Hedgehogs have become increasingly popular as pets in recent years and for good reason. These small, spiky mammals are unique and captivating, making them an excellent and perfect choice for those seeking an unconventional pet. However, caring for a hedgehog requires understanding their needs and providing a suitable environment for them to thrive. In this comprehensive post, we’ll try to cover all the information you need to know to keep your hedgehog happy and healthy.
Before Bringing a Hedgehog Home
Before you bring a pet hedgehog home, it’s essential to research and familiarize yourself with their care requirements. Understanding the needs of your new pet hedgehogs will help ensure they live a healthy life. It’s important to remember that domesticated hedgehogs, such as African Pygmy Hedgehogs, differ from their wild counterparts like the European Hedgehog, and their care requirements will vary accordingly.
Do Hedgehogs Make Good Pets?
Hedgehogs can make wonderful pets for the right person. They are low-maintenance compared to other exotic pets, such as guinea pigs and can form a bond with their pet owners over time. However, they are nocturnal, solitary creatures and may not be the ideal pet for everyone.
Hedgehog Care Tips
What Kind of Home Does My Hedgehog Need?
A hedgehog’s enclosure should be spacious and well-ventilated to provide ample room for exercise and exploration. A wire cage with a solid floor is ideal, as it prevents the hedgehog’s feet from getting caught in the wire. The cage should measure at least 24x24x12 inches and be filled with a suitable bedding material like wood shavings, which should be changed regularly.
Creating separate areas in your hedgehog’s cage for sleeping, eating, and elimination is important. Providing a small hideaway, such as a plastic igloo, will give your hedgehog a safe place to sleep. A shallow water dish, a portion of whole dog food, or a dish for their dry cat food should be provided. A litter box filled with non-clumping litter can encourage your hedgehog to eliminate it in a designated area.
How Do I Care for a Hedgehog?
Suppose you’ve recently adopted a hedgehog or are considering bringing more than one hedgehog back into your home. In that case, it’s essential to understand their unique needs to provide them with a happy and healthy life. In this article, we’ll explore all the methods of caring for a hedgehog, from selecting a suitable living space to ensuring a comfortable environment, feeding, grooming, socializing, exercise, and health monitoring.
Selecting a Suitable Living Space
- Cage Size and Material
Hedgehogs need ample space to move around, explore, and engage in their natural behavior. A cage measuring at least 24 inches by 24 inches is ideal, but larger is always better. Ensure the cage is made of sturdy material, such as plastic or metal, with proper ventilation. Avoid using glass tanks, as they can cause humidity and ventilation issues.
- Bedding Options
When it comes to bedding, choose comfortable and safe materials for your hedgehog. Aspen shavings, paper-based bedding, or fleece liners are excellent choices. Avoid using cedar or pine-shavings, as they can cause respiratory issues.
Ensuring a Comfortable Environment
- Maintaining the Right Temperature
Hedgehogs are sensitive and tactful to temperature changes, so it’s crucial to maintain a consistent temperature of 72-80°F (22-27°C) in their living space. Use a heat-lamp or ceramic heat emitter to keep the cage warm, and always monitor the temperature with a thermostat to avoid overheating.
- Providing Proper Lighting
Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals and require a consistent day-night cycle. Ensure your hedgehog receives 12-14 hours of light and 10-12 hours of darkness daily. Use a timer to regulate the lighting schedule, and avoid exposing your hedgehog to direct sunlight or intense artificial light.
Feeding Your Hedgehog
- Diet Basics
A balanced diet is crucial for your hedgehog’s health. High-quality dry cat food, specifically designed for hedgehogs as pets, is a suitable staple. The diet should be high in protein and low in fat, with moderate fiber content. Fresh and best fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and leafy greens, can also be offered in moderation.
- Treats and Supplements
Offer your hedgehog occasional treats like live insects (e.g., mealworms or crickets) and cooked lean meats (e.g., chicken or turkey). These treats not only provide essential nutrients but also encourage natural foraging behaviors. If you need more clarification about your hedgehog’s nutritional needs, consult your veterinarian doctor for guidance on supplements and vitamins.
Hedgehog Grooming and Hygiene
- Bathing Your Hedgehog
While hedgehogs are relatively clean animals, occasional baths are necessary to maintain good hygiene. Use a shallow container with warm water and gentle pet shampoo. Gently scrub your hedgehog’s quills and body with a soft toothbrush, taking care not to get water in their eyes, ears, or nose. Rinse thoroughly and gently towel dry, ensuring your hedgehog stays warm.
- Nail Trimming
Regular nail trimming is essential for your hedgehog’s comfort and well-being. Use small, pet-specific nail clippers to trim the nails, being cautious not to cut into the quick (the pink part inside the nail). If you need help trimming your hedgehog’s nails, ask your veterinarian for guidance or consider having them do it for you.
Socializing and Handling Your Hedgehog
- Bonding Techniques
Building trust and forming a great bond with your hedgehog takes time and patience. Spend time near your hedgehog’s cage, talking softly and offering treats to help them become familiar with your presence. Use a fleece bonding pouch or blanket to hold your hedgehog, making them feel secure while getting used to your scent.
- Handling Tips
When handling your hedgehog, approach them slowly and calmly, scooping them up from the side or underneath rather than reaching down from above. Support their body and legs, and always handle them gently. Avoid handling your hedgehog when they’re in a defensive posture, and be patient as they learn to trust you.
