Are hedgehogs high maintenance?

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.

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What are the cons of owning a hedgehog?

The Cons: Owning a Hedgehog
  • Hedgie hives will bother those with allergies.
  • Hedgehogs excrete and defecate as they walk.
  • Noisy environments are not ideal for their delicate ears.

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How are hedgehogs low maintenance?

Breeders say the trend is partly fueled by the fact that hedgehogs require less maintenance than dogs and cats, and because they emit little odor — in sharp contrast with rodents and rabbits. They are largely hypoallergenic and are solitary, making them ideal for those with a busy lifestyle.

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Are hedgehogs good pets for beginners?

Hedgehogs have complex needs

As wild animals that are not domesticated, despite being bred in captivity for a number of years, these animals have very specific husbandry and environmental needs. They are certainly not suitable for a beginner, and their care requires a great deal of knowledge and preparation.

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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.

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Pros and Cons of Hedgehogs as Pets

21 related questions found

Is it OK to kiss a hedgehog?

“Don't kiss or snuggle hedgehogs because this can spread salmonella germs to your face and mouth and make you sick,” the agency warned. No deaths have been reported and one person has been hospitalized, the C.D.C. said.

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Do hedgehogs get attached to humans?

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.

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Can you have a hedgehog as a pet in Australia?

Four-toed hedgehogs (African Pygmy hedgehogs) may legally be kept as pets. Australia: All hedgehogs are classified as exotic pets that are illegal to import.

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Do hedgehogs like to be picked up?

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.

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What is the lifespan of a pet hedgehog?

Pet hedgehogs have an average life span of four to six years and weigh about a pound. Most owners will feed them a low-fat dry cat food supplemented with vegetables, mealworms, and crickets, and keep them in a large, flat-bottomed cage.

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What is the biggest problem for hedgehogs?

Threats to the Hedgehog
  • Road traffic; this is probably the biggest danger during the spring and summer. ...
  • Habitat loss; The growth in intensive farming since the 1940s has removed many of the hedges, woods and small fields in which hedgehogs thrive.

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Are hedgehogs messy pets?

This is why cleaning their cage safely is so important. In the wild hedgehogs are known to have bowel movements while they run, leaving their feces behind them. In a household setting they still do this however they do this while on their wheel, due to this your hedgies boots can get very dirty quite often!

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What are problems with hedgehogs?

Common conditions of pet hedgehogs include internal and external parasites, ringworm, cancer, pneumonia, gastrointestinal disease, and obesity. Signs of illness or disease are often vague and non-specific, such as lack of appetite and lethargy.

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Do hedgehogs like to be left alone?

They are naturally shy creatures, but some are shyer than others. As a sign, they may curl up when you go to hold them and be a little less social than others. – Grumpy. as expected, they don't want to be held or played with – they'd much prefer to be left alone in their cage.

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Are hedgehogs safe to hold?

Avoid surprising a hedgehog, approach him slowly and quietly. It is best to pick him up gently with two cupped hands from underneath where his fur is soft. They sometimes roll into a ball when picked up, but if you hold him and are patient, he will unroll and sniff around.

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Are hedgehogs clean pets?

Hedgehogs are not recommended for households with children under 5 years of age or adults over 65. They can carry Salmonella bacteria in their droppings. Even if they seem healthy, the bacteria can infect their bodies, habitat, toys, and anything they come in contact with.

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Why is my hedgehog hissing at me?

Keep your distance from a hissing hedgehog, just like you would from a hissing snake. When a hedgehog hisses, it means he is really annoyed and wants you, other hogs or other animals to clear off. Hedgehogs will often make the hissing noise if their nest is disturbed or if they are cornered or approached by a predator.

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Do hedgehogs scratch a lot?

Since hedgehogs have naturally dry skin and tend to itch and scratch on occasion, don't stress over the first signs of an itchy hedgehog. When a younger hedgehog is quilling they tend to scratch often due to the discomfort of the new quills breaking through their skin.

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Can you let hedgehogs run around?

During the summer seasons, your hedgehog can really benefit from being outside to play. What is this? Hedgehogs are curious creatures so exploring a new environment can be really stimulating and fun. Your hedgehog also needs daily exercise to ensure that he stays fit and healthy.

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What Australian animals are like hedgehogs?

The short-beaked echidna is found in Australia and southern New Guinea. The echidna looks kind of like a cross between an anteater and a porcupine or hedgehog. The top of the body is covered with sharp spines. These are made of compressed hairs, just like your fingernails.

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What do pet hedgehogs eat?

A pet hedgehog's diet should mainly consist of high-quality hedgehog food mixed with high-quality, low-fat cat food. The following supplemental foods can be offered in small amounts two to three times a week: Gut-loaded insects, such as mealworms and crickets.

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What is the best cage for a hedgehog?

At least 2 x 3 feet (61 x 91cm) should be the minimum floor space provided. Walls must be high enough to prevent escape, as hedgehogs are good climbers. A glass aquarium or smooth-sided cage is a reasonable choice for many owners.

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Do hedgehogs like their bellies rubbed?

Sometimes a belly rub feels really good, and this hedgehog is here to show us just how good. Yep, it's impossible to ignore his blissful little face as he gets a mini massage!

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How do hedgehogs like to be petted?

Use your whole hand to apply firm pressure over the hedgehog's spines when petting your hedgehog. A firm, deliberate pressure is similar to a massage. Light pressure or a “one finger pet” over their spines is more like a tickle and it will cause the hedgehog to raise its spines rather than to relax.

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Do hedgehogs sleep in a cage?

Many hedgehogs will sleep under their shelter as opposed to inside it. Providing 12x12 squares of fleece also make good sleeping material. Hedgehogs will bury themselves inside the blankets. Cloth cage liners are great for hedgehogs as long as they are made with safe material.

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