Hedgehogs For Sale In Nc? Top 50 Best Answers

(a) A person must obtain a permit from the state veterinarian before bringing into that state any of the following animals:

(1) skunk;

(2) fox;

(3) raccoon;

(4) curly tail;

(5) bobcats (including lynxes and other North and South American cats such as cougars, jaguars, etc.);

(6) coyote;

(7) martens;

(8) Bush Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula).

(b) Permits to bring animals listed in paragraph (a) of this rule into that state will only be issued if the animal(s) will be used in a research institute or for display by a USDA-licensed exhibitor , or organized entertainment such as in zoos or circuses.

(c) Camelids, bison and other non-domestic cattle may be brought into the State if accompanied by an official health certificate issued by a licensed, accredited veterinarian as defined in 2 NCAC 52B .0401 stating that:

(1) all animals at least six months old have been tested negative for brucellosis within 30 days of import; and

(2) all animals at least six months old have tested negative for tuberculosis within 60 days of import; and

(3) the herd of origin has not been diagnosed with brucellosis or tuberculosis in the past 12 months.

The requirements of this paragraph do not apply to llamas, vicunas, alpacas and guanacos from other states that are accredited tuberculosis free and certified brucellosis free when accompanied by a government health certificate.

(d) Any species or hybrid of a mammal not otherwise covered by the Administrative Act that occurs in the wild or occurs naturally in the wild must be accompanied by a valid veterinary inspection certificate.

Current with rules received by March 30, 2020.

Hedgehogs are an unusual type of pet that you won’t typically find at your local pet store. Some even wonder, “Do hedgehogs smell?” Finally, ferrets, another exotic pet species, have a strong odor. Watch this short but informative video and learn what Quilly’s nose knows.

Here is the transcript of “Do Hedgehogs Smell?”:

Hey Hedgie fans! Sarah from Texas wrote and asked, “Do hedgehogs smell?” It may surprise you, but this question gets asked a lot! Maybe it’s because we have some pig-like traits that people assume hedgehogs stink.

Hedgehogs don’t have scent glands like ferrets, skunks, or even cats! So when we are clean, we don’t have any particular smell.

Like any animal, if they are not kept clean, they will begin to smell funny.

Since pet hedgehogs are cage animals, we go through everything that is in our cage.

That means if the cage isn’t kept clean, we’ll walk through our own waste. And as you can imagine, that smells really weird! So that their hedgehog doesn’t stink, many hedgehog keepers give footbaths every day and change the bedding regularly.

Some hedgehog owners even manage to train their hedgehogs to litter. My friend Lisa wrote an article about how to scatter a hedgehog. Convince yourself of it on my website.

I’m sure it will be very helpful if you are worried about your hedgehog getting smelly.

If you keep our cage and bodies clean, a hedgehog should smell nice! Thank you for your question Sarah. That’s it for this episode of Ask Quilly

If you learned something or just had fun, please comment, like and subscribe.

I really love teaching everyone about us hedgehogs, so keep asking these questions.

Until next time, goodbye.

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If you want to know more about hedgehog hygiene and you can’t find it on our website, you can ask in the comments below or on our contact page.

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If you want to learn easy methods to use during hedgehog bath time, we recommend this article: https://heavenlyhedgies.com/hedgehog-bath-time-tips-tricks/

I am often asked this question. How much time and money does it really cost to properly care for a hedgehog?

All animals require time and commitment and a pet should never be bought on a whim. However, I’m happy to report that hedgehogs ARE a low-maintenance pet.

cage cleaning

Expect to spend about fifteen minutes to a half hour a week cleaning your hedgehog’s cage, food bowl, water bottle, exercise wheel, and other toys. The wheel requires the most “work”. I have a lot of wheels to clean, so I’ve found that just placing them in a bucket or sink to soak for about 10 minutes works best for me. Hedgehogs WILL spin on their wheels. There are very few hedgehogs I’ve ever seen holding a fairly clean wheel. Normally these hedgehogs don’t use the wheel very often.

expenditure of time

Hedgehog playtime is what you make of it. Because hedgehogs are solitary creatures, they won’t get depressed or angry if you don’t get to spend a lot of time with them. However, it’s important to take your hedgehog outside every day to make sure he’s not sick or injured. I recommend getting a collapsible small animal playpen so your hedgehog can have time outside the cage without worrying about watching him every second. (They quickly run to a nice dark hiding place under the sofa.) Hedgehogs will bond with you and enjoy spending time with you, but they won’t be angry if you can’t spend hours with them.

