abdominal pain.

Even healthy-looking hedgehogs can carry salmonella in their droppings.

The bacteria can spread to the hedgehog and all other objects in their living area.

Salmonella can be fatal to older people, young children, or those with compromised immune systems.

If you or someone in your household might be vulnerable, it’s wiser to choose a different pet.

Prevention is crucial.

You might be tempted to kiss or snuggle your hedgehog as a sign of affection.

However, it’s best to avoid direct contact with your face or mouth. Wash hands thoroughly after you touch or feed your hedgie or handle objects in its cage. Clean toys or cages outside if possible.

Truth #4: Hedgehogs hiss and jump at you when they’re angry

Are hedgehogs friendly?

Like humans, hedgehogs can be very friendly. However, when they feel fear, they show it.

Hedgehogs can react by hissing, jumping, or curling up into a prickly ball when they feel defensive.

In a scary new environment, it’s common for hedgehogs to hiss and jump at things. If you’ve just gotten a new hedgehog, don’t be surprised if it needs time to get used to you and its new home.

Additionally, hedgehogs can be grumpy wakers.

If you’re disturbing them during the day, when they prefer to sleep, they’ll let you know.

Truth #5: Lots of patience is needed to bond with a hedgehog

Hedgehog pet ownership requires patience. If your hedgehog doesn’t immediately bond with you, remember that love takes time.

If your hedgehog is hissing or popping out at you, don’t think your hedgehog is mean. It’s afraid.

To help your hedgehog bond, they’ll need to get used to being handled.

Try handling them for short periods of time several times a day.

You may wonder how to pet a hedgehog or wonder how you even pick one up.

Try these tips.

1. Using a towel or t-shirt that has your hedgehog’s scent on it, cover the hedgie and gently pick them up with the shirt between your hands and its quills. Turn your hedgehog over to expose its face.
2. Or you can try scooping your hand underneath the hedgehog’s belly and turning them over.

Hedgehogs are naturally curious and motivated by food, so with a pair of tweezers, take a small treat and hold it near their nose to entice them to uncurl.

If you rotate the hedgehog a little, you might get it to stick its little paws out.

You can carefully place it on a table or your lap so it can investigate its environment. Your hedgehog has very poor vision, so it will get to know you by sound and smell.

Talk to your hedgehog often while handling, feeding, or cleaning them. Put a section of an old t-shirt of yours in your hedgie’s cage so that your scent will become familiar.

Lay them on your lap or chest and let them fall asleep. This will strengthen your hedgehog’s confidence in you. This won’t happen overnight, but with patience and persistence, you can develop a bond.

Truth #6: Hedgehogs are active at night

Hedgehogs are nocturnal, which means that they start to get active when the sun goes down.

In the wild, hedgehogs run for miles to find insects and other food sources, so don’t be surprised if your hedgehog wants to work out at 3 AM.

The hedgehog’s nocturnal nature also explains why it’s often grumpy if you want to play with it during the day.

If you’re a heavy sleeper or working the night shift, a nocturnal pet might not be a problem.

If you wake up at the slightest cough in the apartment next door, hedgehog ownership may not be the best choice.

You’ll need to accommodate your pet’s nature. Give them an exercise wheel and activity toys so they can burn off excess energy.

Keep your hedgie in another room so that you can sleep and they can play.

Truth #7: Hedgehogs are very sensitive to temperature changes

Hibernation and Estivation

An optimal temperature for a domestic hedgehog is between 74-78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Unlike dogs or cats, domestic hedgehogs can be in trouble if the temperature of their living quarters varies.

In the wild, hedgehogs can hibernate for months during the cold season, but domesticated varieties like the African pygmy cannot.

Letting them go into hibernation may kill them.

Hibernation occurs when the temperature drops. In response, animals slow down their metabolism and heart rate and enter a sleeplike state from which they may not emerge for months. In that time, they live on their body’s stored fats.

Domestic hedgehogs have lost the ability to recover from hibernation.

When the temperature drops, they may enter a semi-dormant state. If their body temperature does not go up, they can go into full hibernation and not emerge.

However, high temperatures also present dangers. In response to rising temperature, a hedgehog may begin estivation.

