Are you thinking of getting a hedgehog for your home but aren’t sure if it’s a good choice? Don’t worry; we are here to help you because we’ve all been there. The idea of owning a hedgehog as a pet holds a unique charm for many individuals. Hedgehogs are cute, small, and easy to maintain, so they are usually a perfect fit for most homes today. And their reputation as exotic pets just keeps increasing as the days go by. However, it is essential to look beyond their cuteness and carefully consider the responsibilities involved with them. As a pet, and an exotic one at that, hedgehogs have specific needs and behaviors that require special attention. That’s why in this article, we’ll be looking at some facts and stuff you need to know before adopting a pet hedgehog. Hopefully, we can help you find out if a hedgehog is a good fit for you or your family.
Hedgehogs Are Tame
Though thousands of hedgehogs still roam the wilds today, the hedgehogs you can buy at your local pet shop have usually been bred in captivity and have lived amongst human beings since they were born. This makes them a bit tamer and easier to handle than most other exotic pets. Additionally, hedgehogs are not aggressive when compared to most other exotic pets. They prefer to run and hide when they sense a predator, so they are not rabid or out rightly dangerous. They hardly ever bite people and will only curl up or hide when they are scared, so hedgehogs are far easier to keep as a pet compared to a porcupine, for example.
Hedgehogs’ Diets Require Attention
Hedgehogs are natural insectivores, meaning their diet primarily consists of insects and small invertebrates in the wild. Replicating this diet can be challenging, but it’s essential to provide a diet that meets their nutritional requirements. Hedgehogs need a diet high in protein to support their growth, muscle maintenance, and overall health. Hedgehogs tend to eat a lot but shouldn’t be allowed to eat just about everything. They need a proper ratio of proteins to fiber and fats to live a healthy and strong life. Ideally, the proportions should be 30% – 33% protein to 3% – 8% fiber to 10% – 13% for a healthy adult hedgehog. They usually eat twice daily, so it’s best to put this on your schedule if you want them to stay healthy. Hedgehog food can be found in most online stores today. Still, it might not be available at your local pet shop or supermarket. However, if you can’t get some hedgehog food, feel free to fill your hedgehog’s bowl with some cat food.
Hedgehogs Don’t Produce Many Allergens
Hedgehogs are suitable for people that have common allergic reactions to pets. Hedgehogs do not produce a lot of allergens, unlike cats and dogs, due to their small size and lack of fur.
Hedgehogs Are Curious
Like most pets, each hedgehog tends to have its personality. Some might be a bit laid back, while others might be more energetic and playful. However, one trait most hedgehogs tend to have is curiosity. Hedgehogs are adventurous creatures and always tend to follow their nose to whatever scent entices them. Whenever they smell something new, they sniff it out and find its location – just like guard dogs do. Though this can be pretty entertaining to watch, it can also be dangerous if a hedgehog is left unchecked and unguarded. It’s best to always know where your hedgehog is and ensure the doors and windows are locked shut whenever they are roaming the room. This way, they won’t be able to leave your home without your knowledge.
Hedgehogs Are Nocturnal
Hedgehogs are not the most aggressive or strongest animals out there. In the wild, they hunt and forage for food at night while most predators that hunt them are asleep. This basically means that they are nocturnal animals. Pet hedgehogs keep to this schedule and are usually only active at night while most people are sleeping. The only time you might be able to have fun with your pet hedgehog is at night before going to bed. A pet hedgehog might not be the best pet for you if you’re an early sleeper or someone that doesn’t have time during the day. However, you can still handle or play with your hedgehog during the day. Still, it’s not advised to do this constantly, so have this at the back of your mind before getting a hedgehog.
Hedgehogs Are Noisy
This might come as a surprise due to their cute face and petite figure, but hedgehogs can sometimes be quite vocal. Hedgehogs can make a variety of sounds, from loud, high-pitched screams to a cat-like hiss and every sound in between. It might take a while, but spending more time with your hedgehog can help you decipher what they are trying to convey whenever they make a particular sound. And the fact that hedgehogs are usually awake at night means that they often make these sounds when you’re sleeping or, at least, trying to sleep.
Hedgehogs Require Careful Handling
Subtle is the keyword when handling a new pet hedgehog. Hedgehogs are a tricky bunch and usually take a while before they get used to their new owners. They curl into a ball when they get nervous or scared and expose their quills to protect themselves. Whenever this happens, do not try and force the hedgehog to return to its usual stance. You should be patient and wait for them to do this on their own. Uncurling them can harm them if done. Although hedgehog quills are not as dangerous as the ones on porcupines, they are still quite pokey and can harm you if you’re not careful. Naturally, the quills on a hedgehog’s back are used for defensive purposes or to keep predators at bay. So they can be used offensively and defensively. It would be best to use a soft cloth or a glove when handling a new hedgehog so you don’t get hurt. Nevertheless, the more time you spend with hedgehogs, the more you’ll learn how to hold and handle them better.
Hedgehogs Are Disease Carriers
Most pets have this issue, so it isn’t something to worry about if you are a healthy person that eventually wants to keep your hedgehog healthy.
However, it’s pertinent to note that hedgehogs have been known to harbor salmonella bacteria in their stool. You can get exposed to this while handling them, cleaning their cage, or even touching their bedding and toys. So whenever you play with your hedgehog or touch some of its belongings, it’s best not to touch your eyes or the areas around your mouth until after you wash your hands. If you have kids in the house, be sure to supervise their playtime and physical contact with the hedgehog just to be extra careful.
Conclusion
Hedgehogs can be fascinating and endearing pets for the right individuals willing to provide them with the care and attention they require. However, hedgehog ownership is not without its challenges, and prospective owners should carefully consider several factors before making the decision to bring one into their home. So make sure you consider all the factors we enumerated in this post and also go through more in-depth articles on our hedgehog page to learn as much as possible about them before getting one.
