Hedgehogs are one of those pets that are often considered “exotic pets” and are most commonly known as pocket pets. They make adorable pets. However, they are not easy to find at pet stores and require special care, from the food they eat to their special care needs. Hedgehogs have a life expectancy of 5-7 years.
What does a hedgehog need?
Hedgehogs need special food, care and housing. When deciding to get a hedgehog, see if you can find and purchase the necessary supplies.
diet
Hedgehogs are insectivores, that is, animals that eat insects. Domesticated (pet) hedgehogs require a balanced diet of dry hedgehog grains, low-fat cat dry grains, dried worms, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Good foods for hedgehogs are:
beans
beans
corn
apple
carrot
Small amount of scrambled eggs
Bugs they like are:
cricket
mealworm
Earthworm
wax worm
You can feed your hedgehog several live bugs a day. However, it is important not to give too much. If you give it too much, it may stop eating the rest of the food. They prefer insects and most often choose them over other foods. Excessive intake of insects can lead to an unbalanced diet and the risk of overweight hedgehogs. A 50/50 mix of high quality hedgehog kibble and low fat cat food will provide your hedgehog with adequate levels of high protein and low fat nutrition.
Care
Hedgehogs need wheels for movement. It is important that the wheels are solid so that the hedgehog does not pinch its legs. Hedgehogs also need good hiding places. A plastic igloo or other “house” will suffice. If they come in, leave them alone and make room for them.
Simple spot cleaning should be done daily to remove leftover food and waste. You should also thoroughly clean the cage and all plastic/ceramic materials weekly. Food and water bowls should be washed daily with soap and water. Hedgehogs can be trained to use “boxes” like cats. Don’t forget to clean it every day, as even small ones can quickly fill up with feces and urine.
Hedgehogs should also be bathed and bathed from time to time. Nails are trimmed by a qualified veterinarian or groomer.
housing
Hedgehogs have small legs. A wire cage is a good option. However, you need to make sure the bottom of the cage is solid. The bottom is covered with wire, and if exposed, the hedgehog’s paws can slip through or get stuck. Hedgehogs are usually 5 to 8 inches long, but a large cage works best. Find the largest one possible. This will give the hedgehog enough space to move around.
The cage must be lined. Newspaper and paper bedding are best. Do not use wood shavings or cat litter as they leave dust and can be eaten. If eaten, it can cause serious digestive problems.
Hedgehogs need a heavy bowl for food and a heavy bowl for water. These bowls should not tip over to prevent large messes. You can replace the water bowl with a water bottle attached to the side of the cage. Make sure your hedgehog uses a water bottle. It’s important to put the water back in the bowl if you haven’t been drinking it.
Handling hedgehogs
It is important to treat hedgehogs gently and respectfully. The more you get used to the touch, the more comfortable it will become. When the hedgehog gets used to you, it will accept treats and crawl over you. As long as you keep giving them treats and keep them safe, you can carry them around.
Most hedgehogs don’t like being petted on the head, so avoid touching the head and stick to the belly or back. Hedgehogs also don’t like water. Be gentle when giving him a bath so he won’t be surprised if he curls up. We recommend placing your hedgehog in a kitchen sink, bathtub, or large bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes once or twice a week.
personality
Hedgehogs are nocturnal and most active at night, so don’t be surprised if you hear them scurrying around their cages and running wheels in the middle of the night. Don’t worry if he looks sad or grumpy when you first introduce him to his new home. They need time to adapt, so give them that and they will eventually come back.
Hedgehogs are shy and may curl up when picked up. Be gentle and do it every day. They start getting used to your touch and start enjoying it.
health
Like most pets, hedgehogs can suffer from a variety of health issues. They can suffer from obesity, infections, dental problems, and some types of cancer. Women are more prone to uterine cancer.
obesity
Hedgehogs can become obese if they are fed too many bugs, eat too much cat food, or don’t get enough exercise. Overweight hedgehogs can cause other health problems due to their extra weight. One of the first signs of obesity is when your hedgehog has difficulty curling up. Weight and lack of calcium can lead to brittle bones.
ringworm or mites
Ringworm (a fungal skin infection) and mites can cause dry, flaky skin. It can also cause loss of feathers. Ringworm can infect humans. Quill mites are species specific and are not contagious to humans or other pets. If you think your hedgehog is suffering from any of these symptoms, please consult a professional. exotic veterinarian.
tooth problem
Hedgehogs can cause various dental problems. Signs that your hedgehog may be having dental problems include loss of appetite, toothache, and excessive salivation. A hedgehog-savvy veterinarian can perform a dental examination and give your hedgehog medicine to fix the problem. Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that can affect a hedgehog’s gums and teeth, resulting in a foul-smelling mouth, swelling at the sides of the mouth, and tooth loss. This type a cancer is very aggressive and requires appropriate treatment as soon as possible.
Heart disease
Heart disease can be a problem in older hedgehogs. Overweight hedgehogs can develop heart disease sooner than other hedgehogs. Heart disease can be diagnosed and treated, but it only extends a hedgehog’s lifespan by a small amount.
Signs of heart disease in hedgehogs include:
heart murmur
weight loss
heart failure
salmonella
Hedgehogs can be infected with salmonella as well as other bacteria. Salmonella can be contracted from uncooked meats and unwashed fruits and vegetables that are served.
Symptoms of salmonella infection may include one or all of the following:
digestive problems
weight loss
diarrhea
lethargy
decreased or decreased appetite
Salmonella can infect humans, so if you suspect salmonella, immediately see a hedgehog-savvy veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
tumor
Like other animals, hedgehogs can develop both cancerous and noncancerous tumors. Hedgehogs are more prone to developing tumors as they age.generally veterinarian visit These are important for early detection of tumors so that they can be treated or removed.
Our Exotic Vet Helps Your Hedgehog
Caring for hedgehogs can be different than pets such as dogs, cats, and rabbits. However, they are adorable pets and are great for anyone who wants to take care of a small pet.
If you would like to schedule a Hedgehog exam or have additional Hedgehog questions, Louisiana State Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital phone (504) 455-6386.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.