Hedgehogs are smily, spiny, exotic pets that can make great pets to the right owners.
However, hedgehogs are certainly not right for everyone! If you’re considering getting a pet hedgehog, there are several things to consider.
You can start by checking out our page, “Is a Hedgehog Right for You?” which will guide you through some of these important topics to consider before getting your pet. Here, we’ll give you a quick overview of some of the things you’ll find there:
Reasons why hedgehogs may NOT make a good pet you:
- Hedgehogs are generally shy animals. Most enjoy spending some time with their owners each day (around 30 minutes), but are not suitable for young children who are looking for a pet they can play with often.
- Hedgehog’s quills are not as sharp as they look, but some may find the quills uncomfortable to touch. Again, hedgies are not suitable for young children, especially if they are rambunctious, which will cause the hedgehog to become frightened and extend his quills.
- You may not want to keep a hedgehog in your room – since they are nocturnal, they stay up at night, and can be a bit noisy.
- You will need to clean your hedgehog’s cage regularly to make sure that his environment stays clean and smell-free.
Reasons why hedgehogs make good pets:
- Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so they are awake in the late afternoon or nighttime. If you work during the day, this means that you don’t have to worry about being around during the day to take care of your pet.
- Hedgehogs are generally low maintenance pets, so you won’t need to spend more than a few hours a week caring for your hedgie.
- After the initial amount of money it will cost to purchase a hedgehog and his supplies, your hedgehog will cost very little to care for during his lifetime (unless he needs to see a veterinarian).
- Hedgehogs have few health risks, and although they can become obese easily, most will not develop any serious health issues. To learn more about health problems, click here.
So, do hedgehogs make good pets? They certainly can, but all things considered, only you can decide whether or not a hedgehog will make a good pet for you and your family. If you’re still unsure, feel free to browse around the site further to learn more about hedgehogs as pets, or leave us a comment or email (info @ hedgehogcare101.com) to ask us a question!
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Thank you, Rene Wang Photography, for the hedgehog photo featured above!
I was scarred to get my first hedgehog but I think research is the key component. As soon as your confident with caring for them.. it makes it a lot easier. And also, to have the cage and habitat setup before hand is a huge deal too.
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for sharing! I totally agree – research is very important. I hope that this site can help others who are also worried!
i really want one and i think this is a good pet this made me want one even more thank you for informing me
Wonderful! Glad we could help, Lillyana
Hey there!
Your article really helps me a lot on how to handle and pet my hedgie and yes of course i was scared at 1st and totally clueless to handle her.
I would love to shout a big fat thank you for you and your team for these good articles of hedgehog.
I’m so glad to hear that! You are very welcome.
i put the hedgehog with a baby falcon and a baby owl they seem to get well together in a large 8 sqm cage in amman on roof terrace of my hotel.
Non of the mentioned food brands can be bought in jordan
what can I feed it please
cat food from a tin or dry in a packet. what else.
thanks
Raymond
Hi Raymond, we have a guide on what to feed hedgehogs that includes some natural options like vegetables and meats. You can check that out here: http://www.hedgehogcare101.com/hedgehog-food-diet/
I just got one for my 16yr old son and she’s so cute but very upset and scared still. We have had her 3 days now and she is still angry. I read somewhere that it will take her about 1 on to calm down some is that true? We hold and talk to her and clean and feed her all the time talk to her and we’re hoping to bond with her. I’ve learned all from this page and
He does center
AL
Ll
Hi Lisa, hedgehogs can have a very wide range of personality types, and it is natural for him to feel a bit uneasy in this new environment. Give him a couple weeks – let him have some alone time but also play with him gently, and see if he starts to feel more comfortable!
I really want to get a little hedgie. I thunk they are the most adorable little creatures that god has ever created.
Please if you could help me find some breeders near me.
I live in the united states.
In maine (newport, maine)to be more specific.
Thank you, jennifer Eldredge
Here is a hedgehog directory for you! http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/breeders.shtml
Hi
I was reading about the hedgehogs and I want one really bad if you can help me find one I will be so happy. I live in United States.
To be more specific McCreary County Kentucky. Thank you Jennifer Eldredge
I just got my hedgehog and thanks to you i have more helpful information on her care than anywhere else thank you
That makes me so happy to hear Angela!