Hedgehogs For Sale North Carolina? Quick Answer

Hedgehogs are nocturnal, athletic and solitary

Hedgehogs have grown in popularity as pets over the past few decades. Before adding one to your family, Dr. Krista Keller, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Urbana, to learn as much as possible about the unique needs of these animals.

While the wild European hedgehog roams freely in gardens in the UK and elsewhere, the species being bred for the pet trade is the African pygmy hedgehog Atelerix albiventris, according to Dr. Keller, who is board certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine.

Hedgehog diet and housing needs

In the wild, hedgehogs eat a variety of bugs, plants, and roots. This diet can be difficult to reconstruct in captivity. “The best hedgehog food would be a specially formulated hedgehog or insectivore food, of which there are many commercially available supplements,” says Dr. Basement, cellar. “This diet can be supplemented with treats like mealworms, crickets, and fruits and vegetables.”

This lateral radiograph (X-ray) of a three-year-old African pygmy hedgehog was taken during an annual cardiovascular disease screening visit. The hedgehog’s snout will be placed to receive anesthetic gases to keep it still during the imaging procedure.

They may be rowdy, but hedgehogs are actually quite athletic creatures! In the wild, they often walk several kilometers a night and are skilled climbers and swimmers. To meet their exercise needs, pet hedgehogs need an enclosure large enough to hold a running wheel and room for natural feeding behavior.

The enclosure also needs smooth sides (so the hedgehog can’t climb out) and a hiding place to sleep. Minimum enclosure size is 2′ x 3′. Large Tupperware storage containers can be a great option for an enclosure.

It is also imperative to fit an external heat source (an underfloor heater or heat lamp) with multiple thermometers inside the enclosure to monitor effectiveness. Hedgehogs hail from a tropical part of the world and thrive best in a temperature of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler or hotter temperatures can cause a hedgehog to enter a state called torpor.

hedgehog activity

Hedgehogs are nocturnal. They sleep during the day and are very active at night. “They’ll get up for their ‘day’ when they eat dinner, which can be a nice time to interact with them before bed,” says Dr. Basement, cellar.

Keep in mind that their nocturnal activities, including running on a wheel, may mean you don’t want their enclosure in your bedroom. Wheels are loud! (Dr. Keller also says that running wheels should never have a wire bottom, as this construction leads to broken limbs.)

“Unfortunately, many captive hedgehogs are overweight, so exercise is very important,” says Dr. Basement, cellar. “Allow your hedgehog time outside of the enclosure to explore or swim while being supervised a few hours a week.”

hedgehog interaction

Hedgehogs are very solitary animals and should be kept separately. In the wild, they are only social during the breeding season.

Their solitary nature can make it difficult for these pets to warm up to you. dr Keller says that with time and patience, you can learn to work with your pet and gain their trust.

“The best way to train a hedgehog to handle animals is to get the animal from a breeder at a young age, although there are exceptions to this rule,” says Dr. Basement, cellar.

dr Krista Keller (right) demonstrates how to perform a physical exam on a pet hedgehog.

When you get your hedgehog for the first time, you should give it time to settle into its new enclosure. Give her a few hands off days. Once she’s settled in, start handling at night when she’s awake. Handling should focus on getting the animal used to smelling the hands. Be careful: hedgehogs will bite when startled, so it is very important to go slow and socialize the animal gradually.

hedgehog health care

Like any other pet, hedgehogs should see a veterinarian every year for early detection of potential health issues.

“Vet exams are a crucial part of hedgehog health. After you get a hedgehog, take it to a veterinarian to be checked for internal parasites and external parasites like mites,” advises Dr. Basement, cellar.

You should be aware that hedgehogs can get a variety of cancers and heart diseases. With annual vet visits and early detection, a hedgehog can still have a good quality and length of life. dr Keller also recommends neutering all female hedgehogs. Female hedgehogs are prone to uterine tumors, which can be fatal. Preventive neutering can completely eliminate this risk.

dr Keller says: “With the right care and husbandry, your hedgehog will live for about five years, some even longer than eight years.”

If you have questions about hedgehogs, contact your local veterinarian.