food and water

You need to feed your hedgehog daily and refill the water bottle every few days. Treats can be fed several times a week. Treats are not necessary. My hedgehogs are all fed Purina One Beyond Chicken and Whole Oat Meal Recipe Cat Food with Mealworms as an occasional treat. The food is easy to find at any pet store.

bedding

I personally like and use kiln dried pine shavings for my hedgehogs. They enjoy burrowing into the bedding. Avoid cedar shavings and fragrant pine shavings (not oven dried). Aspen shavings can also be used, but I’ve heard of cases of hedgehogs being allergic to aspen. Linen must be changed weekly. Litter can be purchased at pet stores, department stores, and farm shops. I buy mine from The Tractor Supply Company. The downside to buying from a pet store is that mites are more likely to be in the litter.

heating

Temperature is a problem in hedgehogs. You should purchase a small animal heating pad to place under your cage, as hedgehogs are happiest and healthiest when temperatures are in the upper 70’s. Hedgehogs will attempt to hibernate when the temperature drops. I personally like the K&H Small Animal Heated Pads.

Costs

Expect to spend about $5 to $10 a month on groceries and $10 a month on linens. They don’t eat much and their dry cat food isn’t expensive, but you should feed them some mealworms, boiled chicken, scrambled eggs, or other treats, and even small bits will add up. A general visit to the veterinary well is also recommended for hedgehogs. This costs about $40 to $60. A good cage costs around $60-$75 and $30 for a heat mat.

Hedgehogs are small nocturnal animals. They have a spiky coat and are naturally found in Europe, Asia and Africa. They are considered exotic pets and are illegal to own in five states in the United States. Before you buy a hedgehog, you need to find out if they are legal in your state or county.

Are hedgehogs good pets? The two most common types of hedgehogs kept as pets are the European hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus, and the smaller African pygmy hedgehog, Atelerix albiventris. Hedgehogs live alone in the wild and are typical loners. They may take a while to warm up when you first bring them home. Patience and time will help them trust you. Hedgehogs can be a fun and low-maintenance pet for your household, but they do need special care. They have sharp spikes that can make handling difficult. Consistent and proper daily handling will help them relax and feel comfortable with you. The hedgehog’s quills don’t shoot like a porcupine’s, but they are sharp enough to pierce your skin. Be extra careful if they are scared.

Hedgehogs, like all other small animals, are complex and unique individuals that require special care, food, and supplies throughout their lives. So before you start looking online for a hedgehog because you love Sega’s classic blue guy and want to buy your own Sonic on a whim, read on to find out why a hedgehog is far from an ideal “pet”.

Hedgehogs are loners who don’t want to interact with humans.

The most common type of hedgehogs bought as “pets” are hybrids commonly known as African pygmy hedgehogs. But these animals are only a few generations away from their natural living relatives. Calling them “domesticated” really touches the truth. And many hedgehogs die or are abandoned by buyers as the novelty wears off.

Each hedgehog has a unique personality, but most don’t care about human affection. Keepers note that getting a hedgehog to tolerate being held takes a lot of time and effort. Like porcupines, hedgehogs have sharp, prickly quills that they use to ward off predators. When they feel fearful or threatened, these spines will spring up in all directions, making the animals difficult to handle.

Many hedgehogs have a “self-anointing” habit: they writhe and smear their own foamy saliva all over their bodies. Some people might find this off-putting, but it’s just another sign that we don’t need to try to deal with these sensitive individuals.

Hedgehogs are docile and nocturnal, making them impractical for light sleepers, those who are out until the early hours, or children hoping for a playful companion. When hedgehogs feel threatened, they curl up into a tight ball and can easily be injured if a human — or a dog or cat — tries to roll them up.

Some regions have banned the keeping of hedgehogs because some are carriers of the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease. They can also transmit salmonella bacteria, viral and fungal diseases, and their sharp spines can pierce skin and cause infection.

Purchasing a hedgehog supports the deadly trade in “pocket animals”.

Hedgehogs aren’t native to North America, but that hasn’t stopped the notorious pet trade from profiting from this exploited species. Although their small size makes them look cute and cuddly, “pocket pets” are fierce animals that have very specific needs that the average person cannot meet.

When people succumb to the temptation to purchase exotic animals such as hedgehogs from stores, auctions or the internet to keep in their homes, it often results in pain and death for these animals. Hedgehogs can easily suffer from malnutrition and the overwhelming stress of being in captivity in an unnatural and uncomfortable environment.

