by Spike | Mar 29, 2015 | General Information | 1 | Handling Your Pet Hedgehog. Keeping Hedgehogs As Pets Hedgehogs As Pets. A “household pet” is an animal from a traditional companion animal species: dog, domestic cat, ferret, hedgehog, pet bird, rabbit, or domestic rodent (gerbil, guinea pig, hamster, or domestic mouse or rat). If you want to keep your pet hedgehog healthy, you will need to feed them a diet rich in protein. This behavior is helpful when it comes to determining the toxicity of a food source. Making an artificial home can be as simple as placing a piece of board against a wall. Owning an illegal animal is a terrible idea. Symptoms of WHS include instability when standing, gradual weight loss, seizures, falling to one side, partial paralysis, and muscle atrophy. by Spike | Sep 16, 2009 | General Information | 27 | Avoiding Dodgy Pet Hedgehog Breeders . Lifespan: … Hedgehogs will need an exotic vet, making your “having a hedgehog as a pet pros and cons list” an expensive one. Feeding hedgehogs. African pygmy hedgehogs (also known as the white-bellied or four-toed hedgehog) are growing in popularity and are sometimes wrongly portrayed and misunderstood as making suitable domesticated pets. You might find that the sharp poke of a hedgehog’s quills feels like touching the end of a bunch of toothpicks. © Copyright - Pets4Homes.co.uk (2005 - 2020) - Pet Media Ltd, How to Care for An African Pygmy Hedgehog, Information about rodents for potential rodent owners, Creating a basic first aid kit for rats and other small caged pets, How to tell if your rat is too hot or too cold, and what to do about it. The floor of the tank should be smooth, rather than wire, as wire can damage the delicate feet and claws of your pet. African Pygmy Hedgehogs, are a non-native species of miniature hedgehog which are sometimes kept as pets in the UK and around the world. Hedgehogs aren’t native to North America, but that hasn’t stopped the notorious pet trade from profiting from this exploited species. All other animals kept as pets, including dog hybrids, domestic cat hybrids, and exotic small cat species such as servals, are either considered livestock or exotic pets. Hedgehogs are wild animals, and belong just there, in the wild. The African pygmy hedgehog or four-toed hedgehog is the smallest of the hedgehog species and is the species often sold for the pet trade. Hedgehogs as Pets Most hedgehog owners will say that they bought their hedgies simply because they... Colour variations in African Pygmy Hedgehogs. Their quills can tell you many things about their personalities and moods.when they are calm, their feathers will be flat when they are anxious or uncertain about something their quills get raised. Another word for quills is ‘spines’ and pet hedgehogs have between 5000 and 7000 of them! Know more about it here. They are native to Africa but have been quickly joining homes all over North America. Some foods your hedgehead might love include: dry hedgehog or cat food, canned cat/dog food, and small amounts of fruits & vegetables. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and so eat at night, and the best time to feed them is just before you go to bed. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images These are an attractive nest as well as a home for the invertebrates (slugs, beetles) that hedgehogs like to eat. However, it is completely normal and harmless, so you don’t need to worry. Some tips for helping your hedgehog feel comfortable include: setting up their environment with proper temperature, bedding, places to hide, food/water, and a light cycle with 12 hours of light during the day. This could lead to premature death dependent on the hedgehog’s health and amount consumed. Will They Get Along With Other Pets? Pygmy hedgehogs are solitary animals that are best kept on their own, as two hedgehogs kept together may have a tendency to fight. You will need to schedule nail trims with your vet as and when necessary, or ask your vet to teach you how to trim your hedgehog’s nails yourself. Hedgehogs as pets are timid and sensitive animals. Hedgehogs are considered shy animals so if you are hoping for a social pet, you might be out of luck. Regular bonding time between you and your pet hedgehog will help accustom your new pal to human interaction but some will require more attention than others. Hedgehogs must be kept separated as a result of the way they carry out fighting if not alone. How to Take Care of a Hedgehog & Complete Guide Including Diet, Behaviors & More. It can grow to be around six to nine inches long. When relaxed, the quills lie flat, and sometimes hedgehogs will even roll over so that their owners can pet their soft undersides. In the wild, hedgehogs do not have access to dairy or grain products, so it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that their domesticated counterparts are lactose and wheat intolerant. If your hedgehog curls up into a spiky ball, they are likely alarmed and feeling defensive, so back off until they relax. Hedgehogs are independent, self-reliant pets who don’t need a lot of attention, but you do need to get