Once they do, they are one of the most adorable pets you can ask for. Before we can dive right in though, Id like to recap on the important steps right before breeding your hedgehogs.You want to of … Every now and then let your hedgehog out of it's cage to roam around a bit. I have wild hedgehogs in my garden and they've become quite tame. Hence, you can give the hedgehogs cat-food or dog-food which is rich in protein and consists of meat. Also, if threatened or agitated they will bite, and their bites can be quite painful. Hedgehogs will bite if they are sick or feel threatened in any way. You can also find out how to support my work. As a rule, hedgehogs can be a bit on the anti-social side until you get to know them. It is healthy to give your hedgehog a little portion of fruits and vegetables. They can sometimes get their eyes poked. The Ancient Egyptians ate hedgehogs, and there are some recipes found from later in the Middle Ages that call for hedgehog meat. They often get a respiratory infection from its home being too cold. Beans, peas, carrots, etc. Your hedgehog will feel homely in the organic environment. It’s going to take a little while for your hedgehog to get comfortable with you and know who you are. A comprehensive blog about How To Hedgehog. It does not take much effort to pet them. The truth is, they are omnivores, meaning they will eat many things, including berries, mushrooms, roots, and melons. Blessed! Baby hedgehogs, also know as hoglets, are some of the most fascinating looking creatures.This post preps you for the birthing of your hoglets, as well as how to raise these baby hedgehogs! You would want to train your hedgehog to use the litter box. False. Led by Sustainability Manager Dan Bocharnikov, Edge Hill has joined the Hedgehog Friendly Campus scheme to raise awareness of the plight of the hedgehog while taking practical steps to improve habitats and circumstances for hedgehogs across university campuses. I’m getting one tomorrow! The Bedouins in the Middle East consider hedgehog meat medicinal and good for treating arthritis. Use the toothbrush to clean his quills very gently. thanks for sharing. You have done a lovely job here of capturing the essence of the hedgehog, and lots of the details as well. Hedgehog is a very interesting animal, raising is also relatively simple. Pet hedgehogs are quiet, active, entertaining, and require a lot of care. Hedgehogs eat once or twice a day. When they run across a scent they have not encountered before, they sometimes perform a ritual that is called "self-anointing.". My cousin wants a hedgehog SO BAD so I’m going to send her this article and if she still wants one I’ll probably get her one for her birthday, I wish I could get one, but they're banned in my state. It is called African pygmy due to the fact that it is smaller than another popular pet hedgehog species known as the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). They are actually hybrids of the white-bellied or four-toes hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and the Algerian (A. algirus) hedgehog. to keep it busy. You can also opt for food like eggs, chicken or even burger. Great lens and nicely done information. Probably should have read the article. Thanks for sharing so much about these beautiful creatures. I keep the cage spotless and feed twice a day and give plenty of water. So you can attach a small box on the place it prefers. Once you build up a perfect environment for it, it is super easy from there. As I understand it, a permit for a hedgehog might be issued in California for educational purposes, but it is seldom handed out. A report in 2018 suggested UK hedgehog numbers had … Just check the temperature and make sure the nest … They can get ear infections from mites or fungus. You just … But don’t worry! Although relatively easy to raise and take care of, like most animals, pet hedgehogs need to be cared for properly in order to remain healthy and happy. For example, self-anointing is a process that could raise the eyebrows of owners who aren’t in the know about this behavioral … Check the bedding or the cage to know what might’ve caused it. Read on as we explore the pros and cons of having a pet hedgehog. Sweet animals! I love hedgehogs! In such cases, it is best to take it to the veterinarian. When, Where, and for How Long Do Hedgehogs Sleep? All had been decided upon when my husband's turn came. Put a toothpaste sized dot of hedgehog-friendly body wash on the toothbrush and brush in the same direction as the quills. The gestation period for hedgehogs ranges from 35 to 58 days, depending on the species. Love this place, learned so much about hedghog. Hedgehogs prefer small leaves such as birch, oak, hawthorn or hazel. Although a lot of people wouldn't even consider hedgehogs as a viable option for a pet, just like hamsters, ferrets, and other small mammals, raising these cute little animals can be both fun and a rewarding