Hedgehog Care Guide

African Pygmy Hedgehogs are unique, small mammals known for their distinctive spines and shy personalities. Originally from Africa, these nocturnal animals require specific care including consistent warm temperatures and specialized diets to thrive as pets.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about pet care and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for specific health concerns or medical guidance. Check local laws regarding hedgehog ownership as they may be restricted in some areas.

About Pet Hedgehogs

The African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is the most common species kept as pets. These small insectivores are covered in modified hairs called quills and are known for their defensive ball-rolling behavior.

Key Characteristics

• Size: 5-8 inches long, 6-14 ounces
• Lifespan: 4-8 years in captivity
• Activity: Nocturnal (active at night)
• Social: Solitary animals, prefer living alone
• Defense: Roll into spiky ball when threatened
• Temperature sensitivity: Require consistent warmth

Hedgehog Behavior Basics

Quilling: Defensive spine raising when startled or threatened Anointing: Strange behavior of foaming and spreading saliva on spines Balling up: Rolling into protective ball shape Nocturnal activity: Most active during nighttime hours Hibernation attempts: Dangerous in captivity, triggered by cold temperatures

Housing Requirements

Cage Specifications

• Minimum size: 4 feet x 2 feet floor space
• Solid bottom: Avoid wire floors that can injure feet
• Height: 12+ inches with secure, ventilated lid
• Smooth sides: Prevent climbing and potential falls
• Easy cleaning: Access for daily spot cleaning

Essential Cage Setup

Temperature control (CRITICAL):

• Range: 72-80°F (22-27°C) consistently
• Heating: Ceramic heat emitters or space heaters
• Monitoring: Digital thermometer for accuracy
• Backup heat: Power outage emergency heating plan

Bedding:

• Safe options: Kiln-dried pine shavings, recycled paper, fleece liners
• Avoid: Cedar shavings, corn cob, clay-based litters
• Depth: 1-2 inches for burrowing behavior
• Absorbency: Important for odor control

Exercise wheel:

• Size: 12+ inch diameter for adult hedgehogs
• Surface: Solid running surface (not wire or mesh)
• Quiet: Silent spinners to minimize noise
• Essential: Hedgehogs can run 5+ miles nightly

Diet & Nutrition

Primary Diet Foundation

Hedgehogs are insectivores requiring high-protein, low-fat diets.

Commercial hedgehog food:

• Protein: 30-35% for adults, 35-40% for babies
• Fat: 10-15% maximum (prone to obesity)
• Daily amount: 1-3 tablespoons depending on size and activity
• Quality brands: Spike’s Delite, Exotic Nutrition, Mazuri

Supplemental Foods

Live/frozen insects (2-3 times per week):

• Mealworms (live or freeze-dried)
• Crickets
• Waxworms (rare treats only - high fat)
• Dubia roaches

Safe fruits and vegetables (occasional treats):

• Apple (small pieces, no seeds)
• Banana (tiny amounts)
• Blueberries
• Cooked sweet potato
• Green beans
• Carrots (cooked)

Foods to Avoid

❌ Never feed hedgehogs:

• Milk and dairy products
• Nuts and seeds
• Grapes and raisins
• Chocolate
• Onions and garlic
• Raw meat
• Fish (can cause thiamine deficiency)
• High-fat foods
• Sugary treats

Health & Veterinary Care

Finding Qualified Veterinarians

• Exotic animal specialists: Essential for proper hedgehog care
• Annual checkups: Minimum yearly exams
• Emergency contacts: 24-hour exotic animal hospitals
• Preventive care: Regular weight monitoring

Common Health Issues

Hibernation Attempts:

• Trigger: Temperatures below 70°F (21°C)
• Symptoms: Lethargy, cold to touch, reduced eating
• Danger: Can be fatal in captivity
• Prevention: Consistent temperature maintenance
• Treatment: Gradual warming and immediate veterinary care

Obesity:

• Common problem: Overeating and lack of exercise
• Signs: Difficulty curling into ball, visible fat rolls
• Prevention: Proper diet portions, wheel exercise
• Treatment: Veterinary-supervised diet plan

Mites:

• Symptoms: Excessive scratching, quill loss, dry skin
• Causes: Stress, poor hygiene, infected bedding
• Treatment: Prescription medications from vet
• Prevention: Clean environment, quality bedding

