10 Facts to Consider Before Owning A Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are adorable creatures with fascinating nocturnal behavior which means they are most active during the night. Due to this characteristic, these little creatures tend to sleep during the day and become more active, curious, and potentially grumpy at night.

If you are consedering a hedgehog as a pet, understanding and respecting their nocturnal nature is crucial for providing the right environment and care. This includes creating a quiet and stimulating space during their active hours, ensuring proper nutrition, and being mindful of their sleep patterns.

These little beings are equipped with a coat of spiky quills that serve as their primary defense mechanism in the wild and are essential for their protection. Being mindful of their spiky exterior ensures a harmonious bond between owner and pet, making the experience enjoyable for both parties.

While hedgehogs can be incredibly affectionate, their quills can be sharp, and they may curl into a defensive ball if they feel threatened. So, if you are thinking of bringing one home, it is necessary to understand the nature of their quills and provide a calm and secure environment for them to display their more amiable side.

These little spiky friends have a natural affinity for hide and seek, as they are instinctively inclined to seek shelter in the wild. These adorable creatures often enjoy retreating to hideaway spots, like cozy huts or tunnels, to feel safe and secure.

Potential owners should be prepared to provide suitable hiding places within their hedgehog's enclosure to cater to this instinct. You must respect their need for privacy and create a conducive environment for this behavior to foster a content and comfortable living space for these charming little companions.

Hedgehogs have indiscriminate eating habits, however they are lactose intolerant and it is a crucial aspect to be aware of before choosing them as pets. Their digestive systems lack the enzymes necessary to break down lactose so feeding them such items can lead to digestive issues like bloating.

To ensure their well-being, it is essential for prospective owners to provide a suitable diet free from dairy and to be aware of potential food intolerances. Opting for specially formulated hedgehog food and supplementing with insects and occasional treats ensures a nutritionally balanced diet that supports their health and happiness.

These little spiky beings have a peculiar and adorable behavior called self-anointing where they create a frothy, saliva-filled foam and spread it on their quills. Although the exact reason of this behavior is not fully understood, it is believed to be a form of scent camouflage or a reaction to new smells.

This quirky habit of these tiny creatures is a normal part of their daily routine so, prospective hedgehog owners should be fully informed of this phenomenon. To pet these little beings, pet owners must embrace these unique traits and not interfere with self-anointing, letting hedgehogs express their instincts comfortably.

Despite all the endearing qualities, Hedgehogs have relatively short lifespans compared to some other pets and typically live around two to three years in the wild. At home, provided with proper care, they may reach up to six to seven years.

Any prospective owners must be aware of this short lifespan before deciding to have a hedgehog as a pet as it helps you to be prepared for the emotional aspect of caring for a pet with a shorter life expectancy. Understanding the brevity of their lives encourages owners to provide the best possible care, creating a fulfilling and enriched environment.

These tiny spiky beings are known for their low-maintenance grooming needs which makes them suitable for individuals seeking a pet with minimal grooming requirements. Furthermore, they are adept at self-grooming and generally do not require regular baths.

At home, you should be aware that occasional nail trimming and checking for skin issues are still necessary for these little creatures. With a hedgehog as your companion, you are free from the demands of extensive grooming efforts and ready to embrace a hassle-free pet ownership experience.

These spiky little fellas are known to go into a state of torpor or hibernation in the wild as a response to colder temperatures and limited food availability. However, if they are kept in a controlled indoor environment in the comfort of their home, they may not exhibit the same hibernation patterns.

Pet owners must understand this natural phenomenon and maintain a stable and warm environment to prevent unintentional hibernation, as it can be risky for their health. This knowledge helps hedgehogs to live in a consistent and warm living space, contributing to the well-being and longevity of their pet.

Unassumingly, Hedgehogs are strong paddlers and they can swim really well in natural bodies of water. In the wild, they can swim for up to two kilometers in a night in search of food.

However, it is important to note that hedgehogs need an accessible ledge to get in and out of the water which makes creeks and rivers great places for them to cool off. If you are thinking of taking your spiky friends to the swimming pool, then you need to keep an eye out because man-made ledges may be too hard for the little ones to climb.

The diet of hedgehogs primarily consists of insects in the wild due to their insectivores nature. There are commercial hedgehog foods available for these little creatures but pet owners do need to supplement their diet with live insects or high-quality insect-based treats.

Understanding their insectivorous nature ensures a well-balanced and nutritious diet, promoting the hedgehog's overall health and well-being. This knowledge is crucial for responsible pet ownership, as it guides feeding practices and helps replicate a diet closer to what they would consume in their natural habitat.

After considering all the above-mentioned facts, if you have finally decided to bring home a spiky friend, you need to make a seperate shelter. To make a comfy home for a hedgehog, you will need a few essentials, which are listed below:

• A secure and well-ventilated cage or enclosure with enough space for the hedgehog to move around.
• A safe and comfortable bedding material such as fleece liners, aspen shavings, or paper-based bedding.
• A little hideout such as a cozy igloo, a wooden house, or a PVC pipe.
• A solid-surface exercise wheel for their physical and mental well-being.
• A room with temperature control and low lights.
• Safe toys like tunnels, toilet paper rolls, or puzzle feeders for entertainment.