Hedgehog

Hedgehogs need more space than the small round cages commonly sold in pet stores. A minimum of 2 ft x 4 ft of floor space is required for one adult hedgehog, and more is always better. Excellent options include large plastic storage bins modified with ventilation, double-level Critter Nation cages with ramps (that the hedgehog can safely navigate), or DIY C&C cage setups.

Provide a solid exercise wheel 10 to 12 inches in diameter - this is not optional. Hedgehogs can run 5 to 8 miles per night on a wheel. A wheel that is too small (under 10 inches) causes spinal stress. The wheel must have a solid running surface, not bars or mesh, which catch legs and cause injuries. Carolina Storm Wheels and Bucket Wheel are widely recommended.

Temperature is critically important. Hedgehogs must be kept at 72 to 80 degrees F at all times. Below 65 degrees F, African pygmy hedgehogs (the common pet species) can enter a dangerous state of torpor - they are not cold-adapted hibernators, and torpor in pet hedgehogs causes organ damage and can be fatal. Keep the room warm and use a thermostat if necessary.

Bedding should be paper-based (Carefresh, shredded paper) or fleece liners. Never use cedar or pine shavings - the aromatic oils are toxic to small mammals. Provide a cozy hideout (a plastic igloo or small wooden hide box), a food dish, and a water bottle or heavy ceramic water bowl.

High-quality cat food forms the cornerstone of most pet hedgehog diets. Choose a kibble with a named protein (chicken, turkey) as the first ingredient, low fat content (under 15%), high fiber, and no artificial colors or preservatives. Hedgehog-specific commercial diets exist but vary widely in quality - research ingredients carefully. A mix of 2 to 3 high-quality cat foods provides better nutritional variety than a single option.

Supplement with live insects 3 to 5 times per week. Mealworms (in moderation as they are high in fat and low in calcium), dubia roaches, crickets, and waxworms as an occasional treat are all appropriate. Insects provide protein variety and behavioral enrichment - hedgehogs actively hunt prey and this activity is enriching and natural.

Small amounts of cooked egg, plain cooked chicken, baby food (single-ingredient meat varieties), and low-fat cottage cheese can be offered occasionally for variety. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be offered in tiny quantities: blueberries, apple slices (no seeds), cooked carrot, and leafy greens are safe options. Avoid grapes, raisins, citrus, onion, garlic, and anything with xylitol.

Fresh water must always be available. Some hedgehogs prefer a water bowl over a bottle - offer both initially to see which the hedgehog uses more.

The solid exercise wheel is the single most critical enrichment item and must be provided every night. Without adequate running opportunities, hedgehogs become obese, lethargic, and develop behavioral and health problems. Most hedgehogs run for several hours each night. Accept that this is part of keeping a hedgehog and plan for the wheel noise accordingly.

Provide tunnels (toilet paper rolls, PVC pipes, plastic igloo tunnels), foraging toys (hiding insects or kibble in egg cartons or puzzle feeders), and safe items to explore at various heights. Hedgehogs have excellent senses of smell and will investigate every new scent in their environment. Rotate enrichment items regularly.

Supervised free-roam time in a warm, hedgehog-proofed area (no gaps under furniture large enough for escape, no electrical cords at floor level) is excellent additional enrichment. Many hedgehogs enjoy bath time in a shallow, warm water tub and will swim briefly before toweling off.

Most hedgehogs have a grumpy, defensive reputation - but with patient, consistent handling from a young age, many become quite relaxed and even sociable. Handle at dusk when they are naturally active. Move slowly, support the whole body, and avoid startling them. An anointing hedgehog (self-anointing with unusual scents by licking and spreading saliva on their quills) is engaging and completely normal behavior.

Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS) is a progressive and incurable neurological disease caused by a genetic mutation that causes muscle wasting and progressive paralysis, starting in the hindquarters and moving forward. It affects an estimated 1 in 3 African pygmy hedgehogs and has no treatment. A hedgehog with WHS will gradually lose the ability to use its hind legs, then its front legs, and eventually lose the ability to eat. Comfort care and quality of life management with veterinary guidance is the approach.

Obesity is extremely common and leads to fatty liver disease, heart problems, and joint issues. Hedgehogs become obese from overfeeding high-fat insects, insufficient exercise, or inadequate wheel access. Monitor body condition: you should be able to feel but not see the hip bones. A hedgehog that cannot curl into a full ball due to fat deposits is significantly overweight.

Cancer is unfortunately common in hedgehogs over 3 years old - tumors of the uterus, mouth, and mammary glands are most frequently encountered. Annual veterinary examinations with an exotic vet experienced in hedgehogs are strongly recommended from age 2 onward. Spaying females reduces uterine cancer risk significantly.

Torpor (temperature-induced dormancy) in response to cold temperatures is a veterinary emergency in pet hedgehogs. Signs include extreme lethargy, cold body temperature, and difficulty moving. Warm the hedgehog slowly against your body and contact a vet immediately.