Hedgehogs: Owning

What do I need to know about hedgehogs?

Photo courtesy of Dr. Gregory Rich, DVMThe four-toed, or African pygmy, hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is the species commonly kept as a pet. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and are very active at night as they look for food and investigate their environment. During the day, they tend to burrow, hide, or sleep. They are skilled at climbing and digging and are even good swimmers.

They usually live about four to six years, although some live longer. In the wild, they are solitary and territorial except when breeding and raising their young. Pet hedgehogs are generally housed individually.

Do hedgehogs make good pets?

Hedgehogs can make interesting, somewhat challenging, yet fun and enjoyable pets. Their nighttime activity and tendency to curl into a ball may limit how much an owner can handle or play with them. Their backs are covered with sharp spines, like a porcupine. The sharp spines can injure you if you do not handle the hedgehog properly, but the spines are not barbed like a porcupine’s and will usually not puncture the skin. 

Hedgehogs cannot throw their spines. To defend themselves, hedgehogs "ball up," exposing only their spiny backsides. However, a well-socialized and gently handled young animal will become more tolerant and less afraid, so it will not ball up as much. Hedgehogs can carry Salmonella even when they look healthy. Wash your hands after handling your hedgehog or cleaning their enclosure. 

What daily care does a hedgehog need?

Food: Hedgehogs are naturally insectivores that eat insects and other foods. A commercially prepared hedgehog or insectivore food can form the main part of a pet hedgehog’s diet. Ask your veterinarian how much to feed and which other foods to offer. Provide fresh water at all times.

Toys: Hedgehogs need a place to hide and opportunities to exercise. They enjoy running on a wheel with a solid surface that will not catch their feet. They may also investigate safe toys and tunnels. 

Housing: Hedgehogs thrive with an environmental temperature of 70º to 85ºF (21ºC to 29ºC). Hedgehogs will become less active if the environmental temperature falls below 60ºF (15.5ºC). Hypothermia can be life-threatening for a hedgehog. They are also susceptible to heatstroke in high temperatures.

As pets, hedgehogs do not need to hibernate and many veterinarians recommend against hibernation, as problems with disease can occur if the hedgehog is not healthy prior to hibernation. Talk with your veterinarian to learn more specific information about the problems associated with hibernation.

What makes hedgehogs unique?

Hedgehogs have a keen sense of hearing and smell, but their vision is not well developed. Frightened hedgehogs may hiss and "ball up." When threatened, they may jerk their body upward and thrust their spines towards the handler’s fingers or hands.

Hedgehogs display a behavior called "anting" or "self-anointing," in which they take substances or objects with a strong or unusual odor into their mouth, mix it with copious amounts of saliva, and spread the mixture onto their spines using their long tongues. The purpose of this behavior is not known.

How do I choose a pet hedgehog?

Check whether hedgehog ownership is permitted where you live. Hedgehogs may be available from pet stores or breeders. As with any pet purchase, do not choose a hedgehog that appears ill or listless. 

• Choose one that is bright and alert, and moves quickly when startled. 
• The eyes and nose should be clear, and the skin and spines should be free of crusting or excessive scaliness. 
• If possible, check the ears for redness or excess wax, which might indicate an infection.
• Check the mouth for broken teeth or red, inflamed gums. 
• The hedgehog should feel neither overly fat nor thin. 
• Check the anal area for diarrhea or moistness, which might indicate a gastrointestinal infection.

What veterinary care does my hedgehog need?

Arrange an examination with a veterinarian knowledgeable about hedgehogs soon after purchase or adoption. Check whether a health guarantee requires an examination within a specific time, such as 48 hours. Since hedgehogs will ball up if frightened, some veterinarians may use sedation or anesthesia for a thorough physical and oral examination.

The veterinary examination will include checking your hedgehog’s weight and general health. The eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and skin will be assessed, and the abdomen will be examined if possible. Your hedgehog will also be examined for signs of dehydration and malnutrition. Skin mites are very common in hedgehogs, so your veterinarian may recommend a skin scraping to look for mites under the microscope. A fecal test may be recommended to check for internal parasites. Your veterinarian can also determine the sex of your hedgehog.

Like all pets, hedgehogs should be examined at least annually. Pet hedgehogs do not routinely require vaccinations. Dental disease, tooth abscesses and oral cancer are common problems in older hedgehogs, so any swelling of the mouth needs immediate attention.