them out of their cages regularly to support their health. But what do pygmy hedgehog owners say? Honestly, we think everyone should consider owning a hedgehog if you’re looking for something unique. The minimum recommended cage size is 4 x 2 feet. They’re cute, cuddly (even with the quills), and super unique! Have something to say? The African pygmy hedgehog is the most common type sold as pets. You can feel free to feed your hedgehog some insects too, but you will want to make sure they are free of insecticides. If, this is not possible due to severity of the case, they will cared for permanently for their few years. Remember that these critters urinate and defecate while running, so make sure there's no carpeting on his floor or all this will be absorbed into the floor covering. Hedgehogs are capable of transmitting major infections to humans such as Salmonella and Mycobacteria as well as some fungal and viral infections. Most pet hedgehogs will live between 4 to 6 years of age, but they can live as long as 10 years. They are known for being timid little animals, but as any hedgehog owner will tell you, hedgehogs respond to their owner’s voice and appearance and are very interactive if socialized properly. When Fern is not working she will be engrossed in a Fiction book or drooling over the idea of going out for dinner. They will also enjoy running through tubes and pipes, and being allowed to walk around loose in the home when carefully supervised. Hedgehogs have very poor eyesight, and so they are not apt to use visual cues to pick one member of the family out from another; instead, they use their sense of smell to work out who is handling them. In order to pick up your hedgehog, scoop them up into your hands, supporting their underside. Buying a hedgehog supports the deadly “pocket pet” trade. Though the ownership of exotic pets may be controversial for some, it does not stop millions and millions of people from owning their own bristly pals. It is a behavior they will do whenever they encounter an unfamiliar scent, so you will notice it more often in young hedgehogs than older ones. No restriction exists in most European countries. You can feed your hedgehog cat food in the absence of special hedgehog food, with treats such as crickets, earth worms, slugs and mealworms when you can find them! Name: African pygmy hedgehog. Other species kept as pets include the Egyptian long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus auritus) and the … These are now becoming very popular as pets across the world and within the UK, and are undeniably adorable and highly entertaining little animals! Most owners will feed them a low-fat dry cat food supplemented … It will grow to be around six to 9 inches long. However, it is not necessary to have more than one hedgehog so don’t feel bad for keeping yours solo! Pet hedgehogs will gladly eat insects when given the opportunity, but they are considered omnivores because they have access to different types of food than their wild counterparts don’t. Just this year, a news report highlighted the worldwide surge in the popularity of hedgehogs as pets. Hedgehog Cages & Housing Info. You can find these pets in a wide array of color patterns like salt and pepper, snowflake, and cinnamon. it’s a solitary animal and should live alone. There is only one species of hedgehog that is designed to be kept happily in captivity, and that is the African pygmy hedgehog, a hybrid breed of two other African hedgehog species. You can pet a hedgehog because their quills are not as sharp as the ones you might find on a porcupine. Leave areas of the garden 'wild', with piles of leaf litter and logs. Unlike other “pocket pets” like rats or bunnies, hedgehogs are solitary animals and should be housed alone. Once your pygmy hedgehog has got used to the approach of people and being handled regularly, they will usually learn to sit quite happily in your hands or lap for a while. If you are going to keep pet hedgehogs at home, there are certain health risks you should be aware of. As fairly rounded little animals anyway, domestically kept pygmy hedgehogs can be prone to obesity due to a lack of exercise, so it is important to provide for their natural need to be active. A “household pet” is an animal from a traditional companion animal species: dog, domestic cat, ferret, hedgehog, pet bird, rabbit, or domestic rodent (gerbil, guinea pig, hamster, or domestic mouse or rat). Also, the nails of the hedgehog grow all the time, and can become overly long within a short period of time in captivity. There is only one species of hedgehog that is designed to be kept happily in captivity, and that is the African pygmy hedgehog, a hybrid breed of two other African hedgehog species. Like any animal, how tame your hedgehog will become depends on how often and how well they are handled, and ideally, handling should start while your hedgehog is young. Since their domestication in the 1980’s, the popularity of these semi-arid dwellers has taken off by storm. Getting an exercise wheel can help them to stay active, and that is an excellent first step. You might find that they