Hedgehog Exercise and Enrichment
- Exercise Wheel
A hedgehog-specific exercise wheel is an essential addition to your hedgehog’s cage. The wheel should have a solid surface, be large enough for your hedgehog to run comfortably, and have a sturdy stand. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and provides mental stimulation.
- Toys and Activities
To keep your hedgehog engaged and entertained, provide a variety of toys and activities, such as tunnels, hiding spots, and small, hedgehog-safe toys. Rotate the toys regularly to maintain your hedgehog’s interest and encourage exploration and play.
Health Monitoring and Preventive Care
- Regular Veterinarian Check-ups
Schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian experienced in hedgehog care to ensure your pet’s on-going health. Preventive care, such as dental cleanings and parasite control, can help catch potential issues before they become serious problems.
- Signs of Illness
Monitor your hedgehog for any signs of illness, such as changes in appetite, lethargy, sneezing, coughing, or discharge from the eyes or nose. If you notice a healthy hedgehog has unusual behavior or symptoms, consult your veterinarian promptly.
How Do I Know If My Hedgehog Is Sick?
Monitoring your hedgehog’s behavior and appearance for signs of illness is important. Symptoms to watch for include lethargy, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, and difficulty breathing. If you find any of these signs, consult a veterinarian experienced in treating hedgehogs as soon as possible.
What Should I Feed My Hedgehog?
As mentioned earlier, a hedgehog’s diet should consist primarily of high-quality dry cat food, providing the necessary protein and nutrients for a healthy life. Supplementing their diet with live insects, such as mealworms and crickets, will also help meet their nutritional requirements. It’s essential to avoid feeding your hedgehog foods high in fat or sugar, as this can lead to health issues such as fatty liver disease. Additionally, always provide a full water bottle or shallow dish of fresh water to keep your hedgehog properly hydrated.
Common Hedgehog Health Problems
Hedgehogs can suffer from various health issues, some of which include:
Obesity
One of the most useful and common health problems that hedgehogs face is obesity. This is often caused by overfeeding and needing to provide more opportunities for exercise. To prevent obesity, it’s important to feed your hedgehog a balanced diet and provide them with plenty of opportunities and needs to run around and play.
Dental Issues
Hedgehogs are prone to dental issues, particularly if they are not given enough hard objects to chew on. This can lead to overgrown teeth, which can cause discomfort and even prevent your hedgehog from being able to eat properly. To prevent dental issues, providing your hedgehog with plenty of chew toys and hard objects to gnaw on is important.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections are also common in hedgehogs and can be caused by different and various factors, including poor ventilation and dirty bedding. Symptoms of a respiratory infection can include coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. If you suspect that your hedgehog has a respiratory infection, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately.
Skin Issues
Hedgehogs can also suffer from various skin issues, including mites, fungal infections, and dry skin. Symptoms of skin issues can include hair loss, scaly patches, and itching. To prevent skin issues, it’s important to keep your hedgehog’s enclosure clean and to provide them with a healthy diet.
Boarding for Your Pet Hedgehog
If you plan to travel and need to find temporary care for your hedgehog, consider boarding them at a pet store or a facility experienced in caring for exotic pets. Research local pet stores and boarding facilities, and ask for recommendations from fellow hedgehog owners to ensure you find a reputable and knowledgeable caretaker for your pet.
What causes wobbly hedgehog syndrome?
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS) is a neurological disease that affects hedgehogs. The exact cause of WHS is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a degeneration of the nervous system, particularly the spinal cord.
Evidence suggests that a genetic component may play a role in the development of WHS. Some research suggests that the disease may be inherited in an autosomal l recessive manner, meaning that both parents must carry the same gene mutation for the disease to be passed on to their offspring.
Other factors that may contribute to the development of WHS include environmental factors such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins. However, more research is needed to fully understand the complex factors contributing to developing of this disease.
Conclusion
Caring for a simple African pygmy hedgehog requires dedication and understanding of their unique needs. Providing the hedgehog owner with a comfortable home, proper nutrition, and regular grooming ensures your pet hedgehog lives a healthy and happy life. Always monitor your hedgehog for signs of illness and consult with an experienced veterinarian when needed.
FAQs
Are hedgehogs easy to take care of?
Baby Hedgehogs are relatively low-maintenance pets, but they do have specific care needs and requirements that must be met to ensure their health and happiness. Proper research and understanding of their needs are essential for successful hedgehog ownership.
Do hedgehogs like to be cuddled?
While some hedgehogs may tolerate or even enjoy cuddling, it depends on the individual animal’s personality. Some hedgehogs may be more aloof, while others may form a strong bond with their owner and enjoy human interaction.
Do hedgehogs need daily care?
Yes, hedgehogs require daily care, including fresh food and water, proper care and a clean living environment. Regular socialization and handling are also necessary to help your hedgehog become comfortable with human interaction.
Do hedgehogs like to be held?
Some hedgehogs may enjoy being held, while others prefer to explore independently. It’s essential to approach your hedgehog gently and calmly, allowing them to become accustomed to your presence and handling over time.
Can hedgehogs eat vegetables? Yes, hedgehogs can eat vegetables as part of their diet. However, it is important to note that hedgehogs are primarily insectivores and require a diet high in protein. Therefore, vegetables should only be given to them in moderation as a supplement to their main diet. Some vegetables that are safe for both pet and wild hedgehogs to eat include carrots, green beans, peas, and sweet potatoes. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian or a qualified animal nutritionist for specific dietary recommendations for your hedgehog.
