CONGRATULATIONS on your new pet hedgehog! Hedgehogs are adorable pets but not suitable for everyone due to their prickly covering. Here is a simple guide with some facts and instructions on how to care properly for your hedgehog.

LIFE SPAN: Between 4 – 7 years.

NATURE: Mostly active at night. They are generally solitary animals and don’t need company. Can be timid and scare easily which causes them to roll into balls and protrude their spikes. This makes handling them difficult, gloves or fleece blankets can be used to make it easier.

DIET: Mainly kitten pellets or hedgehog kibble. You can also give your hedgehogs some fruit or vegetables as a snack. Cooked chicken, hard-boiled eggs, mealworms and crickets can also be added to their diet in small proportions. As well as fresh water to drink.

HABITAT: Hedgehogs need a suitable size cage with clean wood shavings or hay bedding to keep the cage dry. They will need a hide to sleep under, as well as a bowl for food and water. Water bottles are preferable as they tend to tip bowls over. Hedgehogs like to forage around and enjoy time out in the garden, under a watchful eye to make sure they don’t escape.

CARE: Hedgehog cages should be cleaned weekly to avoid the smell and accumulation of decaying food. Fresh sawdust or hay should be used and the cage should be rinsed with a weak bleach and water or F10 solution. Clean food and water should be available at all times.

Hedgehogs can be given a running wheel in their cage for exercise, ensure it is a wheel that is specifically suited for them.

 

Hedgehogs can be bathed in warmer weather but during Winter it is advisable to use bath sand. Baby shampoo or special hedgehog shampoo can be used to bathe them. A bowl of bath sand can be placed in the cage for the hedgehog to roll around in. Karbadust is suitable to use on your hedgehogs should it be itching from mites or fleas.

If at any time your hedgehog looks unwell or is not eating or drinking, a vet can assist you in diagnosing what could be the problem. They are in general quite easy to keep and take care of.

 

Enjoy your new pet and be kind!

~Author:  Chene Bush