PETA has uncovered breeding facilities where hundreds of suffering small animals are kept in damp, filthy cages and trash cans. When Colorado state officials and local officials were executing a warrant investigating pet breeders Ken and Lynn Kubic, officers found dead hedgehogs on a row of shelves and stacks of tubs. Inspectors discovered more than 500 animals — including snakes and other reptiles, hedgehogs and sugar gliders — in the Kubics’ basement, which reeked of urine and animal excrement. A senior inspector called the situation “unbelievable”.

Hedgehogs’ needs will not be met if they live in a cage.

Hedgehogs require specialized veterinary care that is almost impossible to find locally and food that many keepers are unwilling to provide. Despite the claims of breeders and sellers, much is still unknown about the natural behavior of these animals, optimal nutrition and the needs related to their environment in order to be happy.

However, we know that in the wild, hedgehogs can travel several kilometers in a single night. Life in a cage with perhaps a wheel to walk on poles versus the freedom to hunt crickets in the grasslands or forage in the vast savannah.

Bigotry begins when categories such as race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or species are used to justify discrimination. join the movement

Keeping a hedgehog may be illegal or restricted in your area.

It is currently illegal in California to own a hedgehog; Georgia; Hawaii; New York City; Omaha, Nebraska; and Washington, D.C. Other states and cities may have specific restrictions or require a permit to keep one. It is also illegal to transport hedgehogs from Africa.

*****

Tell everyone you know hedgehogs are not “pets.” Never buy a hedgehog or any other animal. If you are willing to open your heart and your home to a pet, open access shelters are the first and best place to go. So many dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets are just waiting for a good home. You can search by species on Petfinder.com to find adoptable animals in your area.

Hedgehogs will generally attempt to run away from humans, or if shocked, will curl up into a spiny ball. They have sharp needles all over their backs that can pierce the skin. It is often itchy when a needle does this and can cause a rash. Personally, I’ve never had a rash when the needles go into my skin, but the area of ​​skin is usually itchy for a while.

I’ve read that it’s possible that bacteria can be present on the spines which, if they penetrate human skin, can cause a fever or stomach ache, but I’ve personally never experienced this and have treated hundreds of hedgehogs. However, for your own health and safety, you should try to use gloves when handling a hedgehog.

Hedgehogs can bite you, but this happens very rarely. This usually happens when they are young and think your fingers will feed them (if they were syringe fed since they didn’t have a mother). The boys can’t really bite too hard and when I’ve been bitten it’s more like a little clamp around your finger than like teeth digging into your skin.

The adult hedgehogs have more powerful dentition and two small, rabbit-like front teeth that penetrate the skin when they bite. They tend to cling to you for a while and if you get bitten you’ll have to have a little tug of war to remove them. They are strong enough to dig their teeth into your flesh, but very rarely bite. I’ve only been bitten when waking up an adult hedgehog that was sleeping during the day. He was very unhappy with me and gave me a nice sip (see photo). As with all animal bites, if you are bitten you will need a tetanus shot if you are not up to date with it. You would also need to see your GP or a hospital so they can properly clean and bandage the wound.

Hedgehogs can make themselves appear awkward with defense mechanisms, including curling up into a very prickly ball and poking out their needle spines (much like the hairs on your skin when you get cold). This makes them much more difficult to manage and tells you they don’t want to be disturbed. They also emit hissing noises when they don’t want anything to get near them, and push their bodies up as if they’re about to run towards you and ram you or whatever is nearby. But when they do and you get close to the hedgehog, they usually curl up and keep hissing at you. This is a distress and a way for a hedgehog to warn other wildlife that may be dangerous to a hedgehog, it is an essential mechanism in protecting yourself.

They can also make noises almost like a small dog, but sound more like a grunt. The baby hoglets often make these noises to get their mothers’ attention. Mothers protecting their chicks will hear a sound as if they are breathing in and out through their noses. I noticed this when I had to clear out a pen and the mother was near her chicks (I try never to disturb her when this happens). I have a feeling it’s a worrying noise from the mother and perhaps a warning to the hatchlings that something is near.

Since hedgehogs are wild creatures, they carry many things that humans can catch. Ticks are probably the most dangerous. Ticks are very noticeable and generally don’t move very quickly. They are often brought to us via hedgehogs that are in poor health. Ticks, along with most other animals such as dogs, feed on the blood of hedgehogs. If a tick manages to latch on to a human, chances are it will get some horrible bacteria. You must be very careful with ticks as they can transmit Lyme disease, a bacterium carried by ticks. Because ticks can be found on many animals, chances are you’ve seen one before and not known it was a tick.

