Wild hedgehogs live a solitary life and only meet to mate, though pet hedgehogs are becoming more common each year.1 Hedgehogs are curious, shy, and cautious of people and other predators. They spend most of their time foraging, hiding, and learning.
Hedgies like to explore, burrow, sleep, hide, and investigate. Toys that allow your hedgie’s natural instincts to come alive are the best for them. In this article, you’ll learn what toys are ideal for your hedgehog buddy.
The 10 Toy Ideas Hedgehogs Will Love
1. Hideouts and Burrows
Hideouts and burrows help make your hedgehog feel safe and comfortable. When searching for the perfect hideout, ensure it’s big enough for your hedgie to spin around in and that it has two exit holes.
In your hedgehog’s enclosure, place the hideout on top of bedding, where your hedgehog can dig and cover themselves within their home. Sleeping bags are a good option for your quilly friend, as they’ll feel safe and warm the further they explore.
2. Shoe Boxes and Cardboard
Hedgehogs can play in cardboard boxes or DIY houses made from cardboard. You’ll watch as they flip, dig, hide, and bury their cardboard toy, which is beneficial to tap into their wild instincts.
If you provide your hedgie with a tissue box, ensure there are no plastic parts, as plastic will cause intestinal issues.
3. Plastic Balls and Cat Toys
Toys that roll are super fun. Cat toys like balls with bells are things your hedgie will be entertained with for hours. However, toys with strings or loose feathers are generally not recommended for hedgehogs. These can easily wrap around their tiny limbs, leading to serious injury or loss of circulation.
If you allow your hedgehog to play with balls, they’ll try burying it in their home or chase it around your living room. In the wild, hedgehogs chase bugs and other small invertebrates, so a ball is like prey for them.
4. Cars and Toys With Wheels
Speaking of toys that roll, children’s cars and trucks work too. Whether it’s a small car or a dump truck they can push around or ride in, your hedgie will find cars very exciting. Just make sure there are no small parts that could come off, causing a choking hazard.
5. Small Teddy Bears
A small, soft plush toy can offer your hedgehog a sense of security and a cozy spot to rest. Choose a toy that is smaller than or equal to your hedgehog’s size. Crucially, ensure it’s catnip-free and has no small, detachable parts (like plastic eyes, buttons, or loose threads) that could be chewed off or cause entanglement. Regularly inspect for wear and tear.
6. Exercise Wheels
A safe exercise wheel is essential for your hedgehog’s health, allowing them to run nightly. Always choose a wheel with a solid running surface (never wire or mesh) that is 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) or larger to prevent injury and ensure proper spinal alignment. Ensure it’s easy to clean and avoid spherical exercise balls as these can become stressful and lead to overheating.
7. Mazes
Since hedgehogs are curious, some DIY toys, which you can make from cardboard, are mazes and obstacle courses. Mazes keep your hedgehog’s brain alert while they explore, forage, and find hidden items throughout it.
You’ll be surprised at how fast they reach the end. Each time you make a maze, try to aim for more complex tasks and reward them at the end.
8. Tunnels
Tunnels are an excellent way for your hedgehogs to explore and play. The most affordable tunnels are ones you can make from home using cardboard. Place it in your hedgehog’s enclosure. If your hedgie runs through it, it must be big enough to stay in place.
9. Rubber Duckies
If you have children, your hedgehog will love old toys that your kids don’t play with anymore. Rubber duckies are an excellent example of toys your children may have outgrown. If your rubber ducky squeaks, your hedgehog will get more satisfaction, though it’s unnecessary.
10. Kong Forager and Foraging Toys
Foraging toys, such as Kongs or slow feeders, are an excellent source of brain activity for your hedgie. Try placing your hedgie’s favorite snack inside a Kong and place it in a maze or enclosure. Watch as your hedgie buries, rolls, or tips it to get what’s inside.
Final Thoughts
Hedgehogs are sweet and shy animals that need experienced owners to bond with. Hedgies don’t need a cage mate. However, without a cage mate, they’ll need entertainment. Maintaining a healthy hedgehog means adapting to their needs. Since hedgehogs are exploratory animals, they will benefit from toys that keep their body and mind active. The toys mentioned in this article are sufficient enough to keep your hedgehog happy and healthy throughout their life.
- Related Read: DIY Hedgehog Cage Plans
Featured Image Credit: Best dog photo, Shutterstock
