What is a Hedgehog?

What is a Hedgehog? Hedgehogs are a small, insectivorous (insect eating) mammal that can be found throughout the world. They are native to England, Europe, Africa and Asia. The hedgehogs typically found in the pet trade of North America are generally a hybrid of two species, the central African hedgehog and the Algerian hedgehog.

Is a Hedgehog for Me?

One of the most frequently cited reasons for animals being placed in rescue is, It wasnt what I expected.. This section is to help you know what to expect in a pet hedgehog.

You will have to provide a high quality food and pay attention to special dietary needs.

You will need to clean their habitats daily with complete scrubbing done weekly. Not all hedgehogs will litter train perfectly.

Hedgehogs need to stay warm  72 to 75 degree environmental temperature is required.

You will get poked. Even the best hedgehogs have off days.

You will need to trim the hedgehogs toenails even if they dont want you to.

The hedgehog may self-anoint (spread spit on their self).

A hedgehog who is not friendly to begin with will require a lot of patience and respect to re-socialize.

The hedgehog will be happier with an exercise wheel and a place to hide.

If you do not handle the hedgehog frequently, they may not stay as friendly.

A hedgehog may bite, though it is unlikely. Anything with teeth can bite.

Not all veterinarians are familiar with hedgehogs, so it may be difficult or expensive to secure good veterinary care.

Hedgehogs often do not prefer the company of other hedgehogs.

Your hedgehog may never seek you out for companionship. Some hedgies do, but some do not.

The hedgehog may like you better than other people. Some hedgehogs adjust well to change, while others prefer the familiar.

Your hedgehog will prefer to be awake at night. They can make a lot of noise as they eat, drink and explore. Hedgehogs are largely nocturnal.

If your hedgehog is a baby, it will go through a phase called quilling, where a baby hedgehog is grumpy and loses baby quills.

Where is the Best Place to Buy a Pet Hedgehog?

If There are Several to Choose From, Which Hedgehog Should I Select?

Choosing a Healthy Hedgehog

Look for the following:

Are the eyes nice, round, beady, wide open, and bright, without discharge?

Is the nose clean and not running?

Are the ears short, clean, with no discharge or crustiness behind them? Sometimes an ear has been chewed on by a sibling. As long as it has healed, this is not something to worry about.

Is the fur on the belly soft and not matted?

Are the spines all there with no bare spots? Bare spots indicate an unhealthy animal. Is there any sign of mites, fleas, or crustiness on the back?

Check the pen, are there any green droppings or diahhrea?

Is the hedgehog's body plump? (not fat)

Place it on a flat surface such as a table and watch it walk. Does it wobble or have difficulty staying upright? A healthy hedgehog should have a stride that is somewhere between a walk and a shuffle.

Can you hear a rattle when it is breathing? (do not mistake normal hedgehog "talk" such as chirping, purring or cheeping for a pneumonia-related rattle)

Sexing Hedgehogs:

How Old Should My Hedgehog be Before I Take it Home?

What Kind of Housing Will He Require?

Cage Placement

Accessories

What Should I Feed Him and How Much?

Care and Management

Obesity