MEET THE HEDGEHOG
There are two types of hedgehogs: European hedgehogs and African pygmy hedgehogs. The latter is the kind we most commonly keep as pets. Hedgehogs have recently become famous for starring in cute internet videos but they are so much more than a sweet face and a ball of quills!
Medium
High
Lifespan
3 - 5 years
Diet Difficulty
Medium
Good With Kids
Older/respectful
children
Care Difficulty
High
Space Requirement
Medium
Cleanliness
Messy
Time Needed Outside Cage
Low
Human Interaction Needs
Low
Potty Trainability
Low
Cuddliness
Low
ENCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
MNPPR Recommends
One of the best cage options is a homemade cage called a C&C (cubes and coroplast) cage. They are fairly easy to make and are quite inexpensive compared to cages sold at pet stores. They are also very easy to clean and provide appropriate space. The bigger the better! If you decide to put in a ramp to add a second story, make sure it is long with a gradual incline and traction on the bottom so your hedgehog can safely use it. Midwest Guinea Habitat, Living World Deluxe XL, and Midwest Critter Nations are also good options.
Other Notes
Hedgehogs cannot climb or jump vertically so they rely on lots of floor space. All areas that your hedgehog has access to should be regularly checked for cords, chew marks, and places where they can get stuck. Hedgehogs love to explore but are not very agile and can get in trouble easily.
Be sure to keep the temperature inside the cage between 72° and 80° F to prevent your pet from going into hibernation, which is very dangerous to them.
MNPPR strongly recommends avoiding all wood-based beddings due to the general sensitivity of pocket pets. We like to use fleece to line the cage and cover any exposed wire floors, then use paper bedding as litter placed in a litter box. When the fleece is soiled, simply throw it in the wash and replace it as needed. Some hedgehogs can be trained to use a litter box, which can make cleaning even easier.
Minimum Dimensions
4 sq ft
ENRICHMENT REQUIREMENTS
Essentials
water bottle
food bowl
wheel
at least one shelter/hide
litter box
Variety
hiding places
burrowing bags
grass huts
cardboard boxes
tunnels
stuffed animals
balls
homemade toys
Other Items
pet bed
pet carrier
fleece
litter (soft recycled paper
such as CareFresh, shredded paper,
or paper pellets)
FEEDING REQUIREMENTS
Staple Diet
To provide the most well-rounded diet, MNPPR recommends feeding high-quality kibble cat food, high-quality hedgehog food, or a mix of both. Any food used must have over 20% protein and 5 - 15% fat. Be sure to look at the ingredients and do not purchase anything that has corn as one of the main ingredients. Because hedgehogs can be picky eaters, you may need to experiment with different brands or mix brands before finding one they like.
Treats
Variety in treats can help provide your hedgehog with a more balanced diet.
Safe Treats
apple
banana
bell peppers
blueberries
cantaloupe
cat treats
canned cat food
ferret treats
cooked, diced carrots
grilled, unseasoned chicken
grilled, unseasoned salmon
unseasoned scrambled eggs
honeydew
mango
papaya
pineapple
raspberries
strawberries
watermelon
Unsafe Treats
apple seeds
avocado
chocolate
citrus
dairy products
fizzy drinks
garlic
grapes
anything with added sugar
nuts
onions
processed meat
raisins
raw eggs
raw meat
Safe Insects
Store-bought only.
(live or freeze-dried)
crickets
mealworms
wax worms
Unsafe Insects
Any wild caught insects.
DISCLAIMER
All information shared by MN Pocket Pet Rescue is researched, up to date, and accurate to the best of our ability. We are not a licensed veterinary organization and do not intend to present ourselves as such. All educational material contains our best recommendations for care specific to each species. However, all animals are different and some may have unique needs. MN Pocket Pet Rescue does not assume any liability for the well-being of any animal not under our care. Always use your best judgment and follow veterinary recommendations whenever necessary. If you have any questions or find inaccurate information please contact us.