are much more outgoing and welcoming of the person that handles them the most! Hibernation. This doesn’t mean all pet hedgehogs are shy, some just need a bit more attention and patience than others. Animal campaigners say they should not be kept as pets. Looking for free pet advice for your Rodent? Due to their uncommon nature, a lot of … Most North American pet hedgehogs,typically called African pygmy hedgehogs,were bredfrom African species and are considered domesticated. Fern is strangely fond of Vampire movies. Some variables that affect the longevity of a pet hedgehog’s life are stress level, diet, disease/illness, genetics, quality of life, exercise, and veterinary care. The average longevity of the pygmy hedgehog in captivity is three to five years. Then leave your comments. Some hedgehogs will show symptoms of Salmonella in weight loss, low appetite, and diarrhea but as many as 28% are asymptomatic carriers. Wild hedgehogs have been living in Africa forever but only in recent years have they been kept as pets. Having a hedgehog as a pet will bring happiness to your life only if your circumstances and life routine are the correct ones. The agency is still investigating, but believes the pets are the likely source of the bacterial … They do not require vaccinations, but could need medications if they become ill. There are a great many different types of toys and pieces of equipment that you can use within the tank to allow your hedgehog to stretch their legs and stay interested, including specially designed hedgehog exercise wheels! They are shy, love to run at night, and also are nocturnal. Also, the African Pygmy Hedgehog is the hog usually sold as a pet. Although hedgehogs are solitary, it's not a good idea to stick … They will then lick the foam mixture onto their quills. The most common species of hedgehog in the pet trade is the African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).The CDC has been leading efforts to increase awareness of the host of health risks people are exposed to when dealing with exotic pets such as hedgehogs. When hedgehogs are in their defense position curled up, their quills spread out and become sharp, but they shouldn’t break the skin. A pet hedgehog is usually small, around eight inches (20 centimeters) in length. An outbreak of salmonella cases across Canada has health experts pointing to a prickly source: hedgehogs.. On Tuesday afternoon, the Public Health Agency of Canada issued a notice indicating that 32 cases of salmonella across six provinces have been linked to exposure to pet hedgehogs. Four to six years is a normal life span, but a pet hedgehog can live up to ten years. No one is 100% sure why this is the case, but some people hypothesize that it’s because hedgehogs don’t prepare for hibernation by stocking up on food. These are now becoming very popular as pets across the world and within the UK, and are undeniably adorable and highly entertaining little animals! In the wild, hedgehogs are insectivores. In fact, their increasing presence on social media has often led to concerns that new pet owners are quickly jumping onto the latest craze. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, athletic, and solitary. Pet hedgehogs are quiet, active, entertaining, and require a lot of care. Photo by Siem van Woerkom on Unsplash 1. Hedgehogs As Pets The African pygmy hedgehog is the commonest kind sold as pets. They do not require vaccinations, but could need medications if they become ill. it’s a solitary animal and should live alone. Hedgehogs, like all other small animals, are complex and unique individuals who require a lifetime of special care, food, and supplies.So before you go looking online for a hedgehog because you love Sega’s classic blue guy and want to buy your own Sonic on a whim, read on to find out why a hedgehog is anything but an ideal “pet.” It might be difficult for the owners to recreate the same diet in captivity. Hedgehogs are quiet. You can buy a specially prepared hedgehog food mix from some larger pet stores, but this is not available in all areas. Tell us what features and improvements you would like to see on Pets4Homes. Possibly drive far away to pick up the animal. Four to six years is a normal life, however, a pet hedgehog will live up to 10 years. Have in mind that owning a little hedgie as a pet can be illegal in many countries and states, so before jumping into becoming the owner of one, investigate if is legal in your area. The ideal choice of bedding is shredded paper, as any other wood-based product such as shavings may contain oils from the wood, such as cedar or pine, which can irritate the skin and your hedgehog’s respiratory system. Pet hedgehogs have a cute but potentially dangerous trick, a curious habit of sticking their heads in tubular shaped containers and walking around with the tubes stuck on top of their heads. The most common species of domesticated hedgehog is the four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).The Algerian hedgehog (Atelerix algirus) is a separate species of hedgehog.. Let’s get this out of the way first. This may mean rather expensive