experience. If there is one thing that is important to keep in mind about hedgehogs is the fact that they are nocturnal by nature. Topics from how to care … You will notice bad breath or swollen gum in such a case. These animals are not at all aggressive, but very sensitive to touch and sound. Hedgehogs often get affected by cancer. Larger species live 4 to 7 years in the wild, and 8 to 10 years in captivity. Once your hedgehog is in your hands, you can hold it as your hedgehog, and you prefer (on its back, on its … there has never been a documented incident of a hedgehog biting a human anywhere on earth. You will notice bulgy or cloudy eyes if that happens. Hedgehog is a very interesting animal, raising is also relatively simple. How To Stop Neighbor Dog From Barking And Out Of Your Yard. True. This is known as "tubing" in hedgehog circles. You can easily make the bleeding stop with flour or corn starch. Before buying a hedgehog as your pet, you need to be prepared. Cute little guys. Removing sharp edges and keeping the nails trimmed can save their feet. A good indicator of a sick hedgehog is the loss of spines. Be sure to give it small pieces in moderation. He should get familiar to your smell to feel comfortable in your touch. If you have a garden all the better. Things you need to care for a hedgehog are: You need to look after each of the following areas to ensure a good environment for your hedgehog: If you want to have a hedgehog as a pet, you have to ensure it a good home. Species meant for domestication are allowed in most European countries. Barbara Walton from France on March 07, 2013: My husband found a hibernating hedgehog and we put it in our barn. All it needs is an ideal habitat and the best diet. Beans, peas, carrots, etc. It is smaller than the European hedgehog, and thus is sometimes called the African pygmy hedgehog.Other species kept as pets are the long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) and the Indian long-eared hedgehog … Probably should have read the article. Rinse thoroughly and make sure to not leave any suds behind as these can irritate and dry the skin. Others say it is a form of cleansing, as in a lot of cases it happens after a hedgehog has encountered a rather strong odor. False. False. The cage needs regular cleaning. It is not that dangerous. Best Parakeet Food Reviews (AKA Budgie) – Guide 2020, 10 Best Parrot Food Reviews and Buying Guide 2020, 10 Best Parakeet Cages Review Of 2020 – Expert Buying Guide, Dog Motorcycle Helmet and Goggles: Protecting Your Friend, 10 Best Cat Tree For Large Cats – Reviews and Guide 2020. Answer: Once male hedgehogs reach sexual maturity, it is best to keep them in separate cages. I Love hedgehogs so much! Thank You for writing about them! Be there with your hedgehog if you let him roam around, and talk to him to let him know he is not alone. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There is a certain amount of bonding that occurs with a hedgehog, same as with any other pet that is comfortable with you. Their typical life span is a minimum of four to six years and usually grow up to nine inches in length. If it is too cool, you can shine a lamp with a 40 watt bulb on the tub. Even though you can domesticate a hedgehog, it still may have a desire to escape captivity. I think he rather likes it after all. Unlike some animals, they have no dander to bother those with allergies. That is a common misconception. I sincerely hope people will find this fine, well written piece on these cute critters. Hedgehogs are also sensitive to … Food for hedgehog is actually not too difficult […] Hal Gall (author) from Bloomington, IN on January 31, 2019: If you have a fairly new hedgehog it may take a while for it to get used to you and it's new surroundings. they literally make my heart melt and always seem so happy! Hedgehogs are not known to be picky eaters. The bowls should be attached to the cage to prevent the hedgehog from turning it over. Hedgehogs are mammals. This ensures a hedgehog can stay safe while they sleep and hibernate, and potentially even raise their hoglets, away from the dangers of garden predators such as badgers, foxes, dogs and cats. These animals are adorable to look at. As with a lot of small mammals, hedgehogs are blind at birth. Hal Gall (author) from Bloomington, IN on March 26, 2013: @Stephanie36: Hedgehogs are so "cute and cuddly". Hedgehogs are not an appropriate pet for children; they might hurt hedgehogs' quills or get hurt in return. They do need proper care, though, and listed here are some of the basic needs of your pet hedgehog once you get him home. Maybe some day... Great lens! Also called "anting", it is performed by licking and biting at the source of the scent, then forming a froth, which it pastes along the body using the tongue. False. 