Hedgehogs also carry worms, lungworms and ringworm. But as long as you wash your hands after handling a hedgehog, you should be fine. Just don’t put your fingers in your mouth after removing a hedgehog from the road! Ringworm leaves a round, red, itchy rash on your skin. If you see this, you need to go to your GP for medication.

Finally, hedgehogs carry mites and fleas, which generally don’t cause problems for humans as they don’t tend to jump off hedgehogs onto humans.

#hedgehog #ringworm #lungworm #dangerous #bite #tick #flee #spikes #human #people

Which is better: a boy or a girl? In many species, males are more aggressive than females. Because of this, females are typically considered more desirable pets than males. However, this tendency does not apply to hedgehogs. Male and female hedgehogs do not show a consistent temperament difference in their response to humans. However, there are a few things to consider when choosing a boy or girl for your hedgehog. If you want to house two hedgehogs together, it is extremely rare for two males to get along. We experimented with this before anyone knew much about keeping hedgehogs as pets, when it was clear that hedgehogs might not be quite as solitary as the early literature suggested. Although we had some males who were very happy companions, after a poor male was brutally abused by his roommate, we decided never to house post-weaned males together. It has been our experience that many women enjoy, or at least tolerate, a roommate. We house our retired bitches in groups and usually keep our girls in pairs when they rest between litters. They usually all pile up and sleep together, even if they have the option of sleeping in their own hut. Occasionally we may have a female who will not get along with others, so keep in mind that anytime you have two hedgehogs you cannot guarantee that they will get along. We do not recommend keeping a male and female together except for breeding purposes. They may not see babies, but if one isn’t infertile, there’s a high chance they’ll have it and eat it. You don’t want to see what that looks like! There are often concerns about scent marking in male hedgehogs. In a normal household environment with no females around, a single male is unlikely to do much scent marking. If he gets a whiff of other hedgehogs, especially a female, you may see a few appear – the judges’ table at a hedgehog show is a great example of this. Overall, I haven’t found one gender smellier than the other. In conclusion, if you are looking for a good pet that will live alone, hedgehog sex should not be your primary consideration. If you are looking for a hedgehog that is friendly and will respond well to you, you and your hedgehog will be happy. Note: If you’re not sure if your hedgehog is a boy or a girl, check the bottom. If it looks like it has a “belly button,” then it’s a male. Men have a large urogenital gap while women do not. Antigone Means Iola, KS Contact All information on this website is copyright Hedgehog Valley. You may view/print the web pages for your personal use. You may also provide a link to these sites without prior permission. No one may repost the information from the Hedgehog Valley website, including images, on any other website without Hedgehog Valley’s consent. Copyright 2002

Last updated by Tig on 11/10/18

What do wild hedgehogs eat?

In the wild, hedgehogs will eat a diverse range of insects, as well as some plant matter and very occasionally small mammals or baby mammals (such as small mice). Hedgehogs are nocturnal and usually feed at night.

How should I feed my pet hedgehog?

A pet hedgehog’s diet should consist primarily of high-quality hedgehog chow mixed with high-quality, low-fat cat food. The following dietary supplements can be offered in small amounts two to three times a week:

• Gut-laden insects such as mealworms and crickets. Gut loading refers to feeding the insects a nutritious diet before you feed them to your hedgehog so your hedgehog can benefit from the added nutrients.

• Fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, bananas and small portions of cooked carrots

• hard boiled egg

“Insects should be purchased from a pet store or raised at home.”

Check with your veterinarian for recommended vegetables and fruits for your hedgehog. Insects should be purchased from a pet store or raised at home. Care should be taken when harvesting insects from gardens where insecticides and fertilizers have been used. Earthworms can be a very nutritious treat. Your veterinarian may be able to give you some tips on how to successfully raise your own insects to offer to your hedgehog.

What should I NOT feed my pet hedgehog?

• Avoid lettuce and celery, which have low nutritional value.

• Do not feed avocados as they are poisonous to your hedgehog.

• Do not feed your hedgehog raw meat or raw eggs.

• Hedgehogs cannot digest milk. Consuming milk and milk-based foods can cause diarrhea.

• Do not offer nuts, seeds, or hard foods such as raw carrots, as these can get stuck in the palate (especially peanut halves).

• Do not offer “human food” without first consulting your veterinarian.

Can I feed my hedgehog as much as he wants?

