African Pygmy Hedgehogs were imported into the US in the early 1990's, and the pet hedgehog we know today is actually a hybrid of the White Bellied and Algerian variety. Their domestication is fairly new, and breeders are working on improving health and temperament. That being said, hedgehogs are not for everyone. It takes time and effort to keep them social, and that just starts with a good breeder. Continued effort to keep Hedgies people friendly is required by any new care takers. Their natural defense is to roll in a ball, click, pop and hiss. These are all normal responses of a hedgehog. If you want a cuddly animal, try a kitten or a puppy. Hedgehogs are probably not a good pet for you. They typically do not like to be poked or patted. Knowing and understanding the needs of your new little pet, will make the adjusting process much easier for both, when integrating them into your family.
That being said, we love them! They are a low maintenance small pet that has no odor if their cage is kept clean. They have unique and endearing personalities., and do grow to love, and look forward to interaction with their guardians. By about the sixth month of age, they are past the quilling phase, and handling them will suddenly become less stressful for the both of you..
Do hedgehogs bite? Of course they can. As can any animal with teeth. We typically see habitual biters because an owner ignores their animals needs and they are just asking for a BREAK! If they bite, they are overwhelmed. Give them space, and handle them later. If a dog is biting you; you aren't going to keep doing what got you bitten to start with. As with any animal displaying bad behavior; learn how to meet their needs in a positive manner and avoid forcing them to adjust to your need to caudal them. Hedgehogs are independent creatures. Respect that. The good news? In the years we have been breeding, we have only seen a very small amount of habitual "biters". Wash your hands before and after handling your Hedgie. If you smell like bacon, they might just want a taste.
Hedgies are prone to dry skin. Do not submerse them in a bath more than once every 6 weeks. A foot bath in an inch of warm water once or twice a week is fine. Nails can be clipped every few weeks.
Hedgies are prone to mites. If you notice any excessive itching, quills loss, bumps or scabs on your Hedgie, consult a veterinarian. Mites are easily treated.
Climate is very important. Temps under 73 will cause a hedgehog to go into hibernation, thus leading to system shut down and possible death. They can also get too hot. Temps between 73-77 are perfect. No drafty areas and no direct sunlight. Never use UV lighting or heating pads, you want to heat the air around the animal, and not have something that they need to be on top of to keep warm. We will list approved supplies below...
CAGE
For each hedgehog, 2 sq ft of living space is required, and we feel this is too small. Always go bigger than what you think is enough. Wire cages are perfect for ventilation. We discourage the use of aquariums and bins. They do not offer the ventilation a hedgehog needs, even with holes drilled in bins. Choose a wire cage that has a plastic bottom that is at least 4" high the cage must be a single level, no ramps. Hedgehogs will climb, and they do well going up, but they can not climb down, so they fall. If you can find a cage that does not have horizontal bars that would be ideal. If your hedgie is a climber you may have to attach plexiglass or coroplast around the first few inches of the wire part of the cage.
BEDDING
Never use any type of wood bedding. Not only can it carry mites, the dust will cause respiratory and skin issues. Fleece is preferred, and recycled paper bedding is acceptable. Hedgies can be litter trained, just always choose a clump free litter.
HEAT SOURCES
One heat emitter is required with a 150 watt ceramic bulb. They give off heat without any light. Colored light bulbs are NOT acceptable. You could also use a small electric space heater to achieve the ideal temperatures.
BOWLS
Two ceramic bowls, or a bowl and water bottle if you prefer. Make sure the animal is getting water out and that it isn't clogged, several times a day if you use a bottle.
WHEEL
One large wheel. At least 12 inches. Must be flat bottom. NO HOLES. No balls that roll. Their toes get caught in them and break. Carolina Storm Bucket Wheels are recommended.
FOOD
The only commercial hedgehog food we recommend is Spikes Ultra. Otherwise a quality grain free cat food is best. Purina One is acceptable. Stay away from any dyes as additives. This is not good for their digestive system. Hedgehogs do not need any type of vegetable or fruit in their diet. They can be used as treats. Be sure they are soft and the bites are small. Baby food is a good option. Treats for hedgehogs can be meal worms, crickets, unseasoned, cooked meats or freeze dried liver.
That being said, we love them! They are a low maintenance small pet that has no odor if their cage is kept clean. They have unique and endearing personalities., and do grow to love, and look forward to interaction with their guardians. By about the sixth month of age, they are past the quilling phase, and handling them will suddenly become less stressful for the both of you..
Do hedgehogs bite? Of course they can. As can any animal with teeth. We typically see habitual biters because an owner ignores their animals needs and they are just asking for a BREAK! If they bite, they are overwhelmed. Give them space, and handle them later. If a dog is biting you; you aren't going to keep doing what got you bitten to start with. As with any animal displaying bad behavior; learn how to meet their needs in a positive manner and avoid forcing them to adjust to your need to caudal them. Hedgehogs are independent creatures. Respect that. The good news? In the years we have been breeding, we have only seen a very small amount of habitual "biters". Wash your hands before and after handling your Hedgie. If you smell like bacon, they might just want a taste.
Hedgies are prone to dry skin. Do not submerse them in a bath more than once every 6 weeks. A foot bath in an inch of warm water once or twice a week is fine. Nails can be clipped every few weeks.
Hedgies are prone to mites. If you notice any excessive itching, quills loss, bumps or scabs on your Hedgie, consult a veterinarian. Mites are easily treated.
Climate is very important. Temps under 73 will cause a hedgehog to go into hibernation, thus leading to system shut down and possible death. They can also get too hot. Temps between 73-77 are perfect. No drafty areas and no direct sunlight. Never use UV lighting or heating pads, you want to heat the air around the animal, and not have something that they need to be on top of to keep warm. We will list approved supplies below...
CAGE
For each hedgehog, 2 sq ft of living space is required, and we feel this is too small. Always go bigger than what you think is enough. Wire cages are perfect for ventilation. We discourage the use of aquariums and bins. They do not offer the ventilation a hedgehog needs, even with holes drilled in bins. Choose a wire cage that has a plastic bottom that is at least 4" high the cage must be a single level, no ramps. Hedgehogs will climb, and they do well going up, but they can not climb down, so they fall. If you can find a cage that does not have horizontal bars that would be ideal. If your hedgie is a climber you may have to attach plexiglass or coroplast around the first few inches of the wire part of the cage.
BEDDING
Never use any type of wood bedding. Not only can it carry mites, the dust will cause respiratory and skin issues. Fleece is preferred, and recycled paper bedding is acceptable. Hedgies can be litter trained, just always choose a clump free litter.
HEAT SOURCES
One heat emitter is required with a 150 watt ceramic bulb. They give off heat without any light. Colored light bulbs are NOT acceptable. You could also use a small electric space heater to achieve the ideal temperatures.
BOWLS
Two ceramic bowls, or a bowl and water bottle if you prefer. Make sure the animal is getting water out and that it isn't clogged, several times a day if you use a bottle.
WHEEL
One large wheel. At least 12 inches. Must be flat bottom. NO HOLES. No balls that roll. Their toes get caught in them and break. Carolina Storm Bucket Wheels are recommended.
FOOD
The only commercial hedgehog food we recommend is Spikes Ultra. Otherwise a quality grain free cat food is best. Purina One is acceptable. Stay away from any dyes as additives. This is not good for their digestive system. Hedgehogs do not need any type of vegetable or fruit in their diet. They can be used as treats. Be sure they are soft and the bites are small. Baby food is a good option. Treats for hedgehogs can be meal worms, crickets, unseasoned, cooked meats or freeze dried liver.