Hedgehog is a small, spiky mammals native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Hedgehog has got this name as the word “hog” means, pig-like snout.
They have become increasingly popular as pets in the USA due to their unique appearance and charming personalities. The spines are hollow hairs made with keratin. These hairs give hedgehogs a unique personality but these are not poisonous.
Hedgehogs Vs Porcupines
Although they are both scaly mammals, hedgehogs, and porcupines have quite different traits and environments. Small and nocturnal, hedgehogs have short spines covering their backs. They are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and they ball up in fear. In contrast, porcupines are larger animals that have the ability to unleash their long, stinging quills in response to danger.
Their main habitats are in North and South America, with smaller populations being found in Africa and Asia. Porcupines mostly eat leaves, bark, and other plant materials, but hedgehogs eat insects, fruits, and small mammals. Furthermore, hedgehogs are a member of the Erinaceidae family, while porcupines are a member of the rodent family.
Hedgehogs are generally brown, white, tan, and grey with pale tips to the spines. Some have dark brown or black masks across their eyes. The hedgehogs are nocturnal but some are active during the day. These interesting critters have small but powerful legs and big feet with 5 toes each, making them amazing diggers. Hedgehogs have poor eyesight but have an excellent sense of smell and hearing.
Hedgehogs make a variety of vocalizations such as grunts, sniffles, or squeals.
A common practice among hedgehogs is “self-anointing,” in which they wriggle and cover their bodies with their own foamy saliva. This may seem disgusting to some people, but it’s just another point of consideration before attempting to deal with these sensitive individuals.
Hedgehogs can make wonderful pets for those prepared to meet their specific care needs.
Male Vs. Female Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs, both male and female, have slight distinctions. While females are often more docile, males tend to have more pronounced temperaments and may be more territorial.
Males and females are usually slightly larger than each other in terms of size. It’s imperative to keep hedgehogs apart if you intend to keep more than one, especially if the hedgehogs are male.
Size Information
Adult hedgehogs typically measure between 5 to 8 inches in length and weigh around 1 to 1.5 pounds. Their compact size makes them relatively easy to house and handle compared to larger pets.
Behavior and Temperament
Like all other small animals, hedgehogs are complex, individual animals who need specialized food, supplies, and care for the rest of their lives. So read on to learn why a hedgehog is anything but the perfect “pet” before you start searching online for one because you adore Sega’s iconic blue guy and want to acquire your own Sonic on a whim.
Hedgehogs are solitary and nocturnal animals. They are generally shy and may take time to warm up to their owners. With patience and regular handling, they can become quite friendly and enjoy human interaction. When threatened, they can roll into a tight spinning ball, tucking in the furry face, feet, and belly. However, they use these distinctive quills, as a defense mechanism against predators.
This solid ball of spikes is hard for predators to open. It is a myth that they can shoot their quills or use barbed hair as a defense like a tarantula. You should never try to uncurl them as it may injure them badly.
However, they may become defensive and roll into a ball when frightened, exposing their quills.
How to Care for the Pet Hedgehog?
Proper care is essential to keep a hedgehog healthy and happy. This includes providing a suitable environment, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and social interaction. Regular vet checkups are also crucial to monitor their health.
Housing Requirements
A spacious cage with adequate ventilation is necessary for housing a hedgehog. You can use the cages designed for guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters. The cage should have a solid floor so that your hedgehog does not get any injury as wire grate cages can result in callus formation.
It should be at least two feet by four feet in size to allow for exploration and exercise. Hedgehogs are sensitive to temperature extremes, thus it’s important to keep their environment climate-controlled.
Specific Substrate Needs
The substrate in your hedgehog’s enclosure should be soft and absorbent. You should avoid cedar and pine shavings, as they can cause respiratory issues in your pet. Aspen shavings, recycled paper bedding, or fleece liners are ideal options. You can also consider towel, fleece, or dog-training potty pads to easily clean the areas. The fleece or towel is a fine option for your hedgehog to snuggle indoors.