Hedgehogs are prone to obesity if their food intake is not monitored or controlled. Diet given in measured proportions and with the appropriate amounts of protein, carbohydrate, fiber and minerals will help avoid this problem. As with all animals, exercise is extremely important for weight control. Some hedgehogs walk on a wheel, others need a cage big enough to walk around in.

“Hedgehogs are prone to obesity if their food intake is not monitored or controlled.”

Do I need to give my hedgehog vitamins?

With a balanced diet, hedgehogs do not need any additional vitamins.

Can I offer treats to my hedgehog?

Hedgehogs don’t need treats, although an occasional offering of fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains is acceptable.

what about water

Water should be available 24 hours a day. Filtered water is preferred. Most owners choose to offer water through a drinking bottle suspended in the cage. If you use a water bottle, make sure your hedgehog drinks from it. Check the hose every time you change the water (at least daily) to make sure the sipper hose isn’t clogged with food.

Clean all food bowls and water sippers daily with soap and water and rinse well.

What type of cage does my hedgehog need?

The cage should be large enough for the hedgehog to move about. At least 2 x 3 feet (61 x 91 cm) should be the minimum floor space provided. Walls must be high enough to prevent escape as hedgehogs are good climbers. A glass aquarium or smooth-sided cage is a sensible choice for many owners. An aquarium should be at least 30 gallons in volume. Wire bottom cages should be avoided as your hedgehog could easily injure himself with a foot in the wire. Cages with plastic bottoms and wire walls can be used as long as the spacing between the bars is 1 inch or less.

Bigger is always better so your hedgehog has plenty of room to move! Hedgehogs are very active animals; They seem to be constantly walking around when not sleeping. Because they are nocturnal, they are most active at night. They are skilled climbers and diggers and good swimmers. Hedgehogs can be let out of their cage to explore in a large monitored secure space.

“Bigger is always better so your hedgehog has plenty of freedom of movement!”

Should I check the temperature in my hedgehog’s cage?

Hedgehogs are very susceptible to extreme temperatures. In the wild, African hedgehogs do not experience cold weather. When a hedgehog’s body cools down, it becomes less active and, if the low temperature lasts for several hours, can become seriously ill. Heat stroke is possible at temperatures above 29 °C. Hedgehogs seem to thrive in an ambient temperature of 70º – 85ºF (21º – 29ºC).

You may wish to place a safe, additional heat source under one end of the cage if the ambient temperature in the coop is too low.

Can I accommodate more than one hedgehog in each cage?

In the wild, hedgehogs are solitary and in captivity they are better kept in solitary cages. Fighting can occur in hedgehogs kept in groups, especially if there is insufficient space.

What can I put in my hedgehog’s cage?

Hedgehogs are nocturnal and therefore do not like bright light. A hiding place such as A box, such as a cardboard or wooden box, cloth bag, PVC pipe, plastic log, or small plastic hut will provide your hedgehog with some privacy and a place to avoid the light. If you are putting down cloth items, it should be cloth fine enough not to catch toenails.

Some pet hedgehogs use a litter box, but most defecate randomly. Food and water bowls need to be a bit heavy as hedgehogs like to rummage around and move objects around the cage. Large ceramic dishes work well.

“Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so they don’t like bright light.”

what about toys

Unlike most other pets, hedgehogs rarely play with toys. They like to run on an exercise bike meant for hedgehogs or chinchillas, but do not use a wire bike as your hedgehog’s feet could get stuck. Chew toys can also be placed in the cage, although it is not necessary. If you provide chew toys, make sure the smallest piece of the toy is too big for the hedgehog to swallow.

What kind of bedding material should I put in the cage?

Acceptable bedding materials include shredded paper, newspaper, recycled pellet/resorbable material, and wood chips such as aspen or untreated pine. Avoid corn cob litter as it tends to mold when wet. Dusty shavings or cedar shavings should never be used as they can irritate your hedgehog’s eyes and respiratory system.

How do I care for my hedgehog cage?

Clean the cage regularly. All feces, urine and uneaten food should be removed daily. Cages should be cleaned with soap and water at least weekly (rinse well). Hedgehogs are prone to skin irritation from urine and droppings, so the sooner you clean up after your hedgehog the better.

Domesticated hedgehog

The most common species of domesticated hedgehog is the four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). The Algerian hedgehog (Atelerix algirus) is a separate species of hedgehog.

