Skip to content 
Owning a pet hedgehog can be an incredibly rewarding and fun experience. They’re cute, cuddly (even with the quills), and super unique!
Because of this, there’s been a growing interest in hedgehogs as pets and we couldn’t be happier. Honestly, we think everyone should consider owning a hedgehog if you’re looking for something unique.
However, there are some things you should know before you rush out and get one.
Because of their cute nature and growing popularity, a lot of people skip the important process of learning about the animal and determining if a pet hedgehog is right for them. This leads to poor care of their hedgehog, purchases from bad breeders, and other issues.
That’s why we put together this list of everything you need to know to be sure if a pet hedgehog is right for you. By the time you’re done with this, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Enjoy!
Let’s get this out of the way first. Due to their uncommon nature, a lot of people don’t know if hedgehogs make good pets or not.
Some people assume they’re extremely difficult and high maintenance, and others believe they’re perfect cuddle balls that need no effort to raise whatsoever.
As always, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. If you think they’re entirely hands-off then you’re in for a surprise, but it’s not much more effort than owning a dog (you just spend your time on different things.)
So do hedgehogs make good pets? Absolutely!
Pet hedgehogs will thrive and be a bundle of fun if you understand what they need and give them proper care. The same can be said for any domesticated animal.
However, this doesn’t mean they’re good pets for everyone. There are various lifestyle factors that might not mesh with your schedule, and you should be aware of this before you take the leap.
Don’t worry, we cover these in detail later in the guide!
There are seventeen different species of hedgehogs that can be found on the planet, but one that’s best-suited to be a pet. That species is the African pygmy hedgehog.
These cuties are the kind of hedgehog that you’ve probably seen the most online, especially when looking at other people who own them as a pet. We have nothing against the other species of hedgehogs of course, but there are three main reasons why the African pygmy is considered the best choice:
Fortunately, you won’t have to spend a lot of time clarifying what species you want when you speak to breeders. The African pygmy hedgehog is pretty much the only option you’ll find when you start shopping around.
As funny as it might seem, pet hedgehogs aren’t legal everywhere. The majority of states in the U.S. allow them, and most European countries do as well.
However, there are some places where they’re outright illegal or require you to get a permit before owning one. The origin of these regulations is thought to come from the fact that hedgehogs are able to carry foot and mouth disease in some situations (don’t panic, this won’t be an issue for you).
Do your research and understand the laws in your local area before you start shopping around and talking to breeders. Assuming you aren’t in one of the unlucky spots where they aren’t allowed, you’re free to get a pet hedgehog!
As you’ve probably noticed by now, hedgehogs have quills (duh). This adds to their unique and interesting look, but it also provides a challenge for some new owners who want to handle them.
If your hedgie is nervous or scared it’s probably going to be rather uncomfortable to hold them. This is far more common when your pet hedgehog is still unfamiliar with you and its surroundings, so you’ll need to be patient.
As you two get more familiar with each other it will become easier to pick them up and handle them. This is mainly because they’ll become more comfortable with you and won’t be so quick to stick out their quills. You’ll also learn what they like and what they don’t, so you can keep them relaxed and comfortable more often.
The emotions of a pet hedgehog are a lot more complex than most people realize. The notion that they’re simple creatures couldn’t be further from the truth.
New hedgehog owners will quickly discover that there’s a lot of subtlety they need to be aware of when it comes to their hedgies. Unlike dogs where their emotions are pretty easy to read (tail wagging = happy, growling = mad), you have to look a lot closer.
When you get used to identifying the small signs and noises they make, the mood of your pet hedgehog will become a whole lot easier to understand. In fact, you’ll be shocked by how communicative they can be!
When this happens you’ll be able to provide better care and have more fun together. You’ll know when they don’t want to be disturbed, and when they’re in the mood to be played with.
Pet hedgehogs typically cost between $150 and $400 depending on age, color, breeder reputation, and location. At Hedgies Nest, our healthy baby hedgehogs start at $200.
With proper care, nutrition, and veterinary attention, your pet hedgehog can typically live between 4 and 7 years.
It’s going to take a little while for your hedgehog to get comfortable with you and know who you are. During this process, new owners are prone to wondering if they made a mistake or if pet hedgehogs aren’t that affectionate.
