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Hedgehogs are native to warmer climates and are highly sensitive to cold temperatures. Pet hedgehogs thrive best in an environment kept between 72°F and 80°F (22°C–27°C). If their surroundings get too cold, they may attempt to hibernate, a process that is risky and can even be fatal for pet hedgehogs, as their bodies aren’t well adapted to survive it.
If your home temperature is not consistently within their ideal range, it’s important to place your hedgehog’s enclosure in a warmer room and use a safe, supervised heat source—like a heat lamp or heating pad—to keep the temperature warm and stable. Since your hedgehog’s well-being depends on staying warm, choosing the right heating method is essential. Do hedgehogs need a heat lamp? In many cases, yes, but it’s not the only option. Other reliable, safe heat sources may also be suitable, as long as they keep your pet safely within their comfort zone.
Important note: The information in this post is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary guidance. Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your hedgehog’s care, environment, or introducing new products or treatments. When using any type of heating equipment, do so with caution. Heat sources should always be used under supervision and strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions to help prevent overheating or other safety issues.
Heating Products for Hedgehogs
If your home temperature consistently falls below 74°F (23°C), you’ll need to add a heat source to your hedgehog’s setup. A heat lamp is a straightforward option. There are many different heating lamps out there, so you’ll likely be able to find the right lamp for your needs. Be sure to check the directions on the lamp and bulb you purchase, as they will determine how high you need to place the lamp over the cage.
Always monitor the temperature with a digital thermometer and use thermostats with any heating equipment to prevent overheating.
Alternatively, you can also invest in a low-voltage heating pad, which also helps keep your hedgehog warm. However, be cautious with these products, as they can also cause burns and unevenly heat the cage. Still, if you use them correctly, they can be a great option for most hedgehogs.
Whilst effective, heating pads often require more careful placement and monitoring than heating lamps.
How Can I Keep My Hedgehog Warm Without a Heat Lamp?
If you can’t use a heating lamp for one reason or another, you can utilize a heating pad instead. These can be placed underneath the cage and keep the cage warm so that your hedgehog doesn’t get too cold. However, they are more prone to creating hotspots and can cause burns in extreme situations. If you go with a heating pad, you need to ensure that it is a vet-approved product.
For emergency situations where the power has gone out, you can use hand warmers that have been activated and stuffed into a sock. The sock ensures that the hedgehog won’t bite through the hand warmers, which can be potentially toxic. Arrange these socks in a few different places throughout the enclosure for a few hours of heat.
You can also hold your hedgehog against your skin, as you are typically warm enough. You may also be able to use hot water to fill up water bottles before your hot water tank cools off.
What Temperature is Too Cold for a Hedgehog?
All hedgehogs should be kept at around 74 °F to 80 °F. However, your hedgehog can tolerate temperatures of about two degrees fahrenheit on either side of this range for a short period of time. Generally, hedgehogs are better at handling heat than they are the cold.
If they get too cold, they will start to hibernate, which can potentially be fatal. Also, sudden temperature changes can be very troublesome for a hedgehog and you should be cautious about warming them up or cooling them down too fast.
How Long Do Hedgehogs Need Heat Lamps?
Hedgehogs will need heat sources when the environment temperature is not within their ideal range. Heat lamps should be red, not a light source, otherwise, they can interfere with your pet’s sleep/wake cycle. In other words, a light-emitting lamp will make your pet think that it is always daytime, which can be rather confusing. Instead, you need to only utilize lights that are designed for use at nighttime as well.
Typically, when you’re purchasing a bulb, it will let you know what time of the day they are meant to be used. Nighttime lights can be utilized throughout the daytime as well, assuming your pet has access to sunlight or another sort of light. (Simply put, they need to know that it is daytime.)
However, daylights should only be used during the day.
How Do I Know If My Hedgehog Is Cold?
Generally, the easiest way is to invest in a thermometer for the enclosure. Then, you can utilize the thermometer to track the temperature of the cage and ensure that it is in the ideal range. In fact, this is one of the only ways you can be sure that the hedgehog is at the proper temperature. Behaviors are not always very accurate.
However, hedgehogs may start displaying a few symptoms of being cold. For instance, they may lose their appetite, appear lethargic, or have cool-to-the-touch limbs or body.
Conclusion
Hedgehogs are very sensitive to temperature and cannot survive in cold environments. If exposed to temperatures below 74°F (23.3ºC) , they may enter hibernation, a dangerous and often deadly response in a home environment.
We highly recommend that you invest in proper heating equipment. With the right setup, your pet can stay cozy and avoid the risks associated with hibernation and temperature stress. Always remember to consult your exotic veterinarian if you’re unsure about your hedgehog’s environment, behavior, or health.
Further reading: How to Keep a Hedgehog Warm: 12 Possible Ways
Featured Image Credit: WildSnap, Shutterstock