In estivation, an animal may enter a state of torpor and reduced activity like in hibernation. They become still and their breathing slows. With hedgehogs, there is the additional concern that they will dehydrate.

Living Quarters

To help your hedgies be warm and happy, plan their living quarters carefully.

A covered wire cage designed for small animals usually works for hedgies.

Look for a cage about 1-2 feet long by 2 to 4 feet wide with narrow openings between the bars.

Avoid cages with wire floors because they hurt his feet. Your hedgie’s cage floor will need some kind of substrate — a surface made to absorb urine and feces.

As a caution, if you choose wood shavings, aspen is the only wood safe for hedgehogs. Other types such as pine and cedar can be toxic.

Paper pellet substrates are a better choice, but if your hedgehog eats the paper pellets, they can plug their intestines. Ultimately, the best choice for most hedgies is fabric.

Vellux or fleece blankets or pouches make your hedgehog’s environment cozy and warm.

Be on the lookout for loose threads and make sure you change his bedding often.

Truth #8: Their diet requires attention

To keep your hedgehog healthy and strong, they’ll need a proper ratio of protein to fats and fiber.

Ideally, the ratios should be 30% – 33% protein to 10% – 13% fat to 3% – 8% fiber for a healthy adult hedgehog.

You’ll be feeding your hedgie 1-2 times a day, and it’s important to stick to those ratios.

Too much protein can cause kidney disease and renal failure, and high fats can lead to obesity.

Hedgehogs usually eat commercial dry cat food. Cat kibble pieces are small and have the right ratio of protein to fat.

A typical meal might include 60-70 pieces of dried kibble, 1-2 tablespoons of blended fruits or veggies, and 1-2 tablespoons of live mealworms.

For hedgehog mealtimes, try putting the food in a low snack bowl. For at least one feeding, leave the food over night for your hedgie’s most active period.

Especially at first, try to record the level of food your hedgie typically consumes to avoid overfeeding and obesity.

Hedgehogs can eat soft or wet dog or cat food, but be careful.

Hedgehog diets are based on Dry Matter Basis (DMB) percentages of protein, fat, and fiber. If moisture is added, these ratios may be thrown off.

To make sure your hedgehog is still getting the right balance, you’ll need to do a little math using this formula:

100% – Moisture % = Dry Mass %

(Fat or Protein %) / Dry Mass % = Dry Mass Fat or Protein %

Subtract the moisture percentage from 100 to get the dry mass number. Then figure out the actual percentage of fat or protein in the food by dividing the fat or protein percentage by the dry mass number.

Foods to avoid for hedgehogs

Many of the foods that are dangerous for dogs are also bad for hedgies.

Avoid raisins and grapes, garlic, onions, citrus, dairy, nuts, chocolate and caffeine, tea tree oil, salty or seasoned foods, or raw meat and eggs.

In many cases, these foods can cause diarrhea, choking, or death.

Lastly, do you like bugs?

Hedgies do. If you want to be a hedgehog owner, you should know that a hedgehog’s favorite treats are live insects and mealworms.

Read on to find out more.

Truth #9: Are you squeamish about worms?

In the wild, hedgehogs seek out insects and worms as part of their diet.

They are especially fond of mealworms and crickets, maggots, millipedes, grasshoppers, and beetles.

Rich in calories, a mealworm is a delicious dietary indulgence. It’s fine to give your hedgehogs a mealworm as an occasional treat, but be careful. Insects are pretty high in calories, and your hedgie will make a “hog” of themselves if you give them insects every day.

Make sure you feed them insects that are specifically raised to be feeders. Wild bugs can carry pesticides or parasites.

Ultimately, if you’re squeamish about handling bugs or worms, you might want to think twice about getting a hedgehog.

Truth #10: Their poop can stink really badly!

It’s a little-known fact of hedgehog ownership, but it’s true. These adorable little guys have poop that really packs an olfactory wallop.

In short, their poop really reeks. It’s also bigger than you think it’s going to be.

It’s possible that excessive poop stink is caused by commercial food with too many fillers, especially grains.

