Hedgehog Care 101 was created to serve as the most complete, easy-to-navigate, one-stop resource for all things hedgehog!

You will find all the information needed to learn about owning hedgehogs as pets, proper hedgehog care, and even advice and fun activities from current owners.

What are Hedgehogs as Pets?

Yes – in most states, you can have a hedgehog as a pet!

Domesticated hedgehogs are usually small, spiny mammals that can make excellent pets with the proper loving care.

Hedgehogs make reasonably inexpensive and low-maintenance pets, although they do require the right care and attention.

Since hedgehogs are pretty sensitive, including the environment, they may not be the right fit for everyone, so it’s vital first to decide whether or not they would make the right pet for you.

We’d suggest starting your research with our guide here to help you determine whether one of these small beautiful mammals is right for you.

Introduction to the African Pygmy Hedgehog

The most common type of domestic hedgehog is called the African Pygmy Hedgehog.

It is the type of mammal that is easiest to have as a pet.

All hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, meaning they are awake during nighttime.

This is great for owners who are busy during the day so that they can care for their hedgehog while he is awake in the evening.

Lifespan

Estimates vary by source, but African Pygmy Hedgehogs have an expected life span of between 2-8 years, with the average consensus around 3-6 years.

This may seem short, but this is quite an impressive span compared to other small pet animals. It also improves the lifespan of wild hedgehogs, which averages around 2 years.

Personality

African Pygmy hedgehogs are calm creatures who like being handled gently and kept in a quiet, tranquil environment.

They are very solitary animals and, in most cases, should be housed alone in their cage.

You should take them out for at least 30 minutes each evening to socialize, explore, or even snuggle on your lap while you read a book or watch your favorite TV show.

Handling

Although their quills look dangerous, they are not as sharp as they look, and with the correct handling, they won’t be too uncomfortable for bare hands.

In addition, Hedgehogs rarely bite.

To learn more about having hedgehogs as pets, click here.

Hedgehog Care Information

The right diet

Another aspect to know about is their correct diet.

Hedgehogs have some foods you should avoid, but their main diet is quite simple – typically small amounts of cat food – so they are pretty inexpensive to feed!

You can find information on foods to feed your hedgehog here.

Bathing

Another facet of hedgehog care is learning how to bathe and groom them.

As you will find out, they have sensitive skin that could react to even things you won’t imagine.

To avoid products that can be harmful to them, we’ve provided some basic bathing guidelines as well as the best types of shampoo to use to ensure that you don’t affect their skin.

They will also need to have their nails clipped a couple of times per month. Here’s our page on how to bathe and groom your hedgehog.

Where to Buy a Hedgehog & The Supplies You’ll Need

As you continue your research and become more comfortable with hedgehog care requirements, you may want to investigate purchasing and preparing for them.

Please look through our guide on where to buy a hedgehog here, and learn about the questions to ask hedgehog breeders and pet stores to help you choose the right place.

When getting ready to bring home a hedgie, you’ll need to buy some supplies to prepare its habitat.

This directory contains the most recommended supplies you will need to care for your new pet hedgehog, including food, cages, and toys.