Hedgehogs, likeall othersmall animals, are complex and unique individuals who require a lifetime of special care, food, and supplies. So before you go looking online for a hedgehog because you love Sega’s classic blue guy and want to buy your own Sonic on a whim, read on to find out why a hedgehog is anything but an ideal “pet.”
Hedgehogs are solitary animals who don’t want to interact with humans.
The most common type of hedgehogs purchased as “pets” are hybrids commonly known as African pygmy hedgehogs. But these animals are only a few generations from their natural-living cousins. To call them “domesticated” is truly stretching the truth. And many hedgehogs die or are abandoned by the people who purchased them when the novelty wears off.
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. When they feel anxious or threatened, these spikes stand up in all directions, making the animals difficult to handle.
Many hedgehogs have a “self-anointing” habit: They contort and smear their own frothy saliva all over their bodies. Some humans may find this repulsive, but it’s just another sign that we have no business trying to handle these sensitive individuals.
Hedgehogs are docile and nocturnal, which makes them impractical for light sleepers, folks who are out until the wee hours, or children hoping for a playful companion. When hedgehogs feel threatened, they roll themselves into a tight ball and can easily become injured if a human—or a dog or cat—tries to uncurl them.
Some regions have banned the practice of keeping hedgehogs, as some carry the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease. They can also transmit salmonella bacteria as well as viral and fungal diseases, and their sharp spines can puncture skin and cause infections.
Buying a hedgehog supports the deadly “pocket pet” trade.
Hedgehogs aren’t native to North America, but that hasn’t stopped the notorious pet trade from profiting from this exploited species. Although their small size may make them look cute and cuddly, “pocket pets” are wild animals who have very specific needs that the average person can’t meet.
When people succumb to the temptation to purchase exotic animals such as hedgehogs from stores, auctions, or the internet in order to keep them in their home, it often leads to pain and death for these animals. 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. When Colorado state and local officials executed a warrant to investigate animal breeders Ken and Lynn Kubic, officials found dead hedgehogs in row after row of shelving units and stacks of tubs. Inspectors discovered more than 500 animals—including snakes and other reptiles, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders—in the Kubics’ basem*nt, which reeked of urine and animal waste. One seasoned inspector called the situation “unbelievable.”
Hedgehogs’ needs aren’t met when they live in a cage.
Hedgehogs require specialized veterinary care that’s almost impossible to find locally and food that many caretakers aren’t prepared to offer. Despite claims made by breeders and sellers, much is still unknown about these animals’ natural behavior, optimal diet, and needs in terms of their environment in order to be happy.
However, we do know that in nature, hedgehogs can explore several miles in a single night. Living inside a cage with maybe a wheel to run on pales in comparison to having the freedom of chasing crickets in grasslands or foraging in the vast savannah.
Bigotry begins when categories such as race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or species are used to justify discrimination.
Keeping a hedgehog may be illegal or restricted in your area.
It’s currently illegal to own a hedgehog in California; Georgia; Hawaii; New York City; Omaha, Nebraska; and Washington, D.C. Other states and cities may have specific restrictions or require a permit to keep one. It’s also illegal to transport hedgehogs out of Africa.
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Tell everyone you know: Hedgehogs are not “pets.” Never buy a hedgehog or any other animal. If you’re ready to open your heart and home to a companion animal, open-admission shelters are the first and best place to look. So many dogs, cats, rabbits, and other companion animals are just waiting for a good home. You can search by species onPetfinder.comto find adoptable animals near you.
FAQs
Patience and time will help them trust you. Hedgehogs can be a fun and low-maintenance pet for your household, but they do need some special care. They have sharp quills that can make handling difficult. Consistent and proper daily handling will help them relax and feel comfortable with you.
How much does a pet hedgehog cost? ›
Hedgehogs typically cost $150-$300 and the ongoing costs include bedding and food. Veterinary care is not a big factor unless you need to seek assistance in caring for your hedgehog.
What states are hedgehogs legal in? ›
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.
Do hedgehogs like to be held? ›
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.
What are the cons of having a hedgehog? ›
Hedgehogs are solitary animals in the wild, so they may be shy and wary of people. Building trust with a pet hedgehog takes time, patience, and a gentle approach. If you get a hedgehog when it's young and slowly acclimate it to being handled, they can be playful, but they may never become cuddly.
Do hedgehogs like to be touched? ›
Even though hedgehogs are “pets” they may not automatically enjoy being petted. You must first earn your hedgehog's trust so that it can relax and enjoy your touch, rather than fear your touch as potential harm.
Do hedgehogs like to be cuddled? ›
It depends on the personality of the individual hedgehog and how much handling the hedgehog has had in the past. Some hedgehogs do seem to like to snuggle up to their human companions, while others might be shyer or simply prefer exploring and moving about over sitting still and cuddling.
Do hedgehogs get attached to their owners? ›
Hedgehogs tend to bond with their owners. They will remember your voice, your smell, and even your appearance. Some will only relax with their owners and be loyal to their owners. Make sure a hedgehog is the pet for you, be prepared for a commitment.
What is the lifespan of a pet hedgehog? ›
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.
Can you let a hedgehog roam the house? ›
Don't allow hedgehogs to roam freely in areas where food is prepared or stored, such as kitchens or dining tables. Keep Your Hedgehog's Environment Squeaky Clean: Clean and wash enclosures, toys, and supplies outside of your house when possible.
Hedgehogs and gerbils are prohibited because the CDFW considers them to be a: threat to native fish and wildlife, unwanted source of predation, and. potential disease transmitter.
What will hedgehogs eat? ›
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. More infrequently, they will take advantage of carrion, frogs, baby rodents, baby birds, birds' eggs and fallen fruit.
What happens if a hedgehog bites you? ›
They can carry diseases such as Yersinia (the plague), hemorrhagic fever, and Mycobacterium, but these are rare in pet hedgehogs, so the risk is rare. Just like any animal bite, there is a risk of bacterial infection of the wound, as the hedgehog's mouth is not a clean place.
What does it mean when your hedgehog licks you? ›
In The Hedgehog, Maurice Burton suggests that licking may be a non-functional response to a stimulus (smell or taste) and the saliva is merely an annoyance that is wiped off onto the spines.
How often do you have to bathe a hedgehog? ›
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!
Do pet hedgehogs like to cuddle? ›
It depends on the personality of the individual hedgehog and how much handling the hedgehog has had in the past. Some hedgehogs do seem to like to snuggle up to their human companions, while others might be shyer or simply prefer exploring and moving about over sitting still and cuddling.
Are hedgehogs friendly to humans? ›
In the wild, hedgehogs are solitary animals and they spend most of their time alone except during mating season. They tend to be shy and wary of people. It takes patience and a gentle hand to form a trusting bond with a pet hedgehog. Once a bond is established hedgehogs can be quite playful and occasionally cuddly.
Do pet hedgehogs like their owners? ›
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.
Are pet hedgehogs worth it? ›
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.