Exercise and Toys
You should provide a large exercise wheel with a solid surface to give them physical and mental stimulation.
Food and Water Bowl
You should place a ceramic food bowl and either a water bottle or a dish having water should be placed in its enclosure.
Litter Box
A litter box must be placed inside the cage to give them easy access. It is recommended that you should place some stray pieces of stool inside the litter box so as to train them.
What Does Hedgehog Eat or Drink?
In the wild hedgehogs are omnivorous and insectivorous and feed on earwigs, bird eggs, chicks, lizards, frogs, slugs, toads, and termites. However, in captivity, Hedgehogs require a diet rich in protein. High-quality hedgehog food, supplemented with insects like mealworms, waxworms, and crickets, is ideal.
Fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, green beans, or cooked squash and fruits like apples, bananas, berries, and melons can be offered occasionally as treats. You should avoid foods high in sugar and fat, as hedgehogs are prone to obesity.
Exercise
Regular exercise is crucial for a hedgehog’s physical and mental health. You should provide a large exercise wheel with a solid surface to give them physical and mental stimulation.
Additionally, providing toys and opportunities for exploration outside of their cage will help keep them active and stimulated. You can create ramps, ledges, and tunnels inside the cage to give some exploring activities. Lack of physical activity can lead to obesity in hedgehogs.
Handling a Hedgehog
To handle a hedgehog, approach them slowly and gently. Scoop them up from underneath, supporting their body. Hedgehogs may initially be prickly or curl into a ball, but with regular, gentle handling, they will become more comfortable and relaxed.
Tame hedgehogs will crawl to your hands to pick up treats. This is an easy way to build trust with them. Hedgehogs don’t like their heads being pet so you should avoid it and pick them gently with cupped hands.
Related Species
There are several species of hedgehogs, but the African pygmy hedgehog is the most common species kept as pets. Other species, such as the European hedgehog, are typically found in the wild and are not suitable for domestication.
Health Issues
Hedgehogs are susceptible to various health issues, including obesity, respiratory infections, Fatty liver, cardiovascular, Cancer, dental problems, and mites. Regular vet checkups and a proper diet can help prevent many of these issues.
Cancer
Hedgehogs are more susceptible to cancer, particularly those older than three. All body organs have been documented to have it, however, the mouth, female reproductive tract, and gastrointestinal tract are the areas where it is most frequently found. Disease symptoms include fatigue, appetite loss, and weight loss. They are frequently non-specific.
Fatty liver
Hepatic lipidosis is one particular condition that affects hedgehogs on a fairly regular basis. It can arise from any illness that causes an abrupt loss of appetite, such as cancer or infections.
Cardiovascular
Hedgehogs with age more than 3 years are prone to heart problems. Obesity is one of the reasons for the condition.
Balloon syndrome
Gas is trapped under the skin and causes the animal to inflate to double of its size. The main cause of the condition is injury or infection.
Dental disease
Hedgehogs frequently develop tartar, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and oral tumors. Anorexia (not eating), halitosis (poor breath), visible bleeding around the mouth, and pawing at the mouth are indicators of dental issues.
Skin issues
Dermatophytosis is one of the common skin problems amongst hedgehogs.
Obesity
If you don’t keep a check on the hedgehog diet, they may gain weight and hence be more susceptible to diseases.
Signs of Ill Health
Common signs of ill health in hedgehogs include lethargy, weight loss, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, and skin issues. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek veterinary care promptly.
Where to Buy
It is imperative to acquire a hedgehog from a reputable breeder or rescue group. Steer clear of pet retailers since the animals there can come from unethical breeders. However, ethical breeders take care of the hedgehog by selectively breeding and raising through daily adequate socialization. Research and choose a breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their animals. You can also adopt a hedgehog only for spaying and neutering charges.