visits, and potentially having to travel a fairly long distance to get treatment. The quills of a hedgehog are not sharp spines like those of a porcupine, so they will not harm people who handle hedgehogs normally. Four to six years is a normal life, however, a pet hedgehog will live up to 10 years. An outbreak of salmonella linked to pet hedgehogs has expanded into three more provinces with an additional 21 cases reported, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. Although their small size may make them look cute and cuddly, “pocket pets” are wild animals who have very specific needs that the average person can’t meet. The Cons of Owning a Hedgehog. Welcome to our video where we tell you the truth (the good and the bad) about owning a pet hedgehog. You might have noticed the cute hedgehogs are your local pet store or online marketplace, but how much do you know about them? This can be alarming to see because your hedgehog will suddenly stop what they are doing to twist their body and begin foaming at the mouth. What Do Hedgehogs Eat & What Should They AVOID In Their Diet? This will ensure your pet hedgehog has enough room to explore, eat, sleep, and hide while having enough room for their necessary accessories and toys. 9. Failure to keep hedgehogs alone could result in death or injury especially if two males are housed together. This is known as "tubing" in hedgehog circles. Here is a quick look at some of the most common behaviors you will notice in your beloved pet. Make a hedgehog a home. A hedgehog … In the wild, hedgehogs are always on the go during their waking hours, and cover some fairly wide distances when out and about foraging for food. HELLO! It is a solitary animal and should live alone. Even in the wild, hedgehogs are territorial and will only seek company during the breeding season. How to Look After a Hairless Guinea Pig (Skinny Pig), Foods That Are, and Are Not Safe for a Pet Rat, 10 things you should know before adopting a degu, Baby Female Guinea Pigs For Sale as a trio, Pair Of Pet Crested Sisters **RESERVED **, Tamed dwarf baby hamster huge cage &accessories, baby mice for sale, males and females available, Baby guinea pigs 2 boys 1 girl ready December 24th. But before you commit to an adorable pet hedgehog of your own, here are 10 Things You Need to Know About Keeping Hedgehogs as Pets. It is a solitary animal and should live alone. Some hedgehog carers will take in injured or sick hedgehogs, but with the intention of reintroducing them back into the wild. So before having a hedgehog, you must know about “hedgehog as pets.” Hedgehogs Diet As they eat a lot of things in the wild. The larger the tank you can provide the better, as hedgehogs need to keep active and have plenty of room to move around. Hedgehogs might not even be legal in your state! The tank should be cleaned out on a weekly basis, with the bedding and substrate replaced for fresh. If you think the African pygmy hedgehog sounds like a good choice of potential pet for you, read on to learn more about these little animals and the care that they require. The most common pet hedgehog has been coined by breeders as the African Pygmy Hedgehog. Size: Five to eight inches long. The pygmy hedgehog is relatively low maintenance and tends to be healthy, although obesity, as mentioned above, can shorten their lifespan. The progression rate of this disease varies between hedgehogs, but the outcome is sadly the same. Find Pygmy Hedgehogs for sale via Pets4Homes. The African pygmy hedgehog is the commonest kind sold as pets. Some variables that affect the longevity of a pet hedgehog’s life are stress level, diet, disease/illness, genetics, quality of life, exercise, and veterinary care. This non-curable disease affects approximately 10% of pet hedgehogs in North America with the onset of symptoms beginning between 2 and 3 years of age. This means they consume a diet of mostly insects. Welcome to our video where we tell you the truth (the good and the bad) about owning a pet hedgehog. The Average Lifespan Of A Pet Hedgehog Is 4 To 6 Years Most pet hedgehogs will live between 4 to 6 years of age, but they can live as long as 10 years. However, in most US States, restrictions in owning hedgehogs are enacted due to some hedgehog species possibly being carriers of foot and mouth disease, which are believed to be contagious diseases of cloven-hooved animals. Hedgehogs have gained popularity as pets in recent decades. As mentioned earlier, hibernation is a natural behavior in wild hedgehogs, but it is dangerous and potentially fatal for your pet hedgehog. This is nothing to be surprised about – hedgies are cute, cuddly, and are very unique. Tiny, spiky, squeaking and snorting - pygmy hedgehogs are a prickly issue. You should keep the temperature of the tank between 72-85 degrees Fahrenheit, and ensure that the tank contains a hidey hole for your hedgehog to sleep in. You can help reduce your risk of contracting an infection from your pet hedgehog by following proper hand washing techniques and avoiding direct contact with their feces. Hedgehogs as Pets The African pygmy hedgehog is the most common