Basic Hedgehog Care
Cage
Your hedgehog will need a safe home. There are many available options and below are a few things to remember when purchasing a cage for your hedgehog.
Many hedgehog owners use guinea pig or rabbit cages. Be sure the cage is only one level with short sides and a top. Another option (and what I use), is a clear sided plastic sterilite storage container. These containers come in many different sizes, are inexpensive and easy to clean. I recommend the 110 qt size. If you are concerned about your hedgehog climbing out, just use the lid with some sort of ventilation holes cut into it.
I purchase my hedgehog supplies from Creature Comforts in Durango, CO. They have a great selection of small animal supplies and the recommended foods I feed my hedgehogs, including crickets and freeze dried mealworms.
- The larger the space the better. Hedgehogs are very active animals that cover miles each night in search of food in the wild.
- Choose a cage with horizontal space not vertical space. Hedgehogs are ground dwelling creatures. They can easily fall from upper levels and will often climb vertical bars only to fall back into the cage.
- Ease of cleaning.
Many hedgehog owners use guinea pig or rabbit cages. Be sure the cage is only one level with short sides and a top. Another option (and what I use), is a clear sided plastic sterilite storage container. These containers come in many different sizes, are inexpensive and easy to clean. I recommend the 110 qt size. If you are concerned about your hedgehog climbing out, just use the lid with some sort of ventilation holes cut into it.
I purchase my hedgehog supplies from Creature Comforts in Durango, CO. They have a great selection of small animal supplies and the recommended foods I feed my hedgehogs, including crickets and freeze dried mealworms.
Bowls and Bottles
Hedgehogs can easily flip over a light weight bowl. I recommend a heavy crock type bowl for food. I use water bottles rather than bowls as hedgehogs are messy and will get bedding and feces in their water bowls. If the bowl is not heavy enough they can tip it and run out of water. Water bottles keep the water clean and fresh and it is easy to see how much water your hedgehog is consuming.
Food
Hedgehogs are insectivores that require a high protein diet, but they are also prone to obesity so low fat content is also important. Look for a quality food with a minimum protein level around 35% and a lower fat content around 18%. Listed are cat food brands we recommend: Earthborn Holistic, Wellness, Purina Pro Plan, Blue Buffalo, Innova Evo and Taste of the Wild.
Hedgehogs like live mealworms or waxworms. Mealworms are also available freeze dried. You can offer crickets but only in very small quantities as they can clog up a hedgehog's digestive tract. Never feed your hedgehog superworms. Not only can they bite, but if they are not completely dead when your hog eats them they can still bite your pet from the inside! Your hedgehog may also like hard boiled egg, cooked chicken or turkey, canned pumpkin, canned cat food, or baby foods. Never feed your hedgehog grapes, raisins, onions, nuts, bird seed, chocolate, or anything citrus.
Hedgehogs are small animals so they only require one to two tablespoons of food nightly. Be sure that your hedgehog has access to fresh water and exercise daily.
Hedgehogs like live mealworms or waxworms. Mealworms are also available freeze dried. You can offer crickets but only in very small quantities as they can clog up a hedgehog's digestive tract. Never feed your hedgehog superworms. Not only can they bite, but if they are not completely dead when your hog eats them they can still bite your pet from the inside! Your hedgehog may also like hard boiled egg, cooked chicken or turkey, canned pumpkin, canned cat food, or baby foods. Never feed your hedgehog grapes, raisins, onions, nuts, bird seed, chocolate, or anything citrus.
Hedgehogs are small animals so they only require one to two tablespoons of food nightly. Be sure that your hedgehog has access to fresh water and exercise daily.
Bedding
There are many types of bedding that work well for hedgehogs. Below are examples of bedding choices with a few pros and cons of each.
- Shavings: Shavings are probably the most popular of the bedding choices. They have a good absorption rate and pleasant smell. Kiln dried aspen and pine are the best choices for hedgehogs. Kiln drying destroys any possible mite eggs that might be hiding in the bedding. Avoid cedar bedding as the aromatic oils in the wood can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues.
- Commercial Bedding: There are numerous types of commercial small animal bedding. Most use a wood or paper base and are usually soft and safe for hedgehogs. Some brands have a higher absorption rate than others. They are usually more expensive than shavings.
- Wood Pellets: Many hedgehog owners are now using wood pellets for their hedgehogs. There is no risk of mites, they absorb more moisture than any of the other bedding and keep odors to a minimum. They are usually easy to find at feed stores year round. Pellets are much heavier than the other bedding and not as soft.
- Fleece Lining: Fleece linings can be the most economical, but most labor intensive of the bedding options. They need to be spot cleaned daily and changed frequently. Fleece can be washed and reused without any stray bedding littered around the floor.
Exercise Wheel
In the wild, hedgehogs will cover several miles each night in search of food. In captivity, hedgehogs will still cover miles nightly in their cages. There are several safe exercise wheel models on the market. Hedgehogs require a large wheel of at least 10" in diameter with a solid running surface. I recommend Carolina Storm Wheels, Flying Saucer Wheels and Comfort Wheels.
Hideout
Hedgehogs are naturally shy and need a place to hide while they sleep. Igloos are a great choice. Other options include small boxes or a small square of fleece or fleece hut. I do not recommend a terry cloth towel. The round loops in the material can cause your hedgehog to get quills or toes caught in the loops.
Bathing and Nail Trimming
Baths are easy and quick and don't usually require shampoo. You will need a sink, towel, toothbrush and warm water. Fill the sink with only an inch or two of warm water. Use the toothbrush to gently clean between the quills from front to back, then use your hand to gently rub the soft fur on their bellies and feet. Repeat the process if needed with fresh water. Dry your hedgehog completely with the towel before returning to cage.
Human or cat nail trimmers work well. Hedgehogs have clear nails with a visible quick. Cutting below the quick is a lot like breaking your nail below the nail bed which is painful. If you cut below the quick, have a styptic pencil or corn starch on hand to stop the bleeding.
Human or cat nail trimmers work well. Hedgehogs have clear nails with a visible quick. Cutting below the quick is a lot like breaking your nail below the nail bed which is painful. If you cut below the quick, have a styptic pencil or corn starch on hand to stop the bleeding.
Veterinary Care
Hedgehogs do not require routine vaccinations but are susceptible to mites which they can pick up easily from bedding that is not kiln dried. Luckily, mites are easy to control with a quick visit to the vet. I recommend locating a veterinarian in your area that will treat hedgehogs before your hedgehog needs to visit the vet.
Durango Animal Hospital, Dr Rottinghaus KIndness Animal Hospital, Dr Nichole Ramey
http://durangovet.com www.kindnessanimal.com
970-247-3174 970-259-3788
Durango Animal Hospital, Dr Rottinghaus KIndness Animal Hospital, Dr Nichole Ramey
http://durangovet.com www.kindnessanimal.com
970-247-3174 970-259-3788
Special Thanks: I would like to thank Ann Malburg of Colorful Quills Hedgehogs (colorfulquills.weebly.com) for sharing her knowledge of hedgehogs and mentoring me in my goal to breed healthy, well-socialized hedgehogs.