
Don’t allow hedgehogs to roam freely in areas where food is prepared or stored, such as kitchens or dining tables.

Wash Hands Thoroughly: Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching, feeding, or caring for a hedgehog or cleaning its enclosure.If you handle a pet hedgehog be sure to protect yourself from this condition by taking the following steps: In 2019 the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) investigated a number of cases of salmonella linked to pet hedgehogs and warned that even hedgehogs that appear perfectly healthy can carry salmonella. There are a number of safety concerns to consider when it comes to owning a hedgehog as a pet. You can expect most hedgehogs to wake up and become active at around dinnertime, then be tucking themselves into bed just as you're waking up.

Not only that, hedgehogs come with a host of requirements that will need to be met in order to keep them happy including a large enclosure, an exercise wheel, and toys so they don't become bored.Īnother important factor to consider is that hedgehogs are nocturnal, meaning that they are awake all night and sleep all day. While hedgehogs are considerably smaller than cats or dogs, they still require exercise, a nutritious diet, and regular veterinary care. How hard is it to have a hedgehog as a pet? In spite of cuddles not really 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. That said, if you get your hedgehog while it is very young and take enough time to very slowly get your new pet used to being handled, hedgehogs can be quite playful although they may never reach the status of cuddly. It takes patience and a gentle hand to form a trusting bond with a pet hedgehog. Their naturally solitary nature means that they tend to be shy and wary of people. In the wild hedgehogs are solitary animals, meaning that they spend most of their time alone except during mating season. As such hedgehogs are not recommended for families with children under 5 years of age, seniors, or those with compromised immune systems. It's important to note that like reptiles and many other domesticated animals, hedgehogs can carry salmonella.

This adorable little creature can make an ideal pet for many people, but it's essential to do your research before buying in order to be certain that a hedgehog's personality and needs fit in with your lifestyle. The African pygmy hedgehog is the most common species of hedgehog kept as a pet due in large part to its compact size.
