Hedgehogs: Housing

What type of cage does my hedgehog need?

The cage for an African pygmy hedgehog should be large enough for them to move around and exercise. A glass aquarium or smooth-sided cage is a reasonable choice for many owners.

• The floor should be at least 2 feet x 3 feet (61 cm x 91 cm).
• Walls must be high enough to prevent escape, as hedgehogs are good climbers. 
• If you use an aquarium, make sure it meets the minimum floor-space requirement.
• Avoid using a cage with a wire bottom because your hedgehog could easily injure a foot in the wire.
• A cage with a plastic bottom and wire walls is acceptable if the space between the wires is 1 inch (2.5 cm) or less.

A larger cage gives your hedgehog more room for exercise. Hedgehogs are very active when they are not sleeping. They are nocturnal, so they are most active at night. They are skilled climbers, diggers, and swimmers. Hedgehogs can be let out of their cage to explore in a large, secure room under supervision. They are very fast, and in an open room, they will quickly run to hide in or under furniture.

Should I control the temperature in my hedgehog’s cage?

Hedgehogs are very susceptible to extremes in temperature. In the wild, African hedgehogs do not experience cold weather. If a hedgehog’s body does become chilled, they may become less active and, if they remain cold for several hours, they may become critically ill. 

Hedgehogs thrive with an environmental temperature of 70ºF to 85ºF (21ºC to 29ºC). If your home is too cool, you may need a supplemental heat source under one end of the cage. Heatstroke can occur with temperatures above 85ºF (29ºC).

Can I house more than one hedgehog in each cage?

In the wild, hedgehogs are solitary animals. In captivity, it is best to keep them in individual cages. Hedgehogs housed in groups may fight, especially if adequate space is not available. If a male and female hedgehog are housed together and neither has been sterilized, they may breed.

What kind of bedding should I put in the cage?

Acceptable bedding materials include:

• Shredded paper
• Newspaper
• Recycled pelleted or absorbent material
• Wood shavings, such as aspen or untreated pine
• Indoor/outdoor carpet or artificial turf that can be removed, washed, and dried

Avoid:

• Corncob bedding, as it tends to grow mold when wet
• Dusty shavings or cedar shavings, as they can irritate your hedgehog’s eyes and respiratory system

What else can I place in my hedgehog's cage?

Your hedgehog needs a place to hide, food and water dishes, and an exercise wheel. You may also provide a litter tray and safe toys.

• A hiding place. Hedgehogs are nocturnal so they need somewhere to rest away from bright light. You can provide a cardboard or wooden box, cloth bag, PVC tube, plastic log, or small plastic hut. If you use cloth, make sure your hedgehog’s toenails cannot catch in the fabric.
• Food and water dishes. Food and water dishes should be heavy, because hedgehogs like to push items around the cage. Large ceramic dishes work well.
• An exercise wheel. Hedgehogs enjoy running on a wheel designed for hedgehogs or chinchillas. Choose one with a solid running surface. Do not use a wire wheel because your hedgehog’s feet may get stuck.
• A litter tray. Some pet hedgehogs will use one, but most defecate randomly.
• Toys. Hedgehogs rarely play with toys. You may place chew toys in the cage, but they are not necessary. If you provide chew toys, choose toys without pieces small enough to be swallowed.

How should I maintain my hedgehog’s cage?

Hedgehogs are susceptible to skin irritations from urine and feces, so clean the cage frequently.

• Remove all feces, urine, and uneaten food daily.
• Clean the cage with soap and water at least weekly, and rinse well. 

Your veterinarian can help you choose a cage and set it up to meet your hedgehog’s needs. Ask them if you have questions about bedding, temperature, or keeping the cage safe and clean.