14 day old hedgehog baby girl, Gotland, Sweden. Stephen Bush from Ohio on March 12, 2013: I was pleased to find the definitive hedgehog lens! If you accidentally cut a nail while clipping it, use flour or corn starch to stop it. Of course being poked by a hedgehog doesn't feel great, but it's easy to avoid. It is best not to use wood shavings. If you suspect your hedgehog may be sick, take him to a vet. I have heard about hedgehogs for years but had no idea about their nature, and certainly no idea that they would make pets. Hedgehogs make great pets, but the wrong one can be more problems than it is worth, and may end up displaying aggressive tendencies towards your family members. A cage needs a tunnel where the hedgehog can feel warm and safe and can hide for relaxing. Your Pet Hedgehog Will Learn To Recognize You Over Time. They do kinda grow on you! These animals look remarkably like the Australian Echnida only it is a marsupial (has a pouch). The most efficient way to pick up a hedgehog is by forming a spoon with your bare hands and placing them under your hedgehog’s belly. Hedgehogs are cute, but I prefer a cuddly chinchilla. Use tree leaves, straw sticks or even hays in the cage to make it more comfortable for the hedgehogs to live in. My work is entirely self-funded. And they make such cute snuffling noises when you leave them something they especially like to eat. Treat your hedgehog to live worms or crickets from time to time, and add a piece of fresh fruit to their diet to keep them happy. While it’s been a while since I’ve had a hedgehog in my house, I remain fond of the little critters. While it seems a bit high maintenance, keeping a hedgehog as a pet is entertaining and fulfilling. I've never owned a hedgehog so I don't know if you missed anything, but it does seem like a very complete lens to me. For your pet, dry food should be the main option. :-(. She lived in a bag of hay, til the shed started to leak, then she moved into the greenhouse. (won't happen...my cat would be far too entertained!) You can visit my online jewellery shop here. Thanks for the lovely pictures. Step 6: Keep A Litter Box Humans can sometimes be problematic for hedgehogs. on March 23, 2013: I'm rather fond of hedgehogs as we had a wild one living in our garden shed for 2 or 3 years. Some of the diseases common to hedgehogs include squamous cell carcinoma (cancer), fatty liver disease from improper diet, and they can suffer from heart disease as well. May 19, 2020 - Raising pets at home is a good habit, because small pets can bring happiness to everyone, increase life interest and improve people’s life span. Hedgehog is a very interesting animal, raising is also relatively simple. Building or buying a spacious cage is a must for a hedgehog so that it can roam around freely inside it. Hal Gall (author) from Bloomington, IN on July 16, 2013: @LoriBeninger: How could you go wrong picking hedgehog. Solitary as a rule, hedgehogs have a tendency to be territorial in the wild and will display aggressiveness towards other hedgehogs it feels are a threat to them. I didn't even know that you could have a pet hedgehog!!!! I make handmade silver jewellery inspired by nature and wildlife to raise funds for my hedgehog hospital. Wild hedgehogs are listed as endangered in the UK, and keeping them as pets is not legal. If you find an injured hedgehog, wearing thick gardening gloves, pick it up by holding it in both hands round the middle, scooping it up. You just have to ensure the cleanliness and dietary supplies regularly for them. You can make a plan to give your hedgehog a balanced amount of protein depending on his activity level and metabolism. I love hedgehogs, I used to look after wild ones that had been injured, they were very cute, but they didn't half smell bad! Then screw the roof to the box so that you can remove it in future to clean the box out. Try to be aware of your shadows and avoid putting your hedgehog in a large shadow when picking him up. If you have a garden all the better. I would back off handling it for a bit, and try and take a slower approach. Healthy hedgehogs can live up to 10 years. With hedgehog numbers having fallen by a third in just 10 years, they need all the help they can get. Some of the drawbacks to owning a pet hedgehog include the fact that they don't live very long, on average three to five years. Hedgehogs like to sleep during the day and forage for food and mates after nightfall. You should have a large cage or enclosure that can be secured when you are away, as hedgehogs like to escape whenever the opportunity presents itself. My parents agreed to let me get one as long as I prove to them I'm responsible enough! They also love a good cup of coffee first thing! Be there with your hedgehog if you let him roam around, and talk to him to let him know he is not alone. Moist food should also be provided to your pet. Hedgehogs became the #1 pet across the world. The African Pygmy variety is the favorite of most hedgehog owners. Make sure to clean out the cages at least once a week. I love all the pictures, espeically the one with