By Hannah Beer

Featured photo by Amaya Guizabal

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.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Heavenly Hedges is an Amazon Affiliate. We have partnered with them and other reputable retailers when they sell something that we believe will benefit our readers. By purchasing through our links, we may earn a small sales commission which helps us continue to provide informative and educational information for hedgie lovers. And the best part is that there are no additional costs for you. Thank you for being a loyal and supportive reader here at Heavenly Hedgies.

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.

If your pooch needs medical attention, we recommend this company that offers 25% off all veterinary treatments through participating clinics: https://heavenlyhedgies.com/save-money-at-the-vet

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 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.

As small mammal vets, we offer primary and emergency care for your pet hedgehog, including:

Annual check-ups with advice on nutrition and posture

Appointments in primary care

nail trims

Routine and emergency dental check-ups

To schedule an appointment, please call UF Small Animal Hospital at (352) 392-2235. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergencies.

Below are our general recommendations for the basic care of your hedgehog.

Hedgehogs are fun, friendly, and curious pets. They prefer to sleep during the day and are active at dusk and in the evening. With proper care, your hedgehog should live approximately 6 years or more.

diet

Hedgehogs are insectivores, meaning their diet consists mostly of insects. They also eat some plant matter, but their digestive tract does not have an appendix to help them digest plant matter. A hedgehog’s diet should consist primarily of high-quality, low-fat protein. There is much debate as to what type of food hedgehogs should eat. General recommendations are a high quality (meat based) diet for either hedgehogs or cats. Dog food tends to be large and difficult for hedgehogs to chew. Check the lining size to make sure it’s small. Some individuals feed dry food and a small amount of good quality wet food.

Insects like crickets, mealworms, and earthworms make excellent food and snacks that will delight your hedgehog. Introduce new foods one at a time, add variety, and don’t overfeed treats to avoid indigestion. Don’t feed them seeds, nuts, uncooked hard raw vegetables, raisins or grapes, avocados, raw meat, dried fruits or vegetables (read pet food labels carefully), onions (or onion powder), bread, tomatoes, honey, or junk food ( salty or sugary) to your hedgehog.

Provide your hedgehog with clean water in a water bottle. If you see him chewing or struggling with a bottle (which could damage his teeth), switch to a bowl of water heavy enough not to be tipped over.

Housing and Environment

Large terrariums or guinea pig cages with a solid floor are good housing for hedgehogs. Since they love to explore, the cage should be large, 4′ x2′. A larger cage also has better ventilation. A budget-friendly option, C and C cages can be built large enough for your hedgehog to roam around. Only cages with a solid bottom are suitable for hedgehogs, cages with a wire bottom could pinch their legs or pull off toenails. Provide a soft, dust-free bedding such as B. recycled paper pellets, or if using wood shavings, use only kiln-dried pine or aspen. Don’t use cedar shavings as they could irritate your hedgehog’s lungs. Some people provide their hedgehog with a very shallow litter box (put it in the part of the cage he prefers to soil), fill it with soft pellet litter or paper towels. Do not use clay or clumping cat litter.

For movement, in addition to a large enough cage, provide a wheel (also solid-bottomed without spokes to avoid injury) large enough for your hedgehog to use your hedgehog. Provide your hedgehog with a hiding place like a sleeping bag or an igloo. Hedgehogs need ambient temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees. Keep your hedgehog’s cage away from drafts, direct sunlight or cold places. You may want to give your hedgehog a small, warm spot in his cage where he can warm up, but also go away when he’s too warm. Check the reptile section of a pet store for various options available.

Hedgehogs are solitary animals and need to be housed alone. Male hedgehogs in particular fight to death in a shared enclosure. To keep your hedgehog entertained, you can buy a variety of cat or small dog toys. Just make sure they don’t have small areas where they can get their feet, nails, or noses caught.