The domesticated hedgehog kept as a pet is typically the African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).[1] Other species kept as pets include the long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus)[2] and the Indian long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus collaris).[3]

Roman domesticated hedgehog[ edit ]

The Romans domesticated in the 4th century BC. a relative of the Algerian hedgehog to use for meat and quills and as pets.[4]

The Romans also used the quill-covered hedgehog skins to clean their shawls, making them important for trade, leading to the Roman Senate regulating the hedgehog skin trade.[5] The spikes have been used in training other animals, for example to stop a calf from suckling after it has been weaned.[6]

Hedgehog quills continued to be used for cardstock paper and dissecting needles long after the Romans stopped actively breeding and breeding hedgehogs.

Modern domestication[ edit ]

A pet hedgehog

In the early 1980s, after a hiatus of about 1600 years, hedgehog domestication became popular again. However, some US states ban them or require a license to own one.[7]

Since domestication resumed, several new hedgehog colors have been bred or spread, including albino and pinto hedgehogs. “Pinto” is more of a color pattern than color: a total lack of color on the spines and underlying skin in certain places.

Currently, the species most commonly found among house hedgehogs are African, originating from warm climates (above 22 °C, 72 °F). They do not hibernate in the wild, and if one of these African hedgehogs begins hibernating in response to a lower body temperature, it can result in their death. The process is easily reversed by heating if caught within a few days of onset.

legality [edit]

Since a hedgehog is usually kept in a cage or similar enclosure, it is allowed in some homes where cats and dogs are not allowed.

In some countries in North America, it is illegal to keep a hedgehog as a pet and a license is required for legal breeding. These restrictions may have been put in place because of the ability of some hedgehog species to transmit foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals. There are no such restrictions in most European countries.

The European hedgehog is a protected species in all countries that have signed the Berne Convention; this includes all member states of the Council of Europe as well as the European Union and a few other states. In these countries, the European hedgehog may not be captured or kept as a pet.

Legal status international [ edit ]

Austria: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. Four-toed hedgehogs (African pygmy hedgehogs) can legally be kept as pets.

Australia: All hedgehogs are classified as exotic pets which are illegal to import. [8th]

Canada: In Quebec – European hedgehogs are illegal. Four-toed hedgehogs are legal. In Ontario – European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. Four-toed hedgehogs are legal to keep as pets.

Denmark: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. Four-toed hedgehogs are legal to keep as pets.

Finland: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. Four-toed hedgehogs are legal to keep as pets.

Germany: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. They may be removed from their habitat injured or sick, but only for the purpose of restoring their health. If they cannot be released back into the wild for any reason (such as neurological disease or permanent limb damage), keeping them is still illegal and they must be euthanized by a qualified veterinarian. [ why? ] Four-toed hedgehogs are legal to keep as pets.

Four-toed hedgehogs are legal to keep as pets. Italy: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. Four-toed hedgehogs are legal to keep as pets.

Latvia: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. Four-toed hedgehogs are legal to keep as pets.

Netherlands: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. Four-toed hedgehogs are legal to keep as pets.

Poland: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. Four-toed hedgehogs are legal to keep as pets.

Spain: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. Four-toed hedgehogs are illegal and considered an exotic invasive species.

Sweden: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. Four-toed hedgehogs are legal to keep as pets.

United Kingdom: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. Four-toed hedgehogs are legal to keep as pets.

USA: In Idaho and Oregon – European hedgehogs are not allowed to be kept as pets. Four-toed hedgehogs are legal to keep as pets. A permit is required in New Jersey and Wyoming. In Wisconsin – an import permit from the State Department of Agriculture is required to bring a hedgehog into the state. In Fairfax County, Virginia – it became legal to keep hedgehogs as pets in 2019. [9] In Pennsylvania – Hedgehogs may not be introduced into the state, but hedgehogs in the state as of 1992 and their offspring are permitted. [10] It is currently illegal to own a hedgehog in California, [11] Georgia, Hawaii, New York City [12] and Washington, D.C. to own.

Singapore: Hedgehogs of all kinds are illegal, as are other exotic pets such as iguanas, tarantulas, scorpions and snakes. [13]

Turkey: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets, and four-toed hedgehogs are also legally not allowed to be kept as pets.

housing [ edit ]

A domesticated baby hedgehog

In the wild, a hedgehog travels many kilometers every night.[14] A hedgehog with insufficient reach may show signs of depression, such as: B. excessive sleeping, refusal to eat, repetitive behavior and self-mutilation. Hedgehogs need a lot of exercise to avoid liver problems due to being overweight. Therefore, a domesticated hedgehog must have access to an exercise wheel. Wheels must be chosen carefully to avoid foot injuries.[15]

food [edit]

In the wild, a hedgehog is opportunistic and eats many things, but the majority of its diet consists of insects. As insectivores, hedgehogs need a high-protein, low-fat diet. They also require chitin, which comes from the exoskeleton of insects; Fiber in the diet can be a substitute for the chitin component. There are ready-made foods specifically for pet hedgehogs and insectivores, including foods made from insect ingredients. Also available are food powders to sprinkle on other foods that provide chitin and other nutrients.

