Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are very inoffensive pets: they are noiseless, nondestructive and basically odorless. They are a solitary, nocturnal pet that prefers a quiet, dimly lit environment. They sometimes get frightened by loud noises or bright light. When faced with something new hedgehogs will taste it and begin hyper-salivating, creating a foam it spits onto itself. This process is called Anting or Anoiting You can bathe your hedgehog to rid it of this material. There are two species of hedgehog, African and European.

Basic Information

Their body length is about 7 inches. Sexual maturity is at 3 months of age and the average life span is 4-7 years. Average body weight for African hedgehogs is 500-600 grams for males and 250-400 grams for females, and European is 800-1200 grams for males and 400-800 grams for females. They are indigenous to Europe, Africa, and Asia, a free-ranging hardy animal that lives in scrub, forests, grasslands and desert. Hedgehogs are carriers of Salmonella and hands should always be washed after handling them. They should not come in contact with human food or cooking utensils to reduce the potential risk of Salmonella infection.

Feeding

In their natural habitat these free-ranging pets feast on insects, slugs, spiders, snails, worms and grubs. They eat very little plant matter. In captivity obesity is a huge problem, therefore, a diet high in protein and low in fat is recommended.

Sample diet for an adult hedgehog

(to be fed in the evening) Do not free feed.

Fresh water always available.
2-3 tablespoons - dry low calorie cat food or hedgehog diet
1-2 Tablespoons - mixed veggies (no iceberg lettuce)
3-5 insects 3-4 times weekly (crickets, meal worms, wax worms, slugs, earthworms, etc.)
Adjust diet for young hedgehogs.

Housing

Hedgehogs need ample exercise, and are good climbers. Logs, caves, and tunnels should be arranged in their cage as well as a running wheel. The wheel should be covered in astro turf on a non-slip surface so they can run on it. A smooth-walled enclosure works best for them. A 20 gallon (or larger) aquarium is acceptable. If you use a wire cage there should not be a wire floor. Tiny feet can get caught in the wire mesh causing injuries. Hedgehogs require an ambient temperature of at least 75-85 degrees. Substrate of newspaper or recycled bedding material in depth should be used and changed frequently. Keep bedding dry. Offer smooth, clean rocks for spreading out on, gnawing, scratching and face rubbing. Hedgehogs like warm water frequently for bathing.

Can Hedgehogs Be Tame?

Yes, but they are extremely nervous and timid animals. Try to get a young animal that can be conditioned to be held. Their first defense if frightened will be to roll up in a ball. Sometimes they will uncurl if their back is gently stroked. Offer a quiet environment with subdued lighting. They are not aggressive creatures but may bite if provoked, and will vocalize with a hissing sound when bothered. Young hedgehog spines are sharper than adults.

Prevention is the Key to Health

Prevent access for Safety:
High fat diets
Unlimited food
Wire flooring
Uncovered wire exercise wheels
Dog or cat food as a sole diet
Sawdust, pine or cedar shavings
Wet bedding
Garden soil (may contain parasites)
Dogs, cats, and small children
Pesticides

Do not breed European & African together (1 hibernates, and the other does not)

What your Vet Knows

Yearly exams as well as after purchase
Fecal exams
Wash hands after handling
Brush teeth regularly, dental scaling may be needed
Do not free feed
Prevent chilling, heated/dry environment required
Handle tame hedgehogs daily
Exercise
Weight check monthly