Bathing and cutting nails

Hedgehogs may need help clipping their claws and should also be able to keep themselves clean. You don’t need to bathe your hedgehog unless he gets really dirty.

personality

When you first bring your hedgehog home, he may exhibit a different, grumpier personality than he did before you brought him home. His world has just been turned upside down, so give him some time to get used to his new surroundings. Speak softly and be gentle with him. Avoid surprising a hedgehog, approach him slowly and quietly. It is best to pick him up carefully with two cupped hands from underneath where his fur is soft. They will sometimes curl up into a ball when picked up, but if you hold onto it and are patient, it will unroll and sniff around. He will be less irritable as he adjusts to his new home and learns that you are the source of delicious treats. Handle your hedgehog often so he’s tame and used to playing with you.

Hedgehogs are calm and make ideal pets for owners who are willing to be gentle, patient, and attentive.

Health

Most hedgehog health problems stem from diet, digestion, dental problems, or obesity. Regular vet visits are an important part of keeping your pet happy and healthy.

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.

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.

Owning a pet hedgehog can be an incredibly rewarding and fun experience. They’re cute, cuddly (even with the spikes) and super unique!

Because of this, there is a growing interest in hedgehogs as pets and we couldn’t be happier. Honestly, we think everyone should consider owning a hedgehog if you are looking for something unique.

However, there are some things you should know before you rush out and buy one.

Because of their cute nature and growing popularity, many people skip the important process of learning about the animal and determining if a hedgehog is a right pet for them. This leads to poor care of their hedgehog, purchases from bad breeders, and other problems.

So we’ve put together this list of everything you need to know to be sure if a hedgehog pet is right for you. When you’re done with that, you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Enjoy!

1. Are hedgehogs good pets?

Let’s get that out of the way first. Because of their unusual nature, many people don’t know whether hedgehogs make good pets or not.

Some people assume they’re extremely difficult and high-maintenance, and others believe they’re perfect cuddle balls that don’t require any effort to raise.

As always, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. If you think they’re completely hands-free, you’d be surprised, but it’s not much more of a hassle than owning a dog (you’re just spending your time doing other things).

So are hedgehogs good pets? Absolutely!

Pet hedgehogs will thrive and be loads of fun if you understand what they need and give them the right care. The same is true of any domesticated animal.

However, that doesn’t mean they make good pets for everyone. There are several lifestyle factors that may not align with your schedule, and you should be aware of them before taking the plunge.

Don’t worry, we’ll cover these in detail later in the guide!

2. One kind stands above the rest

There are seventeen different species of hedgehog found on the planet, but one that is best suited as a pet. This species is the African pygmy hedgehog.

These cuties are the type of hedgehogs you’ve probably seen the most online, especially when you look at other people who own them as pets. We have nothing against the other hedgehog species, of course, but there are three main reasons why the African pygmy is considered the best choice:

They are the smallest of all types, making them easy to manage and fit into your home. Their temperament is well suited to being pets. They are naturally shy and will warm to you over time. You are the cutest of them all! They have a very adorable and eye-catching appearance and can come in a variety of colors.

Luckily, you don’t have to spend a lot of time clarifying which species you want when talking to breeders. The African Pygmy Hedgehog is pretty much the only option you’ll find once you start shopping.

3. You need to make sure they are legal where you live

As funny as it may seem, pet hedgehogs aren’t legal everywhere. The majority of states in the US allow them, and most European countries do as well.

However, there are some places where they are completely illegal or require you to obtain a permit before owning one. The origin of these regulations is believed to lie in the fact that hedgehogs can, in some situations, transmit foot-and-mouth disease (don’t panic, you won’t have a problem).

Before you start looking around and talking to breeders, do your research and understand the laws in your area. Assuming you aren’t in one of those unfortunate places where they aren’t allowed, consider getting a pet hedgehog!

4. Handling them takes some practice

As you’ve probably noticed by now, hedgehogs have spines (duh). This adds to her unique and interesting looks, but also poses a challenge for some new owners looking to handle it.

If your hedgehog is nervous or anxious, it will likely be quite uncomfortable to hold. This is far more common when your hedgehog is new to you and its surroundings, so you’ll need to be patient.

As the two of you become more familiar with each other, it will become easier to pick them up and deal with them. This is mainly because they are more comfortable with you and are less likely to stick their spikes out. You’ll also learn what they like and don’t like so you can keep them relaxed and comfortable more often.