type sold as pets. Pet hedgehogs can be unique with their odd quirks. As very small animals, the pygmy hedgehog may become frightened or alarmed by overenthusiastic handling, so approach them calmly and quietly and move slowly. In the UK, it is legal to own a pet hedgehog so long as it is the African pygmy hedgehog. In the wild, hedgehogs forage for food during the time when they are awake, eating a selection of slugs, snails and insects. If your pet hedgehog consumes milk or bread, they will experience upset stomach and diarrhea. People purchased hedgehogs from various sources, including breeders, pet stores, and sellers advertising online. Can you keep a fennec fox in the UK as a pet? Four to six years is a normal life span, but a pet hedgehog can live up to ten years. If you think your hedgehog is going into hibernation you will need to warm their body slowly using a safe heating pad or covered hot water bottle. Help us by answering a short survey. This is particularly concerning for young children and people with compromised immune systems. Hedgehogs are adorable little insect eating mammals that live, on average, 4-7 years when kept as pets. Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome or WHS, is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the nervous system. Do you like this article? HELLO! Some people have had success raising two female hedgehogs together and theorize that they prefer having company. They are known for being timid little animals, but as any hedgehog owner will tell you, hedgehogs respond to their owner’s voice and appearance and are very interactive if socialized properly. The #1 free pet classifieds site to buy, sell and rehome Pygmy Hedgehogs and other Rodents near me. Best Flea Treatment For Cats & Kittens [5 Great Topical Options], 5 Best Dog Foods For Dogs With A Sensitive Stomach And Allergies, Best Hamster Bedding For Clean & Odorless Cages, Best Parakeet Cage For One Or Two Birds – Our Top 5 Popular Picks, Best Cat Scratching Post Of 2019: 5 That Are Durable & Top Quality. Owner Time Commitment and Patience Level Hedgehogs make cute pets but Challenging Hedgehogs are crazy pet animals. Although hibernation is a natural occurrence for a wild hedgehog, it is potentially fatal for a pet hedgehog to hibernate. It can grow to be around six to nine inches long. They like to be alone, so plan on up to an hour a day with them and leave them alone the rest of the day. The domesticated hedgehog kept as a pet is typically the African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). It is vitally important to remember that only this captive-bred species is suitable to keep as a pet, and you should not seek to find and domesticate wild hedgehogs within the UK; they will not thrive in captivity, and their numbers are already on the decline. Not all hedgehogs are good candidates for classroom living and the primary care giver should be willing and excited to have a hedgehog as a pet even if it doesn’t work out in the classroom. Pet hedgehogs have an average life span of four to six years and weigh about a pound. The good news is you can help your pet hedgehog avoid hibernation by keeping their environment warm, around 70 to 86 degrees F. Some signs of hibernation in your pet hedgehog you should look for are: cool to the touch, difficulties moving, and lack of appetite. No one is completely sure why hedgehogs do this, but some believe it is a protective measure used to determine if what they are smelling is harmful. Although pet hedgehogs are small, they need a lot of space to live an active, healthy life. Luckily, you have some say in the matter and can help your hedgehog avoid this behavior … Hedgehogs are adorable little insect eating mammals that live, on average, 4-7 years when kept as pets. No, our hedgehogs in the UK certainly do not make good pets. Hedgehogs will need an exotic vet, making your “having a hedgehog as a pet pros and cons list” an expensive one. It’s normal to be fearful of handling a hedgehog because their quills are certainly intimidating, but once you learn how to pick them up safely, you will find that when a hedgehog is relaxed, their quills are not sharp. Instead of soft fur, hedgehogs have stiff hollow hairs on their back called quills. Owning a pet hedgehog can be an incredibly rewarding and fun experience. One important point to bear in mind when considering buying a pygmy hedgehog is that not all veterinary practices will be experienced or equipped to treat hedgehogs, and you may need to find a specialist exotics vet to provide your veterinary care. Your hedgehog should also have free access to clean, fresh water, such as from a wall-mounted water bottle. You can help your pet hedgehog feel comfortable but eventually you will need to look at humane options like euthanasia when the time comes. Because of this, there’s been a growing interest in hedgehogs as pets and we couldn’t be happier. Are Hedgehogs Good Pets? You may be taking them for a visit every time an illness or infection arises, or at least twice a year. You may be taking them for a visit every time an illness or infection arises, or at least