What to expect owning a hedgehog?

• Are Hedgehogs Good Pets? Let’s get this out of the way first.
• One Species Stands Above The Rest.
• You’ll Need To Make Sure They’re Allowed Where You Live.
• Handling Them Takes Some Practice.
• You’ll Learn To Read Their Moods.
• Feeding Them Can Be Simpler Than You Think.
• They’re Nocturnal.
• Pet Hedgehogs Make A Variety Of Noises.

What are the downsides of having a hedgehog?

List of the Cons of Having a Hedgehog as a Pet

• Hedgehogs are not social animals.
• Hedgehogs need time to explore.
• Hedgehogs don’t engage with litter training well.
• Hedgehogs don’t mix well with tiny humans.
• Hedgehogs need a specialized veterinarian for their care.

Is a hedgehog a good house pet?

Hedgehogs can be a fun and low-maintenance pet for your household, but they do need some special care. They have sharp quills that can make handling difficult. Consistent and proper daily handling will help them relax and feel comfortable with you.

Do hedgehogs shoot quills?

When threatened, the hedgehog raises its quills upright in a crisscross pattern, making its body pointy and sharp. Just like your hair, a hedgehog’s quills can fall out or break off, but the hedgehog cannot shoot its quills to defend itself. In Europe, people consider hedgehogs to be friends of backyards and gardens.

Why you shouldn’t own a hedgehog?

Some regions have banned the practice of keeping hedgehogs, as some carry the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease. They can also transmit salmonella bacteria as well as viral and fungal diseases, and their sharp spines can puncture skin and cause infections.

Can hedgehogs be friendly?

Due to their spines, hedgehogs aren’t very cuddly animals. However, they are very friendly and playful pets.

How many teeth do hedgehogs have?

Hedgehogs have teeth—up to 44 of them, and, like any wildlife with teeth, they can bite! They can also carry parasites on their quills.

What things do hedgehogs need?

Wild hedgehogs forage in grassy areas and woodlands for bugs like crickets, flies and ants. They also eat grass, berries and mushrooms, as well as larger prey such as snails, frogs, slugs, worms and even snakes. Dry cat food can be used, so long as the hedgehogs have a source of chitin, or the exoskeletons of insects, which they need to digest food properly.

What is the best thing to feed a hedgehog?

Everybody loves junk food and your hedgehog is no exception. Treats are a great way to add variety to his diet, but should be fed in moderation. Insects like crickets and mealworms make great treats. Other choices are moist cat or dog treats, and cooked foods like eggs, hamburger, and chicken.

What are the requirements for a hedgehog?

Your hedgehog will require a flat bottom cage that is as large as possible. Hedgehogs should be given as large of a cage as possible, the more space the better, but we recommend an absolute minimum of 4 square feet of floor space for each animal.

What does a hedgehog need to survive?

A hedgehog needs to weigh at least 600 grams in order for it to survive hibernation. If you find a hedgehog weighing less than this in the period between late October and early March, then it needs help. Bring it in and contact for advice and help.