Pet hedgehogs can eat table foods such as cooked, lean chicken, turkey, beef, or pork. They often eat small amounts of vegetables and fruits. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and develop stomach problems after consuming most dairy products, although occasionally low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese seem to be well tolerated.[16]

allergies [edit]

Hedgehogs pose very little danger to their owners and carers.[17] It is possible to have an allergic reaction to objects surrounding the hedgehog, such as B. the hedgehog’s food or bedding, but it is rare for a person to be allergic to the hedgehog itself.

After handling hedgehogs, some have claimed pink spots on their hands are an allergic reaction.[18] This is more likely to be caused by small bites from the hedgehog’s spines. If a hedgehog is not clean, the spines can become infected. Infection occurs through contaminants on the hedgehog or on the surface of the hands, not through an allergic reaction to the hedgehog. As with most pet shops, you should wash your hands after handling a hedgehog.

Hedgehogs are often allergic to wood oils. Wood bedding should be avoided, especially cedar. The oil found in cedarwood can cause severe upper respiratory problems. However, Aspen is widely accepted as a safe substitute.

diseases [edit]

Hedgehogs can easily become obese; If they can no longer curl up completely into a ball, this is a clear sign of being overweight. Conversely, hedgehogs often stop eating in stressful situations, for example when settling into a new home.

Hedgehogs are susceptible to many diseases, including cancer, which spreads quickly in hedgehogs, and Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS), a neurological problem. Some symptoms of WHS are similar to those of multiple sclerosis (MS) in humans, so the condition the animal experiences can be compared to what MS patients experience. A possible cause of WHS is a genetic error that allows a virus to attack the hedgehog’s nervous system.[19]

The nose can show a variety of symptoms of a restless hedgehog, particularly respiratory conditions such as pneumonia. In many cases, the form of pneumonia that affects hedgehogs is bacterial in nature. If you act quickly, antibiotics can have a very positive effect. Signs to look out for include blisters, excessive dripping, or constant sneezing.[20]

Hedgehogs typically respond to stress with temporary digestive upsets such as vomiting and green feces.[21]

References[ edit ]

” “Atelerix albiventris). The CDC was Justin Sullivan/Getty Images The most common species of hedgehog in the pet trade is the African pygmy hedgehog (). The CDC has made efforts to raise awareness of the numerous health risks people face when handling exotic pets like hedgehogs.

Not all animals are cute into adulthood, but hedgehogs are. These nocturnal little collectors are native to Europe, Asia, Africa and the web, where you can find memes of them bundled up in teacups and taking bubble baths. It’s no wonder people want to keep hedgehogs as pets because arguably they’re as cute as miniature horses, but here’s the real question: Is it wise to welcome a pet hedgehog into your life?

Actually secure. The first question should be: is it legal to welcome a pet hedgehog into your life?

Different countries have different laws about keeping hedgehogs, but in the United States you can keep hedgehogs in all states except Georgia, Hawaii, California, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. and five boroughs of New York City legally own a pet hedgehog. Even in these locations, it may be legal to have them in your home with special wildlife permits.

Of the 17 hedgehog species found on four continents, the African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is the most common species in the pet trade. If you live in a state or country where they are legal to keep, you can purchase one from a breeder or sometimes even find one at a flea market. But just because they’re adorable and also legal doesn’t mean they’re the kind of pet you want, even if the hedgehog aesthetic really suits your personal Instagram brand. Here are five questions you need answers to in order to decide whether or not to make hedgehogs:

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1. Are hedgehogs cuddly?

Hedgehogs are solitary animals and generally only interact with each other in the wild during the breeding season. That said, if you get your pet hedgehog when he’s very young and treat him regularly, chances are he’ll become one of the world’s rare loving hedgehogs.

“Like every pet, every pet has a different personality,” says Sydney Brehm, a veterinarian at Sweetwater Creek Animal Hospital in Lithia Springs, Georgia. “Many are not the biggest fans of cuddling and prefer to explore their surroundings on their own.”

