HEDGEHOG CARE

Physiologic
Life span: 3-5 years (6-10 years recorded in captivity)
Adult male body weight: 500-1200 grams (dependent on breed)
Adult female body weight: 250-800 grams (dependent on breed)

Housing

• Hedgehogs need a smooth-walled enclosure that is high enough to prevent escape.
  
• Aquariums 20 gallon or larger are acceptable.
  
• Enclosures made of wire should be avoided in order to prevent their feet from being caught.
  
• Preferred bedding is newspaper or recycled pelleted/absorbable material. Avoid cedar shavings.
  
• Bedding should be changed frequently and kept dry.
  
• Optimum environmental temperature: 75-85ºF. Supplemental heating may be necessary under one section of the enclosure.
  
• Accessories may include a cut-out box, plastic log or flower pot for a hiding place.
  
• Although hedgehogs do not "play" with toys as do other small mammals, they will use an exercise wheel that is hung from the top of the enclosure or mounted.
  
• Hedgehog wheels are available commercially or can be constructed out of wood pieces such as popsicle sticks.
  
• Rodent wheels made of wire should not be used, as hedgehogs may get their feet caught.
  
• Toys should be cleaned frequently.
  
• A pan or shallow tub (warm water, warm ambient temperature) may be provided for swimming.
  
• For bathing, use Humilac (Allergroom) shampoo; Mycodex shampoo (safe for kittens, ferrets) is a soothing post-mite therapy.
  

Diet

• Free-ranging hedgehogs are insectivore/omnivores.
  
• Captive diets should be fairly high in protein and low in fat, and in the past have been based on zoo formulations (see below for Diet Choices).
  
• Cat or dog foods alone do not seem to be adequate as the sole diet component.
  
• Commercial complete hedgehog diets are being developed and should be used if available.
  
• To introduce individuals to new diets, mix new foods gradually into the old. It helps to have all chunks or pieces of new and old diet the same size and relative consistency.
  
• To minimize obesity, scheduled feeding of adult hedgehogs is encouraged.
  
• Feed a portion size in the evening that is almost completely consumed by morning. Only a small amount of food needs be present during the day for a snack.
  
• Younger hedgehogs may eat an adult quantity, depending on their stage of life and activity.
  
• Water should be available at all times.
  
• Many hedgehogs will use a water bottle or drink from a low dish or crock.

Behavior

• Hedgehogs are nocturnal and therefore are active in the evenings.
  
• If they are allowed to run in the house, they tend to hide in corners or under furniture.
  
• Many hedgehogs dig in carpets or in houseplants and dirt if accessible and will forage for spiders and insects in the home.
  
• Most hedgehogs prefer quiet environments and may react with fright at loud noises.
  
• They prefer dimmed lighting to bright sunlight or room lights.
  
• Although hedgehogs are being bred commercially, their behavior is that of a non-domesticated animal.
  
• While young hedgehogs do not mind being held, many adults resist handling and struggle to be let loose.
  
• Adult females tend to allow handling more than adult males.
  
• Many individuals do not interact with humans, no matter how much handling they received when they were young.
  
• 'Very few hedgehogs bite, but they might "puff up", and adult males may hiss.
  
• They are solitary animals except for mating, and usually must be housed separately even if raised with a same-sex littermate.
  
• When encountering something new in the environment a hedgehog may "taste" it, then begin hypersalivating and create a foam, which is then spit onto itself. The process is called "anting" or "anointing." Most owners will promptly rinse or bathe the hedgehog to get rid of the material.
  

Information taken from The Exotic Companion Medicine Handbook for Veterinarians.

The Animal Health Clinic recommends annual wellness visits for all hedgehogs. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at: 701-237-9310