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Hedgehogs can make excellent pets—for the right person. Unlike cats and dogs, hedgies are not a very cuddly species of animal, but they still have needs and requirements that need to be fulfilled in order for them to live a happy and healthy life. They may take some time getting used to being handled, but they still make a loveable pet for an experienced and patient pet owner. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of hedgehog husbandry.
Hedgehogs as Pets: 5 Pros
1. They’re Great Pets for Night Owls or Early Risers
Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures, waking up around the time you go to bed. They spend their nights walking miles on their little wheels, exploring their enclosure and burrowing and then fall asleep at dawn.
Your hedgehog is asleep when the sun is out, so if you’re awake when the moon is high in the sky, a hedgehog could be the right fit for you.
2. They’re Solitary Creatures
Hedgehogs could care less about companionship unless the goal is to mate. They prefer a life of solitude, so worry not about caring for two spiky friends.
3. Human Companionship Is Unnecessary, Too
Humans are not the exception with hedgehogs. They like to be alone and don’t care for cuddles. In fact, many people wonder how long it takes for their hedgehog to like them because it definitely takes time. Don’t get us wrong, hedgehogs enjoy companionship every now and then, but it’s often short-lived and has to be on their accord. While this is a big perk for some people, others might find it more of a con. Regardless, though, that means you have more time for other activities—like petting your cat instead!
4. They May Fit In Cat Households
If you have a cat, you’re already accustomed to the noisy nonsense they like to create at 3 AM, so adjusting to hedgehog life will be a breeze.
In addition, very occasionally, alongside complete and balanced hedgehog food, you could also offer a small amount of cat food as a treat. We don’t recommend you feed your hedgie cat food regularly, as their primary sources of protein should come from a balanced diet and occasional insects and worms, but if it’s all you have, a hedgehog will gladly feast on cat food every now and then, and you can even give them a bit of enrichment by hiding some kibble in a snuffle mat – just make sure you supervise them and make sure they’re just eating the cat food and not the mat itself!
Keep in mind, however, that if you do have other animals in the house, you should never leave the two to interact as hedgehogs are a prey species and just smelling a cat will cause them stress, while a proper encounter may lead to injuries to both animals.
5. Say Goodbye to Bathroom Breaks
Hedgehogs do their business where they please. Don’t worry about scheduled potty breaks, potty pads, or hiring a pet sitter to let your hedgehog out. You can be gone for hours, guilt-free, knowing they’re home snoozing or running on their wheel.
Hedgehogs as Pets: 7 Potential Cons
1. They Can Keep You Up at Night
Hedgehogs can be quite noisy at night. This is a problem if you have to wake up early and all you hear is the squeak of a wheel. You can still have a hedgehog, but it’s best to keep your hedgie in a different room if you operate on a different sleep schedule.
2. Their Enclosure Needs Regular Cleaning
There’s no denying it: hedgehogs are poop machines. You’ll have to clean the bedding and substrate several times per week, and good luck scrubbing the poop off the wheel. It’s a messy job and must be done regularly; otherwise, your house may start to smell like a zoo.
3. They’re Not Cuddly
If you want an animal to snuggle and play with, a hedgehog isn’t for you. They barely like anyone touching or handling them, let alone a full-on cuddle session. A guinea pig or rabbit may be a better option if this is a deal breaker for you.
4. They Require Specific Temperature Settings
Hedgehogs such as the African Pygmy, which is the species solely kept as pets, can enter a false hibernation state or torpor if the temperature drops below 70°F. This can be tricky to maintain if you live in a cold climate or basement, so you’ll need a space heater on hand to help you. People also struggle with this if they want to leave for a day at a time and don’t want to leave a heater running unsupervised.
5. They Have Specific Lighting Needs
Hedgehogs don’t see well and it will throw off their sleep schedule if you leave the light on constantly. This is another reason people keep their hedgehogs in a different room. Even if you stay up all night, a light prevents them from exiting their burrow.
6. Their Enclosure Can Take Up a Lot of Space
Hedgehogs need at least a 2 foot x 3 foot cage to live comfortably. You can go larger if you want, but this is the minimum requirement. You may use a large table to fit this size of enclosure which will take up even more space. In the grand scheme of things, a dog or a cat could take up more space, but even a small animal like a hedgehog requires a good chunk of real estate to live comfortably.
7. They Hide
Hedgehogs are unique animals to keep as pets, so naturally, we want to show them off to our friends and family when they visit. But this is hard to do.
Hedgehogs naturally scurry away around noise and unfamiliar smells. You can pry your hedgie out of their burrow, but they’re crafty at sticking themselves to walls, and they may hurt to pick up if they feel frightened.
Are Hedgehogs Worth Keeping as Pets?
It’s up to you to decide if a hedgehog is right for you. Every animal has its drawbacks, but sometimes the cons outweigh the pros, so we have to consider other pet options.
- They’re nocturnal
- They’re solitary
- They require specific temperature and lighting
If you can confidently say that these three characteristics are not a problem, and you are able to fulfill their needs, bite the bullet and get a hedgehog. These animals may sound like they are easy to care for, but they do require an owner with a lot of knowledge, dedication and experience.
Where Do I Buy a Hedgehog?
Hedgehogs can be tricky to find since they’re not a cat or dog. Start with exotic pet stores. They have an assortment of reptiles and other mammals that are generally unheard of at traditional pet stores.
You can also find a hedgehog shelter in your area and adopt one in need.
Conclusion
When it comes to hedgehogs, husbandry does take some dedication and effort as well as experience. They don’t require walks, potty breaks, or companionship to be happy. Still, they have their own quirks that cannot be ignored. If you’re serious about getting a hedgehog, double-check that these quirks are no-biggies.
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Featured Image Credit: WildSnap, Shutterstock
2 Responses
Is there coat actually spiked or soft. I really enjoyed reading this article
Hello Diana,
thank you for your nice feedback and for your question. Hedgehog’s skin is indeed soft as you can see on their belly or other parts of the body apart from their back. That is covered in quills made of keratin, which is the same material as ours hair or nails.
You can read more interesting facts about hedgehogs here:
– Do Hedgehogs Have Fur? Facts & FAQ
– 35 Interesting Hedgehog Facts You Will Love to Know (With Pictures)
Hope this answers your question!