5. You will learn to read their moods

A pet hedgehog’s emotions are far more complex than most people realize. The notion that they are simple creatures couldn’t be further from the truth.

New hedgehog owners will quickly discover that there are many subtleties to pay attention to when it comes to their hedgehogs. Unlike dogs, where their emotions are fairly easy to read (tail wag = happy, growl = angry), you have to look a lot harder.

Once you get used to recognizing the little signs and noises they make, your hedgehog’s mood will be much easier to understand. In fact, you’ll be shocked at how communicative they can be!

When this happens, you can take better care of them and have more fun together. They’ll know when they don’t want to be disturbed and when they’re in the mood to play with them.

6. Feeding them can be easier than you think

For the most part, feeding your pet hedgehog won’t take a lot of extra time or mental energy. As we’ve already said, they’re pretty low maintenance!

Many owners give their hedgehogs both dry and wet cat food because it has the basic nutritional properties they need. It’s also easier to find at your local pet store than hedgehog food.

Your diet can get a little more complicated when it comes to extra things like snacks. By this we mean fruits, vegetables, insects, etc. Hedgehogs love snacking and these additional foods round out their diet to keep them happy and healthy.

You’ll learn pretty quickly what foods are good for him and what your hedgehog likes best (after all, everyone has their preferences).

Another thing to be aware of is the possibility of your hedgehog overeating. They love to eat and if you are not careful they will gain weight.

Another common reason for this is that feeding them is a lot of fun and very adorable to look at. You need to keep yourself in check just like your hedgehog!

7. They are nocturnal

In case you weren’t aware, your African pygmy hedgehog is active at night and sleeps during the day. Every hedgehog is different, but most of them will get up and start their day around their dinner time.

So the best time to cuddle and give treats is in the evening before bed (assuming you’re not on the night shift). If you get up very early you might have some time to see them in the morning too, but remember they will relax after a full night of gaming.

If your schedule doesn’t match their sleep cycle, owning a pet hedgehog may not be a good fit for you. It’s also worth noting that if you’re a light sleeper and don’t have a place far from your bedroom to keep them, the noise of their nighttime activities might keep you awake.

You should also make sure their location is somewhere in your home where your daytime activities won’t disturb their sleep. It goes both ways!

This isn’t a problem for most people, but take some time to be sure before getting a pet hedgehog. You want this to be a good fit for both of you.

8. Pet hedgehogs make a variety of sounds

Hedgehogs don’t sit around and sniff all day. They’re actually quite expressive when it comes to the noises they can make!

Each sound means something different and the more you get to know your pet hedgehog the more you will understand what each sound means. They might hiss and snort when grumpy or sniff when busy exploring their surroundings.

Learning to understand these signs can make keeping a hedgehog as a pet even more fun. It’s also a great way for you to take better care of them since you’ll be more responsive to how they’re feeling.

Despite the range of noises hedgehogs can make, they’re not super loud. That means you shouldn’t have any trouble with their various chirps and sniffles keeping you up at night. They actually make a lot more noise when playing with things in their cage!

9. Practice smart hygiene

Although hedgehogs are not very dirty animals, you should still wash your hands thoroughly after handling them and touching things in their cage. They can transmit salmonella, and there have been outbreaks related to pet hedgehogs in the past. They can also get ringworm, a fungal disease of the skin (although this is not as common in domesticated hedgehogs).

All of this is easily avoided if you practice smart hygiene. It can be easy to get lax about this as you get more comfortable with your hedgehog over time, but you need to be consistent.

Wash your hands well after touching her or her cage, and don’t kiss her (although it might be tempting). If you do this, you probably won’t have any problems.

10. The temperature becomes very important to you

When you have a pet hedgehog, you become very aware of the temperature around them. Most people had no experience with this before owning a hedgehog.

The reason this is so important is that you want to avoid sending your hedgehog into hibernation or summer dormancy. Although hibernation is more likely, both can cause equally serious health problems for them, and likely lead to death.

This often comes as a surprise to many people considering keeping a hedgehog as a pet. After all, that’s nothing to worry about in a dog!

