How Much Do Hedgehogs Cost at PetSmart? Facts & FAQ | PangoVet (2024)

FAQs

How much is a pet hedgehog at PetSmart? ›

The initial purchase can cost anywhere from $300 to $500. But, the annual cost can be as much as $200 to $500 in general care food and veterinary costs (if required). Are you committed? Hedgehogs are not something that you can take home, try out and return if they don't suit you.

$100–$500+

You are likely to find that a hedgehog costs upwards of $300 from a breeder. You may pay over $500 for more desirable or unusual color varieties of hedgehogs. Take the time to research any breeder you may purchase from to ensure they are reputable and breeding healthy animals.

Better yet, it is best if you can adopt sisters or a mother/ daughter together. Male hedgehogs should NEVER EVER be housed together. They may seem like they are best friends and getting along great, but 99% of males are going to be territorial and extremely aggressive towards one another once they are older.

Hedgehogs may be smaller than cats or dogs but still need exercise, a healthy diet, and regular vet care. They have unique needs that must be met to keep them happy, such as a spacious enclosure, an exercise wheel, and toys to prevent boredom.

Although PetSmart doesn't sell hedgehogs, don't worry. You can still find one of these cuties to make your own. As we mentioned above, learn as much about any breeder you work with so you know the environment your new pet is coming from. A happy, healthy hedgehog will make the two of you becoming best friends easier.

Buying a hedgehog supports the deadly “pocket pet” trade.

Hedgehogs can easily suffer from malnutrition and the overwhelming stress of captivity in an unnatural and uncomfortable environment. PETA has exposed breeding facilities keeping hundreds of suffering small animals in dank, filthy cages and bins.

Hedgehogs are very solitary animals and should be housed separately. In the wild, they are only social during the breeding season. Their solitary nature can make it difficult for these pets to warm up to you.

The female hedgehog, known as a sow, has a similar temperament as the male. Females cohabitate better than males, meaning they prefer to have a cage mate. Unlike the male, female hedgehogs do pretty well being caged with other females.

On average, when kept as a pet, the hedgehog lifespan is about 4 to 6 years — with some domesticated hedgehogs living about 8 years. “Hedgehogs can be prone to mites and parasites, certain cancers, heart disease, and obesity,” Dr. Jones told The Dodo.

You can typically adopt hedgehogs from pet stores once they have been weaned and have reached an appropriate age, usually around 6 to 8 weeks old.

What do hedgehogs love the most? ›

Hedgehogs mainly eat creepy crawlies

The most important invertebrates in their diet are worms, beetles, slugs, caterpillars, earwigs and millipedes. As well as these, they also eat a wide range of other insects.

Young hedgehogs are generally curious and do not mind being held. Adults (especially males) tend to resist handling and usually will not choose interact with humans no matter how much they were handled when they were young. Hedgehogs are very sensitive to smells.

Different countries have different laws about keeping hedgehogs, but in the United States you can legally own a pet hedgehog in all states except Georgia, Hawaii, California, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and five New York City boroughs.

Hedgehogs are fun, friendly, inquisitive pets. They prefer to sleep during the day and are active at dusk and in the evenings. With proper care your hedgehog should live approximately 6 years or more.

Despite cuddles not being their thing, once your pet hedgehog has settled in and has become accustomed to being handled, you will be able to stroke their quills and allow your hedgehog to climb up your arms and (with supervision) explore different spaces.