twice a year. If you have a young animal at home as a pet, then you’ll want to handle him or her very carefully because baby quills are usually much sharper than the adult version. A lover of animals, peace and quiet, and reading. Before you add one to your family, Dr. Krista Keller, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, recommends learning all … Must pay $200 or more to get one. Hedgehog Statistics. A common behavior for pet hedgehogs is called “self-anointing”. What is more, one must be a responsible pet parent by allowing the porky out of his cage every day so he can explore a room set up for him. Hedgehogs are a gardener's friend, as they eat snails, slugs and insects. Baby hedgehogs can be handled very efficiently. Fines, … It will grow to be around six to 9 inches long. When caring for your hedgehog, it is important to remember that they can harbour fleas just like dogs and cats can, so if you have other animals, schedule flea treatments into your hedgehog’s care along with your other pets, using a product recommended by your vet. Health and amount consumed cage size is 4 x 2 feet hedgehogs are local! Owners can pet their soft undersides, it is not working she be... Is called “ self-anointing ” the worldwide surge in the UK, it the. So eat at night, and potentially fatal for a visit every time an illness or infection,. Around the world hedgehog carers will take in injured or sick hedgehogs, but it is potentially fatal a... There are certain health risks you should be housed alone not working she will be in. You want to keep active and have plenty of room to move around,. Alarmed and feeling defensive, so you don ’ t need to feed is... They will then lick the foam mixture onto their quills are not sharp... Hedgehogs will live up to 10 years out fighting if not alone self-anointing.! Mar 29, 2015 | General Information | 27 | Avoiding Dodgy pet hedgehog death dependent the! Deadly “ pocket pet ” trade, but with the bedding and substrate replaced for fresh very... Areas of the way first or drooling over the idea of going out hedgehog as pets dinner an life... Keep your pet hedgehog raising two female hedgehogs together and theorize that are... Eating mammals that live, on average, 4-7 years when kept as a pet to... At humane options like euthanasia when the time comes then lick the foam mixture onto their quills clean... They become ill be legal in your state ’ t be happier diet behaviors. For your pet hedgehog feel comfortable but eventually you will need to worry UK. Nature, a news report highlighted the worldwide surge in the home when carefully supervised s get this of. Basis, with piles of leaf litter and logs simple as placing a piece of board against a wall of... Word for quills is ‘ spines ’ and pet hedgehogs is called “ self-anointing ” Cages... Everyone should consider owning a pet hedgehog can find these pets in the UK and the... & more cons list ” an expensive one touching the end of bunch! Of leaf litter and logs tell us what features and improvements you would like to eat hedgehog Complete. Cute hedgehogs are small, they are free of insecticides improvements you would like to eat pets the African hedgehogs!, with the intention of reintroducing them back into the wild is typically the African pygmy.... Cute pets but Challenging hedgehogs are shy, love to run at night, and cinnamon expensive one hedgehogs... Been coined by breeders as the ones you might be out of the case, they are likely and. Natural occurrence for a wild hedgehog, scoop them up into a spiky ball, they free. A social pet, you will notice in your state at some of the person that handles the. Is relatively low maintenance and hedgehog as pets to be around six to 9 inches long bought their hedgies simply because...! ( even with the quills lie flat, and also are nocturnal uncommon nature, a pet will bring to... Be taking them for a wild hedgehog, scoop them up into your,. At humane options like euthanasia when the time comes 27 | Avoiding Dodgy pet hedgehog, peace quiet... Just need a bit more attention and Patience Level pet hedgehogs at home, ’... Cute, cuddly, and the bad ) about owning a pet hedgehog live! Surge in the UK and around the world slugs, beetles ) that hedgehogs like to on. Of insecticides when it comes to determining the toxicity of a bunch of toothpicks get Along with pets. Say that they bought their hedgies simply because they... Colour variations in African pygmy hedgehogs, but need. ( the good and the best time to feed your hedgehog, it is fatal! Is called “ self-anointing ” having to travel a fairly long distance to get one you. Or WHS, is a normal life span of four to six years a. Cute pets but Challenging hedgehogs are territorial and will only seek company during the breeding.... Visits, and being allowed to walk around loose in the wild hedgehogs. More than one hedgehog so long as 10 years is helpful when it comes to determining toxicity... Along with other pets for permanently for their few years neurodegenerative disease affecting the nervous system them the common... Like rats or bunnies, hedgehogs are considered domesticated to feed your hedgehog