The Basics of Hedgehog Care
Hedgehogs are called "exotic pets" for a reason-- they have different requirements than a cat, dog, hamster, or bunny! (AND they are NOT rodents!)
Here are the basics for your hedgehog setup. I have linked many of the items, so you can buy exactly what we use/endorse here at the Hedgehaus.
*Cage/Enclosure - Optimally 6-8 sq ft of floor space but a minimum of 4 sq ft, smooth bottom, preferably not a wire cage. They're drafty and hedgies will try to climb and can fall and hurt themselves and/or get body parts stuck. (They are very clumsy, their eyesight is not good.) I personally prefer the modified, 110 qt (or more!) plastic bin/totes by Sterilite or Rubbermaid, but the bigger the better! They are perfect for hedgehogs and VERY easy to clean. They also help keep heat in.
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*Heat Setup - 8.5-10 inch ceramic heat dome, 100-150 watt Ceramic Heat Emitter bulb, (they are either black or white, but they do NOT emit light! No red bulbs) thermostat for setting temperature, digital thermometer to make sure temperature is correct. Hedgehogs NEED a heat setup, it is not optional. 75-78 degrees is an optimal temperature for them. (I do about 76-77) If it gets below this, they can get too cold, go into hibernation, and die. Domestic hedgehogs are not equipped to hibernate, so PLEASE avoid this by having the proper heat set up, and monitoring it daily.
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*Wheel - needs to be a solid, smooth surface, no wires or ridges. 10.5" size or larger. I am a big fan of the Carolina Storm Wheels ; they are totally silent and super easy to clean. Hedgehogs can run for miles every night since they are nocturnal, so the silent wheel is great! (You'll thank us!) But most smooth bucket wheels (found on Etsy mostly) in the appropriate size will be good. Make sure you give it a good wipe down every day- hedgehogs often poop while on the run.
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*Hides - Igloo hides, plastic bowls with air holes drilled into them, PVC pipes, snuggle bags, or fleece hides (non-pilling fleece, check for loose threads!)
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*Toys - toilet paper rolls, miniature rubber ducks, ping pong balls, cat balls with bells inside, cat toys without strings or feathers, small stuffed animals, toy cars, plastic Easter eggs
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*Bedding - NO CEDAR. Paper bedding such as Carefresh WAS “ok”, but lately I’ve been hearing of a few babies that have been eating it and dying from blockages, so I no longer recommend that option. Kiln-dried pine, and aspen work well. Fleece liners are also an option, but not one I personally utlize or recommend. (I do not care for fleece due to the lack of odor absorbency. Also, hedgehogs really love to burrow, and there isn't much to burrow in or under with fleece. Burrowing also helps keep them warm.)
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*Food dish - ceramic bowls, small animal size
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*Food - Mix 2-3 high quality cat foods that avoid dyes & fillers, also that list meat as the first ingredient.
(30-35% protein, 9-14% fat, 5% or more fiber. Choose your foods based on these factors & how much you’d like to spend.) Hedgehog Precision IS the only recommended "hedgehog food", (most "hedgehog foods" available in pet stores are NOT nutritionally sound for hedgehogs based on scientific research and are HIGHLY DISCOURAGED) however, high quality cat food is preferred for nutritional content. I also mix a pinch of cricket powder into their food daily, as this provides chitin, which is insect fiber. This burns fat. Which in turn, makes their poo smell less! Win/win!
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*Bugs & Treats - Live bugs (black soldier larvae, dubia roaches, superworms, mealworms, wax worms, horn worms, silk worms) are the best for them, but freeze dried are okay in moderation. (Too many freeze dried bugs may cause constipation.) Treats can include wet cat food, meat flavored baby food, baby meat sticks, cat treats, unseasoned eggs and meats, like ground turkey. Canned pumpkin is good to have on hand for both constipation and diarrhea. Fruits and vegetables are discouraged; they have a difficult time digesting them.
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*Water bottle/dish - water bottles are fine as long as you avoid the spring loaded bottles. If using a water dish, replace water at least once daily. Hedgehogs can be very messy and you will often find bedding (and who knows what else!) in the water bowl.
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*Small animal playpen - this is optional, but these are ideal for letting your hedgie have some extra time out of their cage and a place to play.
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*Travel carrier - Just good to have! There are options on Amazon that are hedgehog sized, but I prefer the 15 qt Sterilite latch boxes with lids. I make air holes all along each side with a hot glue gun (no glue!) or a drill. Add a little bedding, and this is perfect for going to the vet, or anywhere.
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* VETERINARIAN - PLEASE make sure you have a vet in mind when adopting a hedgehog. NOT ALL VETS SEE HEDGEHOGS SINCE THEY ARE CONSIDERED EXOTIC PETS. Please make sure the vet you choose DOES see hedgehogs!
I have compiled a list of DFW vets who see hedgehogs HERE!
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*Clean cages weekly. The small animal playpen is a perfect place for your hedgie to hang out while cleaning their cage. Dump out all bedding & hose it out, clean bowls, water bottle, wheel, etc. Do NOT use bleach on your hedgehog’s things!! Washing with Dawn dish soap and water with a thorough rinse will typically suffice.
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If you need additional help/advice, feel free to ask, or you can join Hedgehog Talk on Facebook, a great group if you have questions or just want to talk hedgehogs!
