Is a Hedgehog the Right Pet for You?

While hedgehogs are still considered somewhat "exotic" they are becoming much more common as pets. People are drawn to hedgehogs because they are rare and interesting and also because they are so darn adorable! Hedgehogs are generally easy to care for and fun to watch. However, individuals with gentle, patient and calm personalities are best suited to be hedgehog owners.

While hedgehogs might appear to be unfriendly creatures, they can actually be great pets. When hedgehogs feel scared or threatened, they will curl up in a ball to protect themselves and make all sorts of strange huffing noises. This can seem alarming, but it is only a defense mechanism. When they feel safe, hedgehogs are usually unaggressive. Some hedgehogs are more tempermental than others. Spend some time observing the animal at the store before you bring it home - if it appears especially defensive, it may be more difficult to bond with.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals in nature. During the day, your pet will sleep curled up in a warm sleeping bag or hiding underneath an object that provides darkness and protection. But, at night, if left with an exercise wheel or other toys, your hedgehog will become very active. Hedgehogs may appear to be lazy animals when you observe them during the day, but at night you can see how truly active they are. Hedgehogs are known to run as fast as six feet per second when the need arises!
Helpful hint: It is a very good idea to get your hedgie an exercise wheel so that it does not become obese. In the wild, hedgehogs cover large territories in search of food - when kept in a smaller space, hedgehogs can become too sedentary. Just make sure that the exercise wheel is solid plastic - the wire wheels that work for hamsters and gerbils are dangerous for hedgehogs as their feet can get stuck in the openings.