But don’t worry! You just have to be patient. Hedgehogs are naturally a bit nervous around humans at first and it takes some time for them to build that trust around you.
If you socialize and handle your new hedgehog properly, they’ll learn to recognize your voice, appearance, and scent over time. This will lead to them become more comfortable and relaxed around you.
Once this happens you’re well on your way to bonding with your hedgie and building a relationship!
Most hedgehogs become friendly with regular handling and patience. Every hedgehog has its own personality. Some are very social, while others prefer limited interaction.
Hedgehogs rarely bite aggressively. Most bites occur because they mistake a scent on your hand for food. Regular handling and proper socialization can reduce biting behavior.
Yes. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, meaning they sleep during the day and become active during the evening and nighttime hours.
In case you weren’t aware of this already, your pet African pygmy hedgehog will be active at night and snoozing during the day. Each hedgehog is different, but most of them will get up around your dinner time and start their days.
This means the best time for cuddling and giving them treats is in the evening before you go to bed (assuming you don’t work a night shift). If you get up very early you might have some time to see them in the morning as well, but keep in mind that they’ll be winding down after a full night of play.
If your schedule doesn’t fit with their sleep cycle, owning a pet hedgehog might not be a good fit for you. It’s also worth mentioning that if you’re a light sleeper and don’t have a place far away from your bedroom to keep them, the noise from their nighttime activities might keep you up.
You’ll also want to make sure their location is somewhere in your home where your daytime activities won’t disturb their sleep. This goes both ways!
For most people this isn’t an issue, but take some time to be sure of this before getting a pet hedgehog. You want this to be a good fit for both of you.
If you’re looking for an animal that will learn tricks and show complex displays of affection, a pet hedgehog isn’t your best bet. Yes, there are a lot of neat subtleties and signs that you can learn over time, but you need to be realistic.
These aren’t orcas, they’re hedgehogs. Their intellect can surprise you and be fun to watch, but they’re not going to get the newspaper for you in the morning. They’re also shy by nature.
The combination of this means that your snuggle time together will be pretty straightforward. If you’re looking for tail wagging and handshaking, this isn’t your pet.
No. Hedgehogs are solitary animals and are generally happiest when housed alone. Keeping multiple hedgehogs together can lead to stress and fighting.
A balanced hedgehog diet includes:
Fresh water should always be available.
Adult hedgehogs are usually fed once daily in the evening when they become active. Fresh water should be available at all times.
Avoid feeding:
These foods can be harmful or toxic to hedgehogs.
Your hedgehog should have at least 4 square feet of floor space. Larger enclosures are always better because they provide more room for exercise and enrichment.
They should be kept between 72°F and 80°F (22°C to 27°C). Temperatures below this range can cause dangerous hibernation attempts.
In cooler climates, you can use ceramic heat emitters and thermostats to maintain a safe temperature within the enclosure.
Spot cleaning should be done daily. A full enclosure cleaning is generally recommended once per week.
Healthy hedgehogs have very little odor when their enclosure is kept clean. Regular cage maintenance helps prevent unpleasant smells.
Daily handling for 15 to 30 minutes helps build trust and socialization. Consistency is key to developing a strong bond.
Young hedgehogs go through a normal process called “quilling,” where they lose baby quills and grow adult quills. This is a natural part of development.
yes, your hedgehog can learn to use a litter tray, especially when placed near their exercise wheel.
Hedgehogs benefit from annual wellness exams with an exotic animal veterinarian. Early detection of health issues can improve quality of life.
Common concerns include:
Regular health monitoring is important.
Before bringing your hedgehog home, make sure you have:
Having everything prepared before arrival helps reduce stress for your new baby.
Most hedgehogs need several days to a few weeks to become comfortable in a new environment. Gentle handling and patience help them settle in.
Curling into a ball is a natural defense mechanism. They do this when they feel frightened, stressed, or unsure of their surroundings.
Yes, but travel should be minimized when possible. If traveling, ensure your hedgehog has proper ventilation, comfortable temperatures, and access to food and water.
Essential supplies include:
We focus on raising healthy, socialized hedgehogs and helping new owners succeed through education, support, and responsible breeding practices. Our goal is to match every hedgehog with a loving and prepared home.
Optimized by Seraphinite Accelerator