Keep in mind that regardless of their temperament, your hedgehog will have a lot of stiff spines. Although the quills aren’t tricked out with barbs or venom and won’t come loose once they’ve dug into your skin like a porcupine’s quills, they’re still sharp and there are plenty of them. Hedgehogs are particularly edgy when curled up into a tight ball, which they often do when they’re scared or asleep. So if you’re hoping to make your hedgehog one of the cuddly ones, chances are you’ve got a long, spiky line to chop.

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2. Will they get along with other pets?

Although hedgehogs are solitary creatures, putting your pet hedgehog in a cage and ignoring them is not a good idea. They are extremely active in the wild – they can climb, swim, and often run several kilometers each night (normal hedgehog business hours). Because hedgehogs need time to run around, contact with your other pets, while inevitable, should be kept to a minimum.

“Hedgehogs do best on their own in a cage,” says Brehm. “If you have them out and about, they might touch your cat or dog’s noses or stay curled up in a ball until the other loses interest or gets poked on the nose a few times and gives up.”

According to Brehm, a hedgehog can coexist with cats and dogs but will not typically befriend them, and it’s a good idea to monitor any interaction between your hedgehog and another animal. It’s also best to keep your hedgehog away from other small exotic pets to ensure the safety of both animals.

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3. Do hedgehogs transmit diseases?

The average, healthy pet hedgehog lives between five and eight years, but they are susceptible to certain diseases just like dogs and cats are susceptible to rabies and distemper. Hedgehogs have the potential to transmit and transmit foot-and-mouth disease, salmonella, tinea, and can transmit various other microorganisms and viral infections, which is why they are banned in some places.

Just to be on the safe side, refrain from kissing your hedgehog and be sure to wash your hands after handling them.

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4. What do hedgehogs eat?

In the wild, hedgehogs root through the undergrowth for all sorts of small animals such as insects, worms, centipedes and frogs (male hedgehogs have also been known to eat baby hedgehogs if they find a nest). You can buy commercial hedgehog food which, if you must own a hedgehog, you should feed at home.

“It’s okay to offer the occasional treat — non-starchy veggies, fruit, even a bite of lean meat here and there,” says Brehm. “Hedgehogs are prone to weight gain and obesity, which inevitably leads to health problems, so always keep treats limited and always ensure a flat bottom wheel for exercise.”

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5. Will your hedgehog keep the same schedule as you?

Unless you’re a real night owl, probably not. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and very active while most humans are asleep. So be prepared for your hedgehog to make a lot of noise at night and plan accordingly.

Hedgehogs have some other very special needs to consider. “Because they’re an exotic pet, their cage needs weekly maintenance, and the hedgehog itself needs frequent bathing and claw trimming,” says Brehm. “And last but not least, the temperature around your hedgehog is very important. If the temperature drops too far, the hedgehog will attempt to hibernate and may not recover from the attempt [the hedgehog does not have the fat stores in captivity that it would have in the wild, so could very easily starve.] Their ideal temperature is around around 24°C. It is very important to have a plan in place before introduction to maintain the temperature in your hedgehog’s enclosure – one for your household.”

So the basic story about hedgehogs is that while they’re adorable, no, they don’t make the best pets. The animal’s happiness should come first in your decision to adopt one, and in this case it’s pretty safe to assume that the hedgehog will be happier in his own world than in yours.

Well, that’s interesting. One disease hedgehogs can get is “balloon syndrome,” where gas builds up under their skin due to an infected wound. This causes the hedgehog to swell to twice its natural size. Treatment involves a skin puncture and a round of antibiotics.

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Originally published: April 24, 2019

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Hedgehogs are small nocturnal animals. They have a spiky coat and are naturally found in Europe, Asia and Africa. They are considered exotic pets and are illegal to own in five states in the United States. Before you buy a hedgehog, you need to find out if they are legal in your state or county.

Are hedgehogs good pets? The two most common types of hedgehogs kept as pets are the European hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus, and the smaller African pygmy hedgehog, Atelerix albiventris. Hedgehogs live alone in the wild and are typical loners. They may take a while to warm up when you first bring them home. Patience and time will help them trust you. Hedgehogs can be a fun and low-maintenance pet for your household, but they do need special care. They have sharp spikes that can make handling difficult. Consistent and proper daily handling will help them relax and feel comfortable with you. The hedgehog’s quills don’t shoot like a porcupine’s, but they are sharp enough to pierce your skin. Be extra careful if they are scared.