Hedgehogs are nocturnal, and therefore do not like bright light. A hiding place, such as a cardboard or wooden box, cloth bag, PVC tubing, plastic log, or small plastic hut will provide your hedgehog some privacy and a place to avoid the light.
Large terrariums or solid bottom guinea pig cages make good housing for hedgehogs. Because they like to explore the cage should be large in size, 4' x2'. A larger size cage also has better ventilation. C and C cages are a budget friendly option and can be built large enough for your hedgehog to roam.
Whether it's on your lap or in its enclosure, your hedgehog needs something they can hide under or in to feel safe. This can be anything from a fleece blanket to a guinea pig hut. Hedgehogs are natural burrowers and love dark confined spaces where they can feel safe.
A thick layer of bedding, fleece pieces, snuggle sacks are good items for a hedgehog to cuddle up in. The ambient room temp should be no lower than 72 degrees; Pet Warming Pad under a corner of the cage are fine so they can get up against it or away from it if needed.
Many hedgehogs love to play with ping pong balls, lattice bird or cat balls, or small balls with bells inside. Make sure the balls are not sturdy and not easily chewed or damaged. Another version of the plastic ball is a ferret treat ball. As the hedgie pushes around the ball a treat will come out.
Whether you make your own or buy one, fill the chamber of your hedgehog home with a layer of dead, dry leaves. Hedgehogs prefer small leaves such as birch, oak, hawthorn or hazel. Then screw the roof to the box so that you can remove it in future to clean the box out.
You can put soft hay or dried grass in as bedding, but do also try and leave some fallen leaves around for the hedgehog, not only add to options for bedding but are good places for hedgehogs to find insects and beetles which make up the bulk of their diet.
Hedgehogs are sensitive to temperature changes. The ideal range is between 75°F and 85°F. However, they will tolerate temperatures between 72°F and 90°F. Hedgehogs can go into a hibernation-like state of inactivity when temperatures are too hot or too cold.
Hedgehogs need to be kept busy to stay happy and healthy. An exercise wheel is an essential part of any hedgehog enclosure, as are a litter box, sleeping box, and eating area. To help keep your pet hedgehog busy supply your pet with a selection of tunnels and toys such as stuffed animals or small balls.
Many people get confused about how often they should bathe their hedgehogs. Your vet should be the ultimate authority here. That said, in general, about once a month is good. Don't bathe your pet too often: this could dry out his skin!
Talking to your hedgehog while holding, snuggling, bathing, and other enjoyable activities will help your hedgehog associate the sound of your voice with comfort and enjoyment. Over the years we have found the radio and music very soothing for a variety of different animals.
But besides the feeling of a cozy and clean place, there are more reasons why your hedgehog needs a clean habitat. Hedgehogs have a very sensitive respiratory system. Urine and feces in the bedding can lead to ammonia build-up, which can cause serious respiratory issues.
Hedgehogs should be bathed from time to time, as they do not clean themselves like some animals. The good news is that hedgehogs are great swimmers and typically enjoy bath time so it can be a fun experience for them and you.
Like many pocket pets, hedgehogs love to explore mazes and tunnels. This will keep Hedgie active, and offer him mental stimulation. You can buy labyrinths, or make your own out of shoeboxes or PVC pipe. To make your pet's explorations even more fun for him, hide a snack at the end of the tunnel.
Every hedgehog has a unique personality, but most aren't interested in human affection. Caretakers note that it takes a lot of time and effort to get a hedgehog to tolerate being held. Like porcupines, hedgehogs have sharp, prickly quills that they use to fend off predators.
As stated above, bonding does take effort and persistence, and may require a great deal of time. Some hedgehogs will bond rather quickly, but other hedgehogs may take up to a YEAR to fully bond. Over time your hedgehog will become accustomed to your smell, feel, and will appreciate the warmth of your body.
Grapes and avocados are toxic to hedgehogs. While some people give crushed peanuts to their hedgies, nuts and raisins are generally considered a choking hazard as they get stuck on the roof of their mouth. Avoid giving your pet hedgehog insects you've caught yourself as they might have digested toxins.
Fill it with lots of hedgehog-safe food and water at sunset, ideally using a hedgehog food bowl and a hedgehog water bowl. Only put out small amounts of food as this is to supplement their diet. Clear away any uneaten food in the morning and refill the dishes each evening so the food and water is always fresh.
If a noise is loud to you, it is probably too loud for your hedgehog as well. Observe the sounds your hedgehog is making towards you as well. If he is purring, he is happy and content.
You can encourage hedgehogs into your garden by providing food and fresh water. Tips for leaving out food and water: Leave out foods like tinned dog or cat food and crushed cat or dog biscuits. Supply good quality, meaty hedgehog food from wildlife food suppliers.
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.
The best place to put a hedgehog house out is a quiet, shaded position in your garden (ideally facing east to south), where the entrance hole will be shielded from bad weather.