I love hedgehogs. I really do. I think they are the cutest things in the history of ever. I even have a Pinterest board dedicated to them. And I’m not alone. Hedgehogs are becoming increasingly popular as pets, based on my highly unscientific research that included talking to friends, searching the interwebs, and the number of followers on my hedgehog board. There are tons of hedgehog products and even internet memes dedicated to their adorable awesomeness.
However, after doing some research, I was devastated to find out that I can’t have one. It’s illegal to own a hedgehog in the county where I currently reside, where there are strict laws about exotic pets. My children and I were in favor of selling the house and moving to a more right-thinking locality, but my husband said that was crazy. He needs to rethink his priorities.
So without further ado, here are 25 facts about hedgehogs that everyone should know, particularly those people who are interested in having one as a pet.
Thanks to MillerMeade Farm for sharing pictures and information on their adorable herd of hedgehogs!
This hedgehog is named Kanye. YES HE IS. 1 of 25
The hedgehogs most of us have seen pictures of and want to adopt as pets are usually a variety of African Pygmy Hedgehog. Just like this little guy.
-National Geographic
Hedgehogs tend to cost between $100 to $200, depending on where you live and whether you buy from a breeder or pet shop. photo credit: Exotic Pets for Sale
Their favorite food? 4 of 25
A proper hedgehog diet (for a pet) includes small insects and canned cat food. You can buy specialty hedgehog food as well. They're omnivores, but they really enjoy bugs. -National Geographic
Like guinea pigs and hamsters, hedgies need exercise. Getting a wheel to run on or other small animal equipment to play with is good for their health. -Hedgehog Welfare Society
Hedgehogs have up to 7,000 quills on their backs and these spines are like very thick, coarse hairs. The spines are not barbed or super sharp like a porcupine's quills, but they don't feel good if you get poked with them. Their bellies, however, are very soft. -National Geographic Kids
There are 17 different species of hedgehog and they can look very different from one another. This is a European hedgehog. Hedgehogs can also be found in Asia, Africa and New Zealand. -National Geographic
Hedgehogs are quiet and laid back, but if you startle them, they will roll up and deploy their quills (make them more pointy) in order to protect themselves. This is their natural defense mechanism. -National Geographic
Hedgehogs can get along with other household animals like cats, dogs, or ferrets. But it is a case-by-case basis, and all interactions should be closely monitored. These animals are, after all, prey, and cats and dogs are hunters. So use caution. -MillerMeade Farms
Hedgehogs are considered pests in some places 17 of 25
In some places where hedgehogs have been introduced (like Scotland and New Zealand) they have become invasive species. -New Zealand Dept of Conservation
Hedgies can be very territorial and so usually it is not safe to keep two together, as they will fight. And though a hedgehog fight sounds just precious, somebody could get hurt. -Hedgehog Welfare Society
They have teeth and they'll use them. They're not usually aggressive biters, but they will bite to let you know how they're feeling. -MillerMeade Farms
There is a very strange thing hedgehogs do called "self-annointing". When they encounter an unfamiliar smell, they suddenly contort their little bodies, foam at the mouth, and then spread their saliva all over their bodies. It may look like they have rabies or a seizure disorder, but this behavior is very normal for hedgehogs. -American Wildlife Foundation
Hedgehogs are considered "exotic pets". Be sure to check the laws in your community regarding owning hedgehogs and pythons and tigers and other exotic wildlife. -Hedgehog Welfare Society
It may take a while for your hedgie to get used to new surroundings and warm up to people. But if you are patient, quiet and gentle, they will get acclimated and become more outgoing.
Hedgehog personalities are best described as shy. They are not super snuggly, in general. They can learn basic behaviors through a reward system, but in terms of training imagine trying to train a hamster. -Hedgehog Welfare Society
Hedgehogs are usually pretty clean and don't have a strong smell. Depending on the individual however (some are messier than others), you may have to give them baths every couple of months. -Hedgehog Welfare Society
Some hedgehogs go through grouchy stages, and other are just grouchy by nature. But that's ok because they are adorable when they're scowling. -MillerMeade Farms
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