However, it’s fairly easy to manage once you’ve set it up. A few heating lamps and pads will do the job. A safe sweet spot for them is somewhere between 74 and 80 degrees. This keeps them warm, comfortable and safe.

11. Over time your hedgehog will learn to recognize you

It will take a while for your hedgehog to get used to you and who you are. During this process, new owners tend to wonder if they made a mistake or if pet hedgehogs aren’t as affectionate.

But no worry! You just have to be patient. Hedgehogs are naturally a little nervous around humans at first and it takes time for them to build that trust in you.

If you socialize and treat your new hedgehog properly, over time they will learn to recognize your voice, your looks, and your smell. This will make them feel more comfortable and relaxed around you.

Once that happens, you’re well on your way to bonding and developing a relationship with your hedgehog!

12. Find a reputable breeder

You should do your homework and find a breeder who knows their stuff and treats their hedgehogs well. There are good and bad breeders and it is up to you to make the final decision on who to buy from.

Unfortunately, in the rush to get a cute new pet, many potential owners overlook this and end up with a hedgehog that has health issues or comes from a poor environment. Don’t skip this step.

13. Hedgehogs can be quite adventurous

We’ve heard from so many new owners over the years that they were shocked to see how spunky their pet hedgehogs were. It’s really worth seeing!

Now, of course, this will be different with the hedgehog. Some are softer than others.

But for the most part, they’re all pretty damn energetic.

One minute they might be trying to climb onto your sofa covers during cuddle time, and the next they might be lugging their toys through their cage. Meanwhile, they’ll sporadically hop up and down for some quick cardio!

It’s great fun to see how active and curious they are, especially when they discover an interesting new smell. When that happens, their nose goes into overdrive and they will stop at nothing to investigate the smell.

14. They must keep their home clean

It is very important to ensure that their cage and habitat are cleaned regularly. This is not only good for your hedgehog’s health, but also for reasons of hygiene (don’t forget salmonella).

A weekly cage cleaning is a good idea to ensure they live somewhere safe and comfortable. It doesn’t take long and will do a lot to help them live a good life.

15. They make a great pet for people with allergies

If you are allergic to other animals like cats and dogs but still want a pet, owning a hedgehog could be a good move! The reason for this is that they hardly have any dander.

Other animals like cats have a lot, which is the main cause of people being allergic to them. In fact, you’re far more likely to be allergic to your hedgehog’s bedding than to your actual hedgehog.

16. You are not smelly

This is sort of a continuation from the previous point, but hedgehogs don’t smell bad. They have almost no body odor making them very comfortable to have in your home.

The only caveat to this is that their poop and pee smell. So if you don’t clean their cage regularly, you will definitely notice an odor. But as long as you take care of their home, they will continue to smell great!

17. Scheduling vet visits will be easy

Unlike many other animals, your hedgehog does not require vaccinations or vaccinations. This means you don’t have to worry about making a multitude of appointments with your vet to keep them healthy.

All you have to do is schedule an annual check-up to make sure they’re okay and don’t have any health issues. If it stays that way, you’ll be good to go until next year.

18. Manage your expectations

If you’re looking for an animal that will learn tricks and show complex displays of affection, a pet hedgehog isn’t the best choice. Yes, there are many nice touches and characters to learn over time, but you have to be realistic.

Those aren’t orcas, those are hedgehogs. Their intellect can surprise you and they are fun to watch, but they will not fetch the newspaper for you in the morning. They are also naturally shy.

The combination of these means your cuddle time together will be pretty straightforward. If you’re looking for tail wags and handshakes, this isn’t your pet.

19. They don’t need (or want) a cage buddy

In almost all situations, pet hedgehogs are better off having a cage to themselves. Because of this, we strongly encourage you to do the same.

If you insist on trying this, there are a few things you should know first. You also need to be very alert to the situation to make sure things don’t get out of hand.

Don’t try this with men at first. Any cage combination that includes males is likely to be a disaster. Two males will likely discard and fight for dominance in the room. A man and a woman together almost always result in pregnancy or even in a fight.

This means that two women are your best bet. It’s still not recommended, but it has a far better chance than the other two combinations.

