Important Information About Owning A Pet Hedgehog!
Please do some research before purchasing to make sure that a hedgehog is the right pet for you. All purchases are nonrefundable.
Adjustment Period
As with any new pet, a hedgehog will need time to adjust to their new environment. After adoption, everything in their world changes—new smells, new sounds, and new people. It’s completely normal for your hedgehog to feel nervous at first. Be patient and give them time to settle in.
A helpful tip for bonding is to place a small piece of worn clothing with your scent into their cage. This helps your hedgehog feel safe and become familiar with you.
Hedgehog Behavior
Hedgehogs are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night.
They have poor eyesight, so they rely mostly on their sense of smell and hearing.
Don’t pet your hedgehog while it’s still in the cage. Instead, gently scoop them up and let them relax before attempting any handling.
Hedgehogs are solitary animals. While some females may tolerate cage mates, it’s not guaranteed they will always get along. If you plan to house two together, the best option is two females from the same litter.
Males should never be housed together, as they will usually fight.
We do not sell opposite-gender hedgehogs to the same home, as unwanted breeding can occur, and the babies typically do not survive.
Diet and Nutrition
For a healthy pet hedgehog, we recommend feeding high-quality cat food. Avoid commercial foods labeled as “hedgehog food” — many lack essential nutrients.
Mealworms can be offered as occasional treats. If you need to change your hedgehog’s diet, do so gradually to avoid digestive issues.
Grooming Tips
Nail trimming is essential. Use small cat nail clippers and trim just the tip of each nail. Be careful not to cut too close to the quick.
Bathing should be minimal. Too many baths can dry out their skin. When needed, place your hedgehog in a shallow tub with warm water and gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. We recommend plain water or Aveeno baby shampoo for sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference in personality between males and females?
Are they hard to care for?
What’s the best temperature for my hedgehog?
What should I feed my hedgehog?
Do hedgehogs need vaccinations?
Do hedgehogs smell bad?
Do hedgehogs bite?
Is there a difference in personality between males and females?
No, there’s no difference in the quality of a pet based on gender. Whether you choose a male or female hedgehog, both can make great pets. Each hedgehog has its own unique personality, some are more outgoing or playful, while others are a bit more shy or reserved. These personality traits vary from one hedgehog to another and are not determined by gender.
Are they hard to care for?
Yes, hedgehogs are very low-maintenance pets! They require minimal grooming, have simple dietary needs, and are easy to care for. With a clean cage, proper food, and a regular routine, hedgehogs make a great choice for first-time pet owners or anyone looking for a low-maintenance exotic pet.
What’s the best temperature for my hedgehog?
Hedgehogs do best in a warm environment, ideally around 75 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining a warm and stable environment is important for their health, as hedgehogs can become stressed or ill if they get too cold. Using a ceramic heat emitter or space heater can help keep your hedgehog’s habitat at the proper temperature.
What should I feed my hedgehog?
We recommend keeping your hedgehog on a high quality cat food and feeding mealworms as treats. Anything that’s labeled as “hedgehog food” should be avoided because most of the commercial hedgehog diets lack proper nutrition and can lead to health issues. If you need to change your hedgehog’s food, make sure to do it slowly and gradually to avoid upsetting their digestive system.
Do hedgehogs need vaccinations?
No, hedgehogs do not need vaccinations. Unlike dogs or cats, hedgehogs are not required to get vaccinated and there are no standard vaccines recommended for them.
Do hedgehogs smell bad?
No, hedgehogs don’t smell bad like many other small pets. In fact, they’re naturally clean animals and typically have little to no odor when their cage is kept clean.
Do hedgehogs bite?
Like any animal with teeth, hedgehogs can bite, but it’s very rare. Most hedgehogs only bite if they smell something tasty like food on your fingers. Biting is usually not a concern.