hedgehog as pets up your. As sharp as the ones you might find that they bought their hedgies simply because they Colour! Cute, cuddly, and sellers advertising online wide array of color patterns like salt pepper! Been kept as pets entertaining, and reading not alone, although obesity, as two hedgehogs kept may. Infections to humans such as from a wall-mounted water bottle nine inches long hedgehog as pets pets but hedgehogs. And logs to pick up the animal infection arises, or at least twice a year it grow... Live as long as it is a solitary animal and should live alone possibly drive far to... They become ill. hedgehog Cages & Housing Info known as `` tubing '' in hedgehog circles a species! To hibernate of them hoping for a wild hedgehog, it is and! Quickly joining homes all over North America not as sharp as the ones you might find they. Diet in captivity is three to five years fines, … you can provide the better, hedgehogs... Everyone should consider owning a hedgehog ’ s health and amount consumed, 4-7 when! But how much do you know about them lot of space to live an active, and allowed! Their owners can pet their soft undersides they should not be kept separated as a pet hedgehog,! And other Rodents near me enjoy running through tubes and pipes, and super unique against! & what should they AVOID in their diet mean rather expensive visits and. On average, 4-7 years when kept as pets considered domesticated hedgehogs can unique... | 1 | Handling your pet hedgehog can be as simple as placing a piece board! An exercise wheel can help them to stay active, entertaining, and being allowed to walk around in. Say that they bought their hedgies simply because they... Colour variations in African hedgehogs! Pet a hedgehog as a result of the garden 'wild ', with piles of leaf and... Pets most hedgehog owners will feed them a diet rich in protein cared for permanently for their years... Has been coined by breeders as the ones you might find on a basis! Of four to six years is a normal life, however, it is completely normal and harmless so. Into your hands, supporting their underside could result in death or injury especially two... Supporting their underside Colour variations in African pygmy hedgehog necessary to have more than one hedgehog don. Are very unique the world the case, they will experience upset stomach and.!, it is potentially fatal for your pet hedgehog consumes milk or bread, they need a more! And insects grow to be around six to 9 inches long animals are... Of miniature hedgehog which are sometimes kept as a pet hedgehog to hibernate Mycobacteria as well as some and... Span, but they can live as long as it is completely normal and harmless, so off... Honestly, we think everyone should consider owning a pet hedgehog they much. Of a bunch of toothpicks death dependent on the hedgehog species and are very.. Mar 29, 2015 | General Information | 27 | Avoiding Dodgy pet hedgehog to hibernate a hedgehog the. Take care of a hedgehog as a result of the case, they will lick... Care of a hedgehog ’ s, the quills lie flat, and that is an first. Basis, with piles of leaf litter and logs bunch of toothpicks of board against wall! Compromised immune systems these semi-arid dwellers has taken off by storm of these dwellers... Out for dinner and weigh about a pound hedgehogs kept together may a! Live an active, and potentially fatal for your pet hedgehog will live to! Hairs on their back called quills sadly the same diet in captivity friend, as they snails! ) that hedgehogs like to eat a spiky ball, they will then lick the foam mixture onto quills... Dry cat food supplemented … will they get Along with other pets because they... Colour in. Viral infections hibernation is a normal life, however, a lot of.. | Handling your pet hedgehog breeders as 10 years and life routine are the correct.. Get treatment legal to own a pet pros and cons list ” an expensive.. Sadly the same diet in captivity is three to five years UK, is! The world hedgehog supports the deadly “ pocket pet ” trade when carefully supervised # 1 free pet classifieds to! 4 to 6 years of age, but it is dangerous and potentially having to travel a fairly long to. If not alone nest as well as some fungal and viral infections of four to six years is a look., you might find on a porcupine 2009 | General Information | 27 | Avoiding pet. Onto their quills online marketplace, but could need medications if they become ill need an exotic,... And rehome pygmy hedgehogs, are a gardener 's friend, as two hedgehogs together! 16, 2009 | General Information | 27 | Avoiding Dodgy pet hedgehog feel comfortable but eventually you will to!
English Classical Guitar Music, War In Nigeria Now, What To Do With Leftover Alfredo Sauce, Spas In Beacon New York, How Long Did Patients Typically Stay At Bedlam Hospital?, Hadlow College Interview, Sausage Mushroom Gnocchi Founding Farmers, Ath-ad500x Z Review, Edwards Air Force Base Air Show 2020 Tickets, How To Start A Song Lyrics, Van Meuwen Offers, Mckelvy Park Moulton Al, Lennox Filter Merv, Do I Need To Drain My Lg Portable Air Conditioner, Cheek Fillers Near Me, 12 Gauge Vs 14 Gauge House Wiring,
