Tag Archives: hedgehogs

Rare Pets: Hedgehogs

I’m aware that most of my posts on the Pets blog relate to cats or dogs. They’re the most common pets in America, and also the two pets I own, so the majority of my articles focus on them. I thought I’d change things up a bit, however, with a new recurring column on rare pets. Today I take a look at the hedgehog. Hedgehogs have fascinated me from an early age, ever since my childhood introduction to Sonic the Hedgehog, a video game and cartoon character. Real hedgehogs, however, don’t look anything like Sonic, with his spiky blue ‘do … Continue reading →

Handling Your Hedgehog

On the list of cuddly pets who like to snuggle… you probably won’t find the hedgehog. Although a tame hedgehog will tolerate handling, they don’t necessarily crave and seek human attention. Picking a hedgehog from a reputable breeder can help — breeders generally try to pick the tamest parents to produce good natured babies. Breeders will also often make sure the baby hedgehogs are handled from a young age, so they are at least used to being touched. Handle your hedgehog with care! Not only to protect your hands from the hedgehog’s prickles, but to protect your hedgehog as well. … Continue reading →

Hedgehog Care: Housing and Feeding

Adding a hedgehog to the family? Here’s what you need to know about housing and feeding your prickly new friend. When it comes to cages, the bigger the better. Your hedgehog needs a minimum of two to three square feet of floor space. You can use just about anything for a cage — wire cage, aquarium, plastic cage, or even a plastic storage bin — provided there is enough ventilation. Wire floors and walls can cause problems if the spacing is too big, allowing your hedgehog to escape. You can line the cage floor partially or totally with outdoor carpeting. … Continue reading →

Hedgehog Care: The Basics

A hedgehog is not a common pet. They are illegal in some areas, but if they are welcome in yours, you’ll find these hedgehog basics useful. The pet hedgehogs found in North America are a mixed species. Breeders call them “African Pygmy Hedgehogs” but that is a made up name, rather than a species name. The hedgehog breeds that make up a pet hedgehog’s ancestry do originally come from Africa. They come in a wide range of colors, thanks to careful breeding. Yes, hedgehogs are prickly. Their backs are covered with short prickly spines; their bellies have soft fur. The … Continue reading →