Caring For Hedgehogs At Home

 

Caring for a hedgehog at home can be a rewarding experience, but it does require commitment and attention to their specific needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you care for a pet hedgehog:

Basic Needs

1. Habitat

·  Enclosure Size: Minimum 2 x 3 feet. Bigger is better.

·  Bedding: Use paper-based bedding or fleece liners. Avoid wood shavings (especially cedar and pine, which are toxic).

·  Temperature: 72–80°F (22–27°C). Hedgehogs can attempt hibernation if it gets too cold, which can be dangerous for them.

·  Lighting: Provide a consistent 12-hour light/dark cycle.

2. Hiding Spot

·  Provide a hiding place like a small igloo, PVC pipe, or fabric pouch. Hedgehogs need a place to feel secure.

3. Exercise

·  Hedgehogs are very active at night.

·  Include a solid-surface exercise wheel (12" diameter is best).

·  Allow supervised floor time in a hedgehog-safe space.

Diet

1. Staple Food

·  High-quality hedgehog food or low-fat, high-protein cat food.

·  Look for foods with meat as the first ingredient, and avoid high fillers like corn or grains.

2. Treats

·  Occasional fruits (like apples, bananas), vegetables (like carrots), and insects (like mealworms or crickets).

·  Avoid toxic foods: grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate, and avocado.

3. Water

·  Always provide fresh water in a water bottle or shallow dish.

Hygiene

1. Cage Cleaning

·  Spot clean daily (remove waste and uneaten food).

·  Full clean weekly with safe disinfectant.

2. Bathing

·  Bathe occasionally using warm water and a toothbrush to gently scrub. Use pet-safe shampoo if needed.

·  Avoid overbathing as it can dry out their skin.

3. Nail Trimming

·  Trim nails monthly. Use baby nail clippers and be cautious of the quick (blood vessel inside the nail).

Health

1. Vet Care

·  Find an exotic pet veterinarian.

·  Annual check-ups recommended.

2. Common Issues

·  Obesity (from lack of exercise or too many fatty treats).

·  Mites (symptoms: excessive scratching, quill loss).

·  Dental problems.

·  Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (a neurological disease).

Behavior & Bonding

·  Hedgehogs are nocturnal and may be shy at first.

·  Handle them gently and consistently to build trust.

·  Let them explore you during their active hours.

·  Use a worn T-shirt in their enclosure so they get used to your scent.

Hedgehogs as Pets: Hedgehogs General Info, Purchasing, Care, Cost, Keeping, Health, Supplies, Food, Breeding and More Included! The Ultimate Guide for Hedgehogs

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It’s an amusing little critter with many curiosities and oddities that make them all the more adorable. They are tiny enough to fit in your hand when they are small and if you are the sort who stays up most nights then a hedgehog may be the pet for you. Hedgehogs wouldn’t be what you would consider as the typical family pet, and have some special traits, characteristics and habits which do not make them suitable for some owner situations. So, it is vital to be aware and ready for some of these characteristics even before you think about purchasing a hedgehog. Find out everything you need to know about the hedgehog in this handy book and get to learn about its origins, behaviors, physical characteristics and also get to learn how to feed and care for them. Hedgehogs General Info, Purchasing, Care, Cost, Keeping, Health, Supplies, Food, Breeding and More Included!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE BOOK ON AMAZON