Initial Cost
The initial cost of a hedgehog ranges from $100 to $500. You may have to pay some amount for spaying or neutering of your pet. The cage setup, exercise wheel, toys, food, and bedding will cost another $500.
Upkeep Cost
Additional costs include a cage ($50$150), bedding ($10$20/month), food ($10$20/month), toys, and veterinary care. Overall, the annual cost of owning a hedgehog can range from $300 to $600.
Grooming
Hedgehogs require minimal grooming. Regular nail trimming and occasional baths are usually sufficient. Use a gentle, unscented shampoo and ensure they are thoroughly dried after a bath to prevent chilling.
Reproduction and Breeding
Hedgehogs reach sexual maturity in their second year of life. The gestation period is around 35 to 58 days. The average litter size is nearly 3-4 newborns.
The mother hedgehog will spend a total of 4-6 weeks in her single nest with her offspring. The baby hoglets typically begin to grow independent at six weeks and will frequently accompany their mother outside the nest to begin foraging alongside her.
Females can become stressed during pregnancy, and complications can arise. It’s essential to research thoroughly and consult with experienced breeders before attempting to breed hedgehogs. Breeding hedgehogs requires extensive knowledge and experience
Ethics and Legality
Before acquiring a hedgehog, it’s crucial to check the legality of keeping them in your state, country, or county. In some states, hedgehogs are classified as exotic animals and may be illegal or require a permit.
States such as California, Georgia, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania have restrictions on hedgehog ownership. Ethically, it is important to ensure that your hedgehog is sourced from a reputable breeder to avoid contributing to unethical breeding practices.
Some Interesting Facts About Hedgehogs
- Hedgehogs have around 5,000 to 7,000 quills.
- They can run up to 6 feet per second. These are called speedy little things.
- Hedgehogs are immune to many toxins, including snake venom.
- They have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell and hearing.
- It is one of the three mammals that hibernate. But pet hedgehogs should not hibernate as it can be dangerous.
- Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant.
- In some countries, hedgehog blood is sold for a cure of ringworm, cracked skin, and warts.
- Each hedgehog has a unique pattern of quills.
- They communicate through a variety of sounds, including snuffles, grunts, and hisses.
- Hedgehogs can live up to 5-7 years in captivity with proper care.
- They practice self-anointing, where they produce frothy saliva and spread it on their quills.
- Hedgehogs have been domesticated for over 30 years.
- Hedgehogs are attracted by gardeners as they eat snails, slugs, and other garden pests.
- They have a unique ability to digest chitin from insects.
- A baby hedgehog is called a hoglet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1. Do hedgehogs make good pets for children?
Answer: Hedgehogs don’t make good pets for children under 5 years old as they are prone to catching infections.
Question 2. Is it legal to own a hedgehog?
Answer: States have different variations. It is advisable to confirm local laws before purchasing a hedgehog.
Question 3. Can hedgehogs be litter-trained?
Answer: Yes, hedgehogs can be trained to use a litter box to a certain extent, although it may take some patience and consistency.
Question 4. Do hedgehogs bite?
Answer: Hedgehogs can bite if they feel threatened, but they are generally not aggressive.
Question 5. Do hedgehogs have an odor?
Answer: Hedgehogs are relatively odorless, but their cages should be cleaned regularly to prevent odor.
Question 6. Do Hedgehogs need vaccinations?
Answer: Hedgehogs do not need vaccinations but spaying and neutering must be considered.
Question 7. Can hedgehogs live with other pets?
Answer: Hedgehogs should not be housed with other pets, as they may feel threatened.
Question 8. Do hedgehog shoot their spiky hairs?
Answer: No, they just use their hair as a defense mechanism. These are not poisonous also.
Question 9. Do hedgehogs require a lot of care?
Answer: Hedgehogs are fun-loving and low- maintenance pets.
Question 10. Does petting and holding a hedgehog hurt?
Answer: The quills are not that spiky and go down when they are relaxed. However, under stress, they tend to roll and spikes become hard.
