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!
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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
photo credit: MillerMeade Farms. -
... Hoglets, and mommy hedgehogs usually have 4-5 hoglets per litter.
-Hedgehogs As Pets
photo credit: MillerMeade Farms. -
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 -
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
photo credit: MillerMeade Farms. -
Fresh fruit. Though fruit may be a healthy, every day food for people, it is not an everyday food for hedgehogs.
-Hedgehogs As Pets
photo credit: MillerMeade Farms. -
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
photo credit: MillerMeade Farms. -
Pet hedgehogs may have to go the vet once a year for check-ups but tend to be very healthy if properly cared for.
-MillerMeade Farms
photo credit: UK DailyMail. -
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
photo credit: MillerMeade Farms. -
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Hedgehogs come in many colors and sizes. Some, like these little guys, even have long ears!
-Hedgehogs As Pets
photo credit: Wikipedia. -
Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so they prefer to hang out with their people in the evening. How convenient.
-National Geographic
photo credit: MillerMeade Farms. -
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
photo credit: Wikipedia. -
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
photo credit: QuickMeme. -
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
photo credit: MillerMeade Farms. -
Hedgehogs are very quiet pets and also don't have dander, so they're a good pet choice for someone with allergies.
-MillerMeade Farms
photo credit: MillerMeade Farms. -
In some places where hedgehogs have been introduced (like Scotland and New Zealand) they have become invasive species.
-New Zealand Dept of Conservation
photo credit: SnorgTees. -
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
photo credit: ZooBorns. -
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
photo credit: 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
photo credit: MillerMeade Farms. -
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
photo credit: ZooBorns. -
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.
photo credit: MillerMeade Farms. -
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
photo credit: MillerMeade Farms.
photo credit: MillerMeade Farms. -
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
photo credit: ZooBorns. -
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
photo credit: QuickMeme.
Article Posted 4 years Ago