Focus on finding a low-filler food that meets your hedgehog’s nutritional needs.

However, what almost no one will tell you about hedgehogs comes down to two words: poop feet.

It’s very common for your hedgehog to poop on his activity wheel while he’s running. In the wild, he can poop and run away with no aftereffects.

On a play wheel, though, your hedgie will run into his own poop almost immediately. The obvious result is that he’ll end up getting poop stuck to his toes.

Unfortunately, hedgehog poop can be sticky. What can you do about poop feet, or worse, poop shoes?

One effective way to address hedgehog poop feet is to fill a bathroom sink with enough water to get their feet and legs wet.

Let your hedgehog play and splash around in the warm water to make sure they’ve soaked off as much as possible.

For dealing with clingy poop, a light scrubbing with a soft toothbrush helps.

Other solutions include lining the bottom of the sink with a washcloth dedicated for hedgehog care. As they climb around in the water, contact with the washcloth helps clean their feet.

Poopy feet are a basic fact of hedgehog ownership, so be prepared.

Truth #11: Frequent cleaning is required

Keeping a healthy and clean hedgehog is a crucial part of being a good pet owner. Hedgehog cages need daily spot cleaning and a full cleaning at least once a week.

All substrates or cage liners need to be cleaned. Linens need to be cleaned at least once weekly on a “sanitize” setting.

Toys, wheels,equipment, and the cage should be cleaned at this time. Whatever you do, don’t clean any hedgehog equipment (or your hedgehog) in your kitchen.

Even if your hedgie is in great health, they can still spread salmonella.

Clean hedgehog equipment outside. Because of hedgehogs’ tendency to poop on their wheels, the wheels should be cleaned often.

To make cleaning easier, hedgehog owners put extra layers of paper towels or newspapers underneath the wheel and food dishes.

Dishes should be washed daily to remove old food and prevent pests. While some hedgehogs are messier than others, all hedgehogs need some form of daily spot cleaning.

Are you ready to spend that time doing your hedgie’s laundry and chores in addition to your own?

Truth #12: Hedgehog cost and maintenance

Hedgehog pet price goes beyond the question, “How much does it cost to buy a hedgehog?”

Depending on the seller, a standard African pygmy hedgehog will cost between $75-250.

That’s only one of the expenses you’ll have to take into consideration.

As with most pets, you’ll be making a pricey initial outlay. If you don’t know where to get a pet hedgehog, consider a pet store or breeder.

Some breeders provide a basic setup such as a carrier or cage, a blanket, and food. However, you can also buy these items individually at a store.

How much does it cost to have a pet hedgehog?

For a first-time setup, the average price range for a cage falls between $35-100 depending on size. You’ll also need substrate, bowls, and a water bottle.

Fleece liners or bedding can range from $5.99 to $21.83.

Dishes can range from $2.00 on up, and water bottles around $10.

Other important items include an exercise ball or wheel. Expect to spend an average of $10-20.

How much is a pet hedgehog in the long run?

The costs include more than the initial setup.

Plan on yearly vet visits ($50), food ($50 minimum), bedding ($75-225), treats ($20), and incidentals ($50).

Of course, if your pet needs more medical care, you may find these costs going up.

Conclusions: Are hedgehogs really good pets?

Despite some difficulties, having a hedgehog as a pet is wonderful.

Adorable, apartment-friendly, and affectionate, hedgehogs make loving and gentle pets.

To rate whether hedgehogs are good as pets, we only look at 3 primary factors: cost, maintenance, and handling.

#1 Cost and running cost of hedgehogs: 1/1

Although costly at first, annual maintenance is average or lower compared to many other pets and exotics alike.

#2 Maintenance: 0.5/1

As hedgehogs can pass dieases to humans, frequent cleaning is an important factor, but you can turn it into playtime.

#3 Handling: 0/1

Hedgies are adorable and love to cuddle but let’s face it they are very difficult to handle in the start hence it is not for everyone. That said, this process is the true fun of pet ownership, particularly when your patience pays off.

In total, hedghogs gets 1.5 out of 3 rating which is in the middle. What do you think?

Feel free to like, share, and comment with your own thoughts about your experiences.