Hedgehogs can be a fun and low-maintenance pet for your household, but they do need some special care. They have sharp quills that can make handling difficult. Consistent and proper daily handling will help them relax and feel comfortable with you.

Is it cruel to keep hedgehogs as pets?

So, is it cruel to keep a hedgehog as a pet? There is no harm in deciding to keep a pet hedgehog, as long as you love and care for it as you would any other pet. Many people decide to keep African Pygmy hedgehogs as pets, and they need more care and maintenance than other pets.

Can I legally own a hedgehog?

It's legal to own a hedgehog in most states around the United States. However, there are a few places where it's still illegal--Pennsylvania, Hawaii, California, Georgia, and Maine--but you may be able to own one with a permit in these states.

Is owning a hedgehog bad?

Absolutely! Pet hedgehogs will thrive and be a bundle of fun if you understand what they need and give them proper care. The same can be said for any domesticated animal. However, this doesn't mean they're good pets for everyone.

How much is a pet hedgehog?

Typical costs: Hedgehogs range in price from $125-$250, depending on the hedgehog's age, color, and temperament. Some breeders offer hedgehog starter kits for around $75 that include a cage, wheel, a hiding place, water bottle, feed bowl and food, and some shavings.

10 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Hedgehog

37 related questions found

What is a good starter pet for a 13 year old?

Other animal-care professionals promote birds or fish as ideal first pets for children.

• Guinea Pigs. Guinea pigs are social creatures, yet timid. ...
• Rats. Rats as pets tend to be misunderstood because of their wild kin. ...
• Hamsters. Hamster can be small or large in size. ...
• Gerbils. ...
• Mice. ...
• Leopard Geckos. ...
• Madagascar Hissing Cockroach.

Do hedgehogs stink?

Hedgehogs don't have any scent glands like ferrets, skunks, or even cats! So when we're clean, we don't have any particular scent. Like any animal, if they aren't kept clean, they begin to smell funky. ... If you keep our cage and bodies clean, a hedgehog should smell just fine!

What is the coolest pet in the world?

• Chinchilla. ...
• Cockatiel. ...
• Iguana. ...
• Insects and Spiders. ...
• Sugar Glider Squirrel. ...
• Hedgehog. Hedgehogs are amazing little creatures that make fascinating pets. ...
• Ferret. Ferrets make excellent pets for owners who take the time to bond with them. ...
• Wallaby. These miniature kangaroos from down under make a unique pet.

Why are hedgehogs illegal as pets?

There are at least 17 known species of hedgehogs. All species are restricted from possession as pets in California primarily because they can become pests where introduced into the wild where they don't naturally occur.

Can I let my hedgehog outside?

Yes! You can take your hedgehog outside to play. It is likely that your hedgehog will enjoy the fresh air and change of scenery during the summer months. However you should always take some precautions to ensure your hedgie is safe from harm.

Do hedgehog spikes hurt?

The quills tend to lay down flat along the back and sides of the hedgehog, all pointing towards their rear end, so as long as you don't push against the sharp tips of the quills (pet them backwards) they pose no problems or chance of being poked.

Can hedgehogs bite?

They are strong enough to dig their teeth in to your flesh, however, they very rarely bite. I've only been bitten when I've woken up an adult hedgehog which was sleeping during the day.

Can you buy a pet hedgehog UK?

Hedgehogs are wild animals, and belong just there, in the wild. ... Some international species of hedgehogs have however, been domesticated so that they can be sold as pets in the UK. The most commonly sold, and often confused with the European hedgehog, is the African pygmy hedgehog.

Can hedgehogs get Covid?

There is no evidence that viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19, can spread to people or other animals from the skin, fur, or hair of pets.

How long does a pet hedgehog live?

Dr. Keller says, “With appropriate care and keeping, your hedgehog will live about five years, and some even live longer than eight years.” If you have any questions about hedgehogs, contact your local veterinarian.

What's the easiest pet to own?

The Top 7 Best Low Maintenance Pets

1. Birds.
2. Snakes. ...
3. Sea Monkeys. ...
4. Guinea pigs. ...
5. Goldfish. Ahh, the goldfish. ...
6. Cats. If you claim that you are not a “cat person”, have you ever tried owning a cat? ...
7. Hamsters. Taking care of a hamster is easy once they have the proper cage. ...

What is the rarest pet to own?

Here Is A List Of Some Peculiar Pets:

• Number 1 – The Capybara. ...
• Number 2 – The Fennec Fox. ...
• Number 3 – The Squirrel Monkey. ...
• Number 4 – Stick Insects. ...
• Number 5 – Hedgehogs. ...
• Number 6 – Skunks. ...
• Number 7 – Pygmy Goats. ...
• Number 8 – The Spotted Genet.

What is the most uncommon pet?

Bearing that in mind here are seven of the most unusual pets ever.

• Ocelots: Once considered as a vulnerable species, Ocelots are essentially micro-leopards growing no bigger than the average domestic cat. ...
• Fennec Foxes: ...
• Sugar Gliders: ...
• Chinchillas. ...
• Degus. ...
• Pogonas. ...
• Hyacinth Macaws.

Are hedgehogs loud at night?

Hedgehogs are noisy at night as they explore their cages and when they exercise on their running wheels, especially if the wheels are not silent running varieties. They are noisy when they eat, as the dry cat biscuits are hard and need to be broken down by chomping on them.

Do hedgehogs poop a lot?

there is the potential for them to be prolific poopers. However, with diligence and persistence, most hedgehogs can be trained to poop in a litter pan or a litter area.

Do hedgehogs need baths?

Hedgehogs have naturally dry skin, so you do not want to bath them very often. They may occasionally come across something new and smelly, and have the odd desire to spread it on their quills and get themselves rather messy.

What is the safest pet?

Below are some types of pets you might want to consider: Rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, hamsters Smaller animals make good pets and, provided you keep them clean, fed and watered, will be great fun. Vets bills are relatively low but it's best to do some research first into things like winter care.

What is the cuddliest pet?

The cuddliest small pets are Havana rabbits, Siamese cats, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. If you're looking for a child-friendly small pet, guinea pigs are ideal. But if you want an apartment-friendly pet, hamsters and toy dogs are a better choice.

What is the cleanest pet to own?

Want A Pet and A Clean Home? We Rate the Cleanest Pets

1. Budgies. Budgies are a great pet option as they are very easy to look after. ...
2. Hamsters. The benefit of having a hamster is that they are incredibly easy to look after. ...
3. Guinea pigs. ...
4. Cats. ...
5. Dogs.

Are hedgehogs easy pets?

Hedgehogs can be a fun and low-maintenance pet for your household, but they do need some special care. They have sharp quills that can make handling difficult. Consistent and proper daily handling will help them relax and feel comfortable with you.