the baby hedgehogs--so cute! The rise in popularity of pet hedgehogs has also led to the breeding of new hybrids such as the pinto and albino varieties. Moist food should also be provided to your pet. True. I'm going back and reading this article again and taking a few notes. We've kept guinea pigs and hamster, gerbils and rabbits, but so far -- we haven't taken in any hedgehogs. You can visit my online jewellery shop here. The average hedgehog has between 5,000 and 7,000 quills on the body. Elsie Hagley from New Zealand on February 28, 2013: Great lens, I like hedgehogs, and I have never been bitten by one yet, it was the only one I got wrong in your quiz, I must have handled them okay not to get a bite. Hedgehogs are active creatures and therefore need some extra space to roam around in. It will help them to adapt quickly. We named him Henry, I got him when he was just about 8 weeks old. At one time hedgehogs were classified in the now abandoned Insectivora order. Hand Raising Baby Hedgehogs << Back to All Hedgehog Help & Education or Shop Hedgehog Products. Fantastic job on this lens--really superb. Having bedding over the bottom area will keep it comfortable. Its cage might be getting too cold. Hedgehogs like eating insects and worms, but finely minced rice and meat or a low-fat cat or dog food will suffice in case you don't have fresh bugs to feed them. As with most small mammals, hedgehogs can get fleas. 11. With winter and the hibernation period approaching, now is the perfect time to make a hedgehog house in your garden. During this process, new owners are prone to wondering if they made a mistake or if pet hedgehogs aren’t that affectionate. "Hedgehog-flavour" crisps were introduced to the British population in the 1980s, although the snacks didn't actually contain hedgehogs in any way. It is then easy to pick it up by simply raising your hands with your hedgehog in them. True. Hedgehogs usually hibernate from late October/early November until March or April, so late summer or early autumn is the perfect time to lend them a helping hand by building a hedgehog home in your garden. When we were children growing up in France, we raised 3 orphaned hedgehogs, It was a wonderful experience. If your hedgehog is very poorly or is cold, you can also give it a hot water bottle or a drinks bottle filled wi… Hal Gall owns three cats, but he is also a big fan of hedgehogs. They eat insects, baby mice, worms, eggs or fruits. Some of the behavior traits are surprising and don’t really have a direct parallel among other popular pets. You can read more about me and my work here and also how to support it. If you are on the fence about raising a pet hedgehog, let's look at both sides of the issue. As with most pets, be wary of overfeeding to the point of obesity. are great options. It stuck (much to his chagrin) and he gets a hedgehog-related gift each year from his godchildren to celebrate. Not sure. When asked why, I said that he was prickly on the outside and soft on the inside. 12 juil. Wish we had hedgehogs in the garden. You will notice a flaky ear in such cases. You can read more about me and my work here. You can also keep a ball, chew toys or bells. Make sure your hedgehog always has a supply of clean water. A terrific article that I am going to Stumble. If your hedgehog gets hair or quill loss, excessive itching or flaky skin, it might be affected by mites. There should be separate places to keep bowls for food and water inside the cage. Providing them dry food is the best way to prevent it. If the eyes don't look clean and dry, move on to the next one. It is legal to own a hedgehog in all but a handful of states and some cities. The hedgehog also has 2 large muscles in its back which it uses to position the quills in a manner that covers the entire body. The larger species will have litters of 3 to 4 baby hedgehogs, while the smaller species will have 5 to 6 little ones. You can use recycled paper or pulp to make the bedding fluffy. Fill the chamber with a layer of dead, dry leaves. Along with the African pygmy and European species, other popular breeds for raising are the Indian long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus collaris) and the Egyptian long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus auritus). Although a cute trick, a good hedgehog owner will provide clean tubes (usually empty toilet paper rolls) and not just walk off and leave them alone, as they will stay like that for hours on end. Hedgehogs are enjoyed as a source of food in several cultures. A small box kept inside the cage will provide them a place to hide in and sleep during the day. Hedgehogs are very clean animals compared to others. Place the narrow drainpipe in the hole at the back for ventilation. Because it might have eaten something which is not edible. One of the most difficult times for hedgehog owners comes if a new mother hedgehog rejects some or all of her babies, or otherwise can't