Hedgehogs are distinctive animals gaining popularity as companion pets. Their unique quilled appearance and nocturnal habits make them fascinating additions to a household. Understanding their specific care requirements is important for their health and happiness. This includes providing a proper environment, suitable diet, and consistent hygiene practices.
Creating a Suitable Habitat
A hedgehog’s living space should be carefully designed to meet their needs. A minimum cage size of 2 x 3 feet (0.6 x 0.9 meters) is recommended, though larger enclosures are beneficial. Suitable options include large plastic storage containers or single-level, plastic-bottom wire cages with wire spacing no more than 1 inch apart to prevent limb entrapment. Glass aquariums are not recommended due to poor ventilation, leading to respiratory issues.
Maintaining an appropriate temperature is important for hedgehog well-being. The ideal ambient temperature range is 75°F to 85°F (24°C–29°C). Temperatures outside this range can cause them to enter a torpid state, which is unhealthy. Heating solutions like a ceramic heat emitter or a heating pad placed underneath a portion of the enclosure maintain this warmth.
Providing suitable bedding is important for burrowing. Options include fleece liners, recycled paper bedding, or aspen shavings, placed 3-4 inches deep in some areas of the cage. Avoid rough, dusty, or scented substrates, as well as pine or cedar shavings, which can release harmful oils. Enrichment items such as a solid exercise wheel (at least 11 inches in diameter), hiding spots like cardboard boxes or PVC tubes, and tunnels should be included to encourage natural activity.
Feeding Your Hedgehog
A hedgehog’s diet should primarily consist of high-quality commercial hedgehog food or a good quality, low-fat cat food as a base. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients and chitin, which is found in insect exoskeletons and acts as a fiber source. Adult hedgehogs typically require 1 to 2 tablespoons of kibble daily.
Supplementing their diet with insects is beneficial. Daily additions of about 1 teaspoon of fresh or freeze-dried mealworms or crickets are suitable, as hedgehogs are insectivores. These insects should ideally be “gut-loaded,” meaning they are fed a nutritious diet before being offered, to maximize their nutritional value.
Certain foods should be avoided due to potential toxicity or digestive issues. These include dairy products, nuts, seeds, avocados, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and raw meats or eggs. While some fruits and vegetables can be offered sparingly as treats (e.g., small amounts of apple, banana, berries, or cooked squash), the majority of a hedgehog’s fiber comes from chitin, not plant matter. Fresh, clean water should always be available in a shallow, heavy bowl that is difficult to tip over.
Grooming and Hygiene
Routine grooming practices contribute to a hedgehog’s cleanliness. Infrequent bathing is sufficient, usually when the hedgehog appears dirty, has dry skin, or develops “poopy boots” (soiled feet). Warm water, at a comfortable temperature, can be used in a sink or shallow tub. A mild, tear-free baby shampoo or an oatmeal soak can be used to gently clean their quills and feet with a soft toothbrush.
Nail trimming is another important aspect of hedgehog care. If left untrimmed, nails can curl into their paws, causing pain and difficulty walking, and potentially leading to infection. Baby nail clippers or small pet nail trimmers can be used to carefully trim the tips of the nails, avoiding the quick which contains blood vessels. Trimming nails during or after a bath may be easier as the nails are softer.
Maintaining a clean habitat is directly linked to hedgehog hygiene. Daily spot cleaning to remove waste and soiled bedding is recommended. A full cage cleaning, including replacing all bedding and cleaning surfaces, should be performed weekly. This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and reduces odors, contributing to a healthier environment.
Recognizing Health Issues
Observing changes in a hedgehog’s behavior or physical condition can indicate potential health problems. A decrease or increase in appetite, along with unexplained weight loss or gain, can be a sign of underlying issues such as dental problems or parasites. Regular weight monitoring using a baby scale can help detect these changes early.
Lethargy, characterized by reduced activity, increased sleeping, or a general lack of interest in their surroundings, often suggests illness or discomfort. Respiratory issues, such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or nasal discharge, can point to infections like pneumonia. Any signs of labored breathing warrant immediate veterinary attention.
Skin problems are common in hedgehogs. Mite infestations can cause excessive scratching, flaky skin, crusting at the base of spines, and quill loss. Ringworm, a fungal infection, can manifest as skin flaking, crusting, and spine loss. Unusual lumps or swelling on the body should be examined by a veterinarian, as they could indicate tumors or infections, common in hedgehogs over three years old.