Last but not least, if you’re going to try this, you’ll want to make sure they each have plenty of cage space. Don’t squeeze two hedgehogs into a tiny cage and expect everyone to be happy.

But as we’ve said before, it’s a lot safer if you don’t try at all.

20. If you travel a lot, you need a babysitter

Pet hedgehogs are not the kind of animals you can take with you on a long journey. They need attention and monitoring to ensure they thrive.

An example of this is the already mentioned heating situation. What if you leave town for a week and your power goes out? Assuming you don’t have your heat lamp on a backup generator, your hedgehog could go into hibernation and die when you come back. This may sound overly paranoid, but it’s happened before.

On the other hand, it can also be stressful for them to take with them. Hedgehogs like a nice stable environment and it will take a lot of work (and a special kind of hedgehog) to take them with you on long journeys.

That means if you’re a frequent traveler, plan on having someone stop by frequently to check on your hedgehog while you’re away. If that seems too cumbersome for you, a hedgehog probably isn’t for you.

We hope this guide on pet hedgehogs helps you better understand what it’s like to own and raise one in your home. They’re tons of fun, super adorable, and incredibly unique.

Provided your lifestyle suits, we recommend them to everyone!

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.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Heavenly Hedges is an Amazon Affiliate. We have partnered with them and other reputable retailers when they sell something that we believe will benefit our readers. By purchasing through our links, we may earn a small sales commission which helps us continue to provide informative and educational information for hedgie lovers. And the best part is that there are no additional costs for you. Thank you for being a loyal and supportive reader here at Heavenly Hedgies.

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.

If your pooch needs medical attention, we recommend this company that offers 25% off all veterinary treatments through participating clinics: https://heavenlyhedgies.com/save-money-at-the-vet

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/

Frequently asked questions about the Farmed Cervid program

Can I own deer or moose in NC?

Yes. However, to own deer in NC, you must first obtain a Farmed Cervid License from the NC Department of Agriculture.

Can I have a pet deer in NC?

no Farmed game may only be kept for commercial, agricultural or educational purposes.

What can I breed farmed deer for?

Farmed deer can be raised for meat or antler production. They may also be raised for breeding stock and exported to states or territories that permit the hunting of farmed deer. Finally, many people raise deer for educational purposes as part of zoos or other animal experiences.

If I am approved for a deer farm, where do I get deer from?

Deer can be obtained from other deer growers in the state. Or CWD insensitive deer can be imported if all other requirements are met. You must first obtain a transportation permit and an approved import permit before bringing animals into the state. Please call us for requirements.

Can deer be imported into NC?

Only CWD non-susceptible species can be imported into NC if all requirements are met.

Can a deer farm address be different from the owner’s home address?

Yes. The address of the deer farm does not have to be the same as the home address of the owner. The farm address should be the actual address of the farm.

Can I hunt deer on my deer farm?

no Hunting farmed deer is illegal in North Carolina. (However, tribal areas are autonomous and not under the authority of North Carolina)

Can I release my deer to hunt in the wild?

no Farmed deer may not be released. In addition, farmed deer may not be hunted.

What are CWD-prone cervids?

CWD-susceptible cervids are all cervids from the Cervidae family that are susceptible to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). North Carolina considers these to be white-tailed deer, red-tailed deer, mule deer, sika deer, elk, muntjac deer, reindeer, or hybrids of these species.

What are CWD insensitive species?

Are cervids that are not susceptible to CWD. These include fallow deer, Piere David deer and axis deer. There may be other deer that are not susceptible but are not currently available in North Carolina.

Can I capture a wild deer for my deer farm?

no Catching a wild deer is illegal and carries penalties and fines. If you come across a wild deer (or fawn), we recommend not disturbing it. If you have persistent wildlife issues, please contact the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

What is the history of the Farmed Cervid program?

On September 30, 2015, the North Carolina Legislature’s approval of the Farm Act transferred the oversight and regulation of production, sale, ownership, and transportation of farmed deer in North Carolina from the Wildlife Resources Commission to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. NCDA&CS had established a transition team to review the current rules, regulations and processes for the NCDA&CS breeding deer program; This team worked to integrate existing requirements into the operational capability of our department.