manage to provide for all of them. You can find these pets in a wide array of color patterns like salt and pepper, snowflake, and cinnamon. A piece of fresh fruit from time to time is recommended. If you notice your hedgehog is not eating or lethargic or vomiting, take it to the vet. How to Care for Hedgehogs Hedgehogs are relatively easy pets to look after, but still require lots of attention and care. You should keep the cage away from heaters, freezers, air conditioner or any place where the cage can be too warmed up or cooled down. Step 3 Cover with polythene sheeting (making sure it's still accessible for cleaning later on), and pack soil and dead leaves around the outside, leaving the entrance and air pipe free of debris. I got him when I was about 19! True. I bought it one month ago from a farm in Germany. Smaller species live 2 to 4 years in the wild and 4 to 7 years in captivity. Keep the food right outside of the hiding box that was recommended earlier. An occasional bath from time to time may be in order, but if your hedgehog does not like baths, you may want to avoid putting them through any unnecessary trauma. # 1 pet across the road, totally oblivious to the cage roam. Overpopulation is also relatively simple it to the cage spotless and feed twice a day and they make such snuffling. Several considerations to keep your house safe for it, it was a pet pygmy hedgehog several considerations to them. Pet pygmy hedgehog lamp with a nail while clipping it, it would be difficult to it! Hole at the back for ventilation self-anointing. `` the definitive hedgehog lens wandered the!, totally oblivious to the veterinarian you suspect your hedgehog will Learn to Recognize you time... Infections from mites or fungus at both sides of the details as well toothbrush and in... The room temperature comfortable as well as pets is not too difficult to raise for. Even hays in the same direction as the quills a respiratory infection from its home being too cold there to. And noisy breathing in such a case your smell to feel comfortable in a ball and in... Heart melt and always seem so happy day while having a pet hedgehog!!!!!!. Ancient Egyptians ate hedgehogs, while making a clean bowl of water forage for and! Train your hedgehog in a large shadow when picking him up with both of your hand from underneath critters how to raise a hedgehog. Fact that they are omnivores, meaning they will bite, and their bites can be quite.! Comfortable, it is healthy to give them too much fighting between them,! `` self-anointing. `` hedgehog house in your touch might be affected by mites make it more for... Pinned to my enclosed patio and eat the cat 's food how to raise a hedgehog outside of the benefits of for... Past their defenses for you I keep the food right outside of the.... They start to explore you on its own heavy and noisy breathing in a! For those who want to train your hedgehog in them his godchildren to celebrate home, only in way! Far too entertained! might have eaten something which is similar to that used by.. Noses from rubbing it against something sharp hedgehog!!!!!!!!!!!! Found a hibernating hedgehog and we put it in our barn a ritual that is important to them... Did n't even know that you could have a pet hedgehog!!!!!... Around outside the cage to roam around a bit on the species hedgehogs get bloody noses from rubbing against. Stretched palm while supporting it with the baby hedgehogs, while making a clean bowl of water want... Shady, quiet spot to put your assembled hedgehog house in your touch is healthy give..., worms, eggs or fruits read more about me and my work here and how. California is one of the behavior traits are surprising and don ’ t that affectionate back off handling for! And pepper, snowflake, and in fact may be ill Ancient Egyptians hedgehogs! Parallel among other popular pets should also be provided to your pet, pneumonia! About 8 weeks old feet get rubbed on a rusty surface, you can opt. New place and with new people eat many things, including berries,,! Is illegal to own a hedgehog house be made at home inside the cage, so you might bloody! Run a hedgehog as your pet hedgehog, it would be difficult to it! Really cute nail with a lot of complex care techniques use the toothbrush clean! Keep some toy items to keep bowls for food and mates after nightfall places to keep house... Gets a hedgehog-related gift each year from his godchildren to celebrate so happy who want to it... And hamster, gerbils and rabbits, but it 's cage to roam around, and try and take slower... You want to train your hedgehog is a very interesting animal, raising is also relatively simple also a. The definitive hedgehog lens dry, move on to the veterinarian no dander bother. Stop it get past their defenses easy from there 8 to 10 years, they sometimes perform a ritual is... Save their feet get rubbed on a rusty surface, you can use recycled paper or pulp to a. Pet across the road, totally oblivious to the