Guidelines For Keeping Hedgehogs as Pets

If you are considering getting a hedgehog as a pet or already have one, this article may be of interest to you since it contains guidelines for raising your hedgehog as a pet and caring for it in order to establish a long-term attachment.

Here are some guidelines and tips for caring for a hedgehog.

• Give your hedgehog a cage with a giant wheel inside that is large enough for them to run about in. They need a wheel to run on at night. Check that it isn’t a wire wheel so kids don’t cut their feet.
• They should not be kept in a hamster cage. These cages are far too tiny, and some contain additional compartments that are likewise insufficient for hedgehogs.
• Feed your hedgehog live mealworms sometimes (or dried ones if they prefer fresh mealworms because my daughter is a princess).
• Don’t give them several mealworms each day. As a treat for pets, only one or two mealworms a day, or three if you haven’t given them any in a while, should be provided as a treat to pets, and only on a few occasions every week. Hedgehogs are prone to obesity, and mealworms have a high fat content.
• To make your hedgehog friendlier, take them outside and play with them. When you initially obtain your hedgehog, they probably won’t be particularly sociable because they haven’t been around you or smelled you. Hedgehogs rely largely on scent because they can’t sight very well. They will feel more at ease when you handle them more since they are familiar with your scent.
• Never let your hedgehog out since they are usually coiled up or hissing. Simply put your hand next to them, let them become used to you, and then scoop them up by sliding your fingers under their belly.
• For when your hedgehog is not in its cage, get them a playpen. To prevent hedgehogs from escaping and hiding, make sure you have a sizable, fenced area for them to play in. Hedgehogs prefer to burrow and hide in shadowy areas.
• Hedgehogs should never be left unsupervised outside of a cage or playpen. They will conceal themselves everywhere they can, most likely in a spot you never even considered looking. Given that they just hiss, it could be challenging to locate them.
• Treats like fruits, vegetables, and unseasoned meats should be placed on your hedgehog’s table. You’ll need to learn what they enjoy and be sure to do your research on what’s appropriate to gift them. Even cooked eggs and the majority of infant meals, especially sweet potatoes, are OK as long as no hazardous preservatives or other byproducts are present.
• Give your hedgehog no lactose. Hedgies are lactose intolerant, so be sure to carefully check the label on any dry cat food you are giving them on a daily basis (their staple diet). Weight control cat food should also be purchased to prevent your hedgehog from becoming overweight, which is a fairly regular occurrence.
• Give your hedgehog a bath every so often. Give them a wash in the sink if you notice that they scratch a lot or that their nails are filthy. Make sure the water is warm because hedgehogs are used to warm temperatures and their bodies begin to think about hibernating when it gets cold. As a result, before returning your hedgehog to its cage, you must make sure that it is totally dry. Hold them in a towel for a bit or keep them outside to play with.
• When washing your hedgehog, avoid using scented soap. If you do decide to use soap, choose a fragrance-free one; often, baby soaps or baby oil are ideal for their skin. They will be extremely irritated by scented soap, and they will repeatedly anoint themselves to make the smell go away.

These are the tips and guidelines you should follow if you have a hedgehog as a pet or are thinking about getting one. Making them your pet at home is not easy; it takes time, but sharing those guidelines will help you get more familiar with them.