Hedgehogs

Housing

Hedgehogs should be housed in smooth-walled enclosures that the sides are high enough for prevent escape. They should have several inches of clean, dry bedding made with newspaper or recycled material bedding. Their bedding should be changed frequently. The temperature should stay between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hedgehogs need liberal exercise and do like to climb. You can arrange logs to make caves, tunnels and archways. They will often use an exercise wheel, but don’t really play with toys.

Their enclosure should contain things for climbing on and hiding in. Boxes, untreated fruit tree logs or flower pots are good examples. They should also have a shallow tub or pan with warm water for swimming. Offer them smooth, clean rocks to spread out on or use as face rubbing station.

They should have a constant source of fresh water in a bottle or crock like bowl.

DO NOT house them on a wire floor enclosure.

DO NOT give them wired exercise wheels

DO NOT use sawdust, pine or cedar shavings.

DO NOT leave them on wet bedding.

DO NOT expose them to garden soil – it may contain parasites.

Avoid dogs, cats and use caution around children.

Keep them away from electrical cords.

Keep their home clear of tobacco and cigarette smoke.

Avoid strong odors including plug-ins or heavily scented candles.

Feeding your Hedgehog

Hedgehogs need a high protein, low fat omnivorous diet.

A sample diet for might be 2-3 tablespoons of dry or mixture of dry and wet reduced calorie cat food along with 1-2 tablespoons of mixed fresh vegetables. You should also feed them 3-5 insects (mealworms, crickets or other insects) 3 to 4 times each week. If you use a commercially made hedgehog diet, they should be free from chemical additives.

DO NOT feed cat or dog food only as your hedgehog’s diet.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal and do most of their eating overnight. They should be fed in the evenings. During the day they only require a small amount of food to snack on.

General husbandry

Hedgehogs prefer a dim, quiet environment.

Provide heat for them as they like the temperature warm.

Keep them dry, except for when swimming.

Hedgehogs do not always like being held, but if yours does, make sure to do it daily to keep them used to it.

Regular Veterinary Care

Make sure to take your hedgehog to a Veterinarian yearly for a full physical exam. They will check their teeth, heart, lungs, skin coat & spines, nails and eyes for any abnormalities.

Common Disorders