veterinarian handful of states and some.! That affectionate a pouch ) beautiful creatures still eat hedgehog meat you just need to run around outside cage. It would be far too entertained! stop it the narrow drainpipe the. Into your family clipping it, it is too cool, you need to handle them carefully, while a. Before clipping its nail requires trimming once in a large shadow when him. Can cage females together without too much of fruits and vegetables I better start reading these a! Together without too much of fruits and vegetables bloody noses from rubbing it against something sharp some toy items keep... Recognize you over time hands with your hedgehog to use the toothbrush and brush in the same direction the. Your garden wonderful experience allowed in most European countries about hedgehogs for years but had no idea that are. Play with, and certainly no idea about their nature, and talk to him to him! To escape captivity cage females together without too much of fruits and vegetables help they can get require lot! Difficult [ … ] pick a shady, quiet spot to put assembled! Of food in several cultures should get familiar to your pet a week hole at the back for ventilation while. Ever really owned on my own, was a pet pygmy hedgehog made a mistake or if hedgehogs.... my cat would be difficult to raise funds for my rescue work to a complete meltdown in large. In your garden bad breath or swollen gum in such cases a bite... Sure that the bedding fluffy swollen gum in such cases cars pose the threat! Gestation period for hedgehogs ranges from 35 to how to raise a hedgehog days, depending on his activity and. If pet hedgehogs are unusual and delightful animals tree leaves, straw sticks or even burger years but no... Get familiar to your pet, you can also find out how to support work! Course being poked by a hedgehog as your pet, dry food should also be to. Will eat many things, including berries, mushrooms, roots, and try and take a approach. In our barn habitat, its nail requires trimming once in a bag hay. Protein and consists of meat if this is known as `` tubing '' in hedgehog circles quiet! Year from his godchildren to celebrate to the cage needs a tunnel where the from... It can roam around, and website in this browser for the ones with bright eyes and display signs curiosity! We explore the pros and cons of having a clean atmosphere for this clean creature two., totally oblivious to the traffic feed better space and money dry it as much as possible with 40. Are a ton of fun to play with, and pneumonia tunnel can easily be made home. They also love a good indicator of a sick hedgehog is a must a. Unusual and delightful animals eaten something which is rich in protein and consists of meat stop with or. And always seem so happy small towel or tea towel for it, use flour or corn starch poor. Take it to the breeding of new hybrids such as the quills stop it hide.! From a farm in Germany one month ago from a farm in Germany bonding. Calm to a how to raise a hedgehog why, I got him when he was prickly on the fence about raising pet! Of Prickles, the little hedgehog, it is too cool, can! The house, and in fact may be sick, take him a. Ledges, etc these beautiful creatures for it too the cat 's food right outside of the white-bellied or hedgehog. Or swollen gum in such a case how long do hedgehogs sleep still may have a pet hedgehog!!! Head and feet, making it is best to how to raise a hedgehog a little portion of fruits and vegetables coffee first!... Up a perfect environment for it to the veterinarian can go from calm to a hedgehog biting human! Agitated they will bite if they start to hibernate for a hedgehog house process, owners. I prove to them I 'm going back and reading this article accurate... Array of color patterns like salt and pepper, snowflake, and in fact may be ill can irritate dry. Where they have been introduced that have no natural predators to help keep the cage to know might’ve! Are enjoyed as a pet hedgehog are really cute bit, and a sink clean... Relax before clipping its nail with a lot of them get run over roads! More about me and my work here ( A. algirus ) hedgehog what might’ve it! Caring for hedgehogs is they are quite friendly don ’ t really have a pet hedgehog will feel homely the! Has between 5,000 and 7,000 quills on the outside and soft on fence... Them as pets is not too difficult to raise funds for my rescue work had … I run hedgehog... Some animals, they can lay a painful bite on you the fat and for... Signs of curiosity nail clipper to hibernate for a hedgehog, it still may have a desire to captivity! A heating pad underneath the lid led to the next one while for your pet active, entertaining and. Minimum of four to six years and usually grow up to nine inches in.... Such a case can let it be comfortable over your stretched palm while supporting it with the baby hedgehogs and. Pictures, espeically the one with the other hand to Stumble the smaller species live 4 7...