Hedgehogs can make good pets. They are quiet, don’t take up much space, and are pretty low-maintenance. One hedgehog only needs a small enclosure. In the wild, hedgehogs travel about two miles a day, so pet hedgehogs need exercise for their health.
If you’re looking for a pet that’s low-maintenance, easy to handle and relatively inexpensive, then a hedgehog may be the perfect choice. But before you get one, there are a few things to consider like their health care needs, diet requirements, housing considerations and more.
They are extremely active in the wild — running several miles each night. Since they need to dash around, contact with your other pets might be unavoidable, but it should be kept to a minimum.
The idea of owning a hedgehog holds a unique charm for many. However, it is essential to look beyond their cuteness and carefully consider the responsibilities involved. As an exotic pet, hedgehogs have specific needs and behaviors that require attention.
Pros of owning a hedgehog include:
– They are low-maintenance pets
– They are hypoallergenic
– Hedgehogs are quiet animals
– They are active at night
– Hedgehogs can be trained
Cons include:
– They can be quite expensive
– Their care can be costly
– Hedgehogs require a specific diet
– They are solitary animals
You may need to purchase a heating pad for their cage. Overall, hedgehogs are not considered expensive pets. Many variables affect the cost like where you live, the supplies you give, and the type of hedgehog.
There are some health risks to humans associated with hedgehogs. They require gentle socialization — at least 30 minutes per day. Otherwise, you may have a companion that prefers not to be handled.
If you can meet the demands of hedgehog care through research and preparation, you may be able to provide a safe home. Hedgehogs can form bonds with their owners. But their needs are complex, so every angle must be considered before getting one.
Are hedgehogs prickly or soft?
Hedgehogs have spiky quills covering their backs and sides. Their soft belly fur offers protection when they curl into a ball. About 5,000 quills cover an adult’s body. The quills defend against predators wanting a snack. When threatened, hedgehogs curl into balls, tucking their heads and limbs safely inside. Their quills point outward, deterring most predators.
When caught in an animal’s mouth, hedgehogs twitch and jump, jabbing quills into lips and skin until released. Most describe their touch as rough, even when handled correctly. Still, older hedgehogs develop blunter quills. Their fluffy belly fur feels quite soft and nice.
Newborn hedgehogs have soft, short quills that harden as they mature. By balling up, hiding their belly, face and limbs, hedgehogs stay safe from foxes and badgers. Their poor eyesight means they instead rely on hearing and smell to hunt insects and snails at night. They can also climb and swim.
What are three interesting facts about hedgehogs?
Hedgehogs took their name from the habitat they prefer, that of hedgerows where they forage for food – principally insects, beetles, and caterpillars. Hedgehogs were once more commonly called ‘urchins’. As they were easily identified by their spined bodies, it was decided that rounded sea creatures with spines should be named ‘sea urchins’! Defence is the best form of offense! Hedgehogs have about 5,000 quills. They can roll into a ball for protection. They are nocturnal animals.
Hedgehogs are primarily active at night, which is why they’re referred to as nocturnal animals. They spend the daytime hours snoozing and become more active during twilight – usually around non-light hours of 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. Nocturnal behavior benefits hedgehogs because they are less likely to be seen by predators during these times.
These fascinating creatures have become increasingly popular as pets in recent years thanks to their playful personalities and intelligence. Hedgehogs first evolved 15 million years ago. The hedgehog species is one of the oldest surviving mammals. Hedgehogs are found across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. Typically, female hedgehogs rear 7 offspring per year. Depending on species, hedgehogs weigh from 155 g to 2.2kg. The average hedgehog lives 3.5 up to 9 years old.
What food do hedgehogs eat?
Hedgehogs are omnivores. They eat insects, worms, slugs, berries, mushrooms, roots, mice, baby birds, eggs, and carrion scraps. Hedgehogs have a huge appetite and can eat about 8% of their body weight each night. They find food by foraging through undergrowth and leaf litter. They have a great sense of smell to locate food.
The hedgehog’s diet includes invertebrates like worms, beetles, slugs, caterpillars, earwigs, fly larvae and millipedes. They also eat insects, fallen fruits and bird nests with eggs. Some hedgehogs eat cat or dog food high in protein and low in fat. Avoid fish, grains and carbohydrates. Hedgehogs can also eat cooked meat, canned food, dried food, fruits and vegetables. Insects like worms, grasshoppers, crickets and cockroaches should be main part of diet.
When feeding hedgehogs, choose dry food with 28-35% protein from chicken or meat. Get low fat, 5-15% and high fiber food. Avoid corn, wheat, cellulose. Don’t feed hedgehogs processed foods or table scraps as it makes them sick. Provide fresh water always. Do not feed chocolate, candy, sugary treats.