Dental Problems:

• Issues: Tartar buildup, tooth loss
• Signs: Difficulty eating, bad breath
• Prevention: Appropriate diet, chew toys
• Treatment: Professional dental care

Emergency Warning Signs

🚨 Seek immediate veterinary care for:

• Cold temperature/hibernation symptoms
• Not eating for 24+ hours
• Green stools or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Wobbling or loss of balance
• Excessive quill loss
• Lethargy during normal active hours

Handling & Socialization

Proper Handling Techniques

Initial approach:

1. Move slowly: Quick movements trigger defensive responses
2. Let them sniff: Allow hedgehog to investigate your scent
3. Scoop method: Use both hands to lift from underneath
4. Support body: Never grab just the head or back area
5. Stay calm: Your nervousness can increase their stress

Building Trust and Bonding

Daily interaction schedule:

• Evening handling: When they’re naturally more active
• Short sessions: 10-15 minutes initially
• Consistency: Same time daily for routine
• Patience: Trust building can take weeks or months
• Respect moods: Some days they may be more defensive

Bonding activities:

• Snuggle time: Allow hedgehog to burrow in fleece blankets
• Exploration: Supervised time outside cage
• Treat feeding: Hand-feeding favorite treats
• Voice recognition: Talking softly during interactions

Understanding Hedgehog Communication

Relaxed hedgehog:

• Spines lying flat
• Normal walking or exploring
• Accepting treats
• Allowing handling without balling up

Stressed/fearful hedgehog:

• Raised spines
• Balled up position
• Hissing or clicking sounds
• Attempting to escape or hide

Exercise & Enrichment

Exercise Requirements

Daily exercise needs:

• Wheel running: Primary exercise method
• Cage exploration: Rearrange cage layout periodically
• Supervised playtime: 30-60 minutes outside cage
• Mental stimulation: Puzzle feeders and hiding treats

Enrichment Ideas

Environmental enrichment:

• Tunnels: PVC pipes or fabric tunnels for exploration
• Hiding spots: Multiple hideouts throughout cage
• Digging area: Shallow box with safe digging material
• Climbing: Low ramps and platforms (hedgehogs aren’t good climbers)

Mental stimulation:

• Foraging: Hide treats around cage
• Puzzle feeders: Make them work for food
• New scents: Introduce safe, novel smells
• Texture variety: Different safe materials to explore

Grooming & Hygiene

Regular Grooming Needs

Nail trimming:

• Frequency: Every 2-4 weeks
• Technique: Use small animal nail clippers
• Caution: Avoid cutting the pink quick
• Help: Have vet demonstrate proper technique

Bathing:

• When needed: Only when visibly dirty or smelly
• Water temperature: Lukewarm, never hot
• Soap: Gentle, unscented baby shampoo
• Drying: Thoroughly dry to prevent chills
• Frequency: Monthly maximum unless necessary

Quill and Skin Care

Normal quilling:

• Young hedgehogs: Lose baby quills around 6-12 weeks
• Adult quilling: Normal occasional quill loss
• Skin care: Dry skin is normal, avoid over-moisturizing

Special Considerations

Legal Considerations

Check regulations:

• State laws: Hedgehogs illegal in some states (Georgia, California, etc.)
• City ordinances: Local pet restrictions
• Housing policies: Apartment/rental agreements
• Permit requirements: Some areas require exotic pet permits

Long-term Commitment

Lifespan planning:

• 4-8 year commitment: Significant time investment
• Veterinary costs: Exotic animal care can be expensive
• Daily care: Consistent temperature and feeding requirements
• Travel considerations: Arrangements needed for vacations

Signs of a Happy Hedgehog

✅ Healthy, content hedgehogs show:

• Regular eating and drinking
• Active wheel running at night
• Normal defensive behavior when appropriate
• Gradual trust building with regular handling
• Consistent weight maintenance
• Normal quill condition and minimal loss

Remember: Hedgehogs are unique pets requiring specialized care, particularly regarding temperature control and gentle, patient handling. They’re not suitable for young children or those seeking an immediately social pet, but can form strong bonds with dedicated owners who understand their specific needs.