more hedgehog information 

HOUSING

  • minimum 6 square feet on one level (if more than one level, ramps and levels must have sides of sufficient height to prevent falls)

  • wire cages should be lined 8-10” on the inside of the bars with something like Coroplast to prevent climbing or leg entrapment, and the floor must be solid not wire

  • fleece or paper bedding (no wood shavings which can get stuck in genitals)

  • some people successfully keep their hedgies in naturalistic or bioactive enclosures; be sure to conduct lots of research if you plan this type of habitat

HEATING

  • Required temperature range is 22-27°C - elderly, ill hedgies, or those who have had hibernation attempts often need to be at the upper end of the range. Pet hedgehogs are not designed to hibernate, and cold temperatures can be deadly if their bodies attempt hibernation. Keeping the temperature appropriate is essential!

  • Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) system is best, with a thermostat to regulate heat

  • Space heaters in the room are acceptable as long as there is a thermometer in the habitat to monitor the heat and it is checked morning and night

DIET

  • Dry cat food with 30-35% protein (any higher can lead to kidney issues) and 12-15% fat

  • most hedgehog-specific diets on the market are not actually healthy, with the exception of Hedgehog Precision

  • Supplements can include black soldier fly larvae, wax worms, superworms, mealworms, crickets, small pieces of fresh cooked chicken, egg, etc. Some hedgies will enjoy small pieces of fresh vegetable or fruit.

GROOMING

  • Hedgies often relieve themselves while running on their wheel, and ‘foot baths’ are frequently required to take care of ‘poop boots!’

  • Full baths will depend on the individual and how tidy they are

  • claws grow quickly and require regular trimming

ENRICHMENT

  • a wheel is a must, and most hedgies will run miles every night

  • minimum diameter 10.5 - 12”

  • running track should be 4.5 - 5” wide

  • Suggested wheels: Carolina Storm bucket wheel; Enchanting Pets Silent Wheel, or a large Comfort Wheel (the Kaytee Silent Spinner is NOT safe for hedgehogs - the wheel’s track can separate under hedgehog weight and trap or tear off delicate toes)

  • other enrichments include tunnels made of fleece or PVC pipes (diameter 4”), and dig boxes (you can hide treats or toys in a box filled with 1”+ pompoms and strips of fleece)

  • cat toys (no holes that can trap delicate toes), and some hedgies like to push Hot Wheels around!

  • some hedgehogs can enjoy time with you outside, as long as you take precautions to keep them safe with constant supervision, shade from bright light, no exposure to pesticides, and the temperature is within their recommended range

  • small animal exercise balls are NOT safe or recommended!

SOCIALIZATION

  • African pygmy hedgehogs who are not handled regularly will be huffy, antisocial, may bite, and will be difficult to care for properly because they will ball up preventing nail trimming and health checks. Life with an unsocialized hedgie won’t be enjoyable for either of you! Plan to put in the time (at least an hour every evening), and you will be rewarded with a really interesting, fun companion!

VETERINARY 

  • a qualified exotics vet with hedgehog experience is an absolute must and should be budgeted for accordingly.