Hedgies are very curious and active little pets, so your little one will need lots of toys. Playing will keep Hedgie from getting bored, and also keep him moving. Chew toys, balls, and bells are a few cute playtime options. You can also give your hedgehog toys made for cats and birds.
Hedgehogs may be compact pets, but they still require exercise, a nutritious diet, and regular veterinary care. 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 with plenty of toys and an exercise wheel so they don't become bored.
Some things your pet may enjoy include balls, small cars and trucks, and stuffed animals. You can also offer him DIY toys. For instance, the cardboard tubes from toilet-paper rolls make great chew toys. (It's probably worth noting that hedgehogs seem to prefer bright colors.)
Hedgehogs need to be kept busy to stay happy and healthy. An exercise wheel is an essential part of any hedgehog enclosure, as are a litter box, sleeping box, and eating area. To help keep your pet hedgehog busy supply your pet with a selection of tunnels and toys such as stuffed animals or small balls.
It must get enough exercise in order to stay healthy and avoid obesity. Playing with your hedgehog and letting it explore out of the cage is an excellent idea for exercise, as well as allowing it to run on its wheel as long as it wants. These are most hedgehogs' favorites toy and do a great job of keeping them active.
Handling Frequency
We recommend handling your hedgehog for at least half an hour a day.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal and only come out at night. Generally, any hedgehog out during the day is probably in trouble and will need to be picked up and taken to a wildlife rescue centre.
A hedgehog's go-to vocal is huffing and puffing, but he's not trying to blow the house down. This sniffing is a normal vocalization he makes while going about his business of exploring. An unhappy hedgehog, on the other hand, will show his disdain with a hiss or a clicking sound.
Talking to your hedgehog while holding, snuggling, bathing, and other enjoyable activities will help your hedgehog associate the sound of your voice with comfort and enjoyment. Over the years we have found the radio and music very soothing for a variety of different animals.
The average hedgehog is content to do its own thing and may not show any outward sign that it cares about its owner's existence unless you have a treat in your hand. Despite their somewhat solitary nature, they can become very affectionate with their owners and will even enjoy snuggling on your lap.
What treats do hedgehogs like? Pygmy hedgehogs love insects, especially mealworms and crickets. Only give up to two insects a day. Introduce one new treat at a time so you can monitor your hedgehog's response to it.
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.
Petting a happy hedgehog is a bit like affectionately stroking a bristly hairbrush. Attempting to pet an upset hedgehog is more like trying to soothe a wriggly cactus of doom. That's the answer to the most common question I get when people learn I'm caretaker to a hedgehog: What do they feel like?
Hedgehogs require a moderate amount of maintenance, primarily in keeping their environment clean. But their feeding is fairly straightforward, and they don't require a lot of attention.
Hedgehogs prefer a busy, cluttered cage over an empty one. A fun option for hedgehogs is a dig box. You can create one by filling a container with small toys that were mentioned above and creating a hedgehog size doorway into the container.
SAFE PLACES. Whether it's on your lap or in its enclosure, your hedgehog needs something they can hide under or in to feel safe. This can be anything from a fleece blanket to a guinea pig hut. Hedgehogs are natural burrowers and love dark confined spaces where they can feel safe.
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!
Long-term elevated stress levels, as in humans, can have serious physiological consequences for hedgehogs. The higher level of stress shows that being handled and placed in captivity can cause long-term stress in the animals. This highlights the importance of periods of captivity being as short as possible.
Signs of stress
The stressed hedgehog may also twitch or shake its head nervously. It is almost as if the hedgehog is saying “Sensory overload. I can't take it anymore.” The hedgehog might give you a warning bite if the first two signs are overlooked.
Hedgehogs are usually shy when introduced to something new. They are often born like scared cats and need to learn that they are safe. So, it is quite natural for a hedgehog to be scared or nervous; its huffing and puffing noises are an attempt to scare you away.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal, solitary creatures and best housed individually. They may be kept in small groups as long as there is only one adult male present. They prefer quiet environments and react with fright to loud noises and bright lights.
Like wild hedgehogs, pet hedgehogs are also mainly nocturnal. Because of this sleep pattern, it must have a hideout to sleep in during the day. Hedgehogs prefer sleeping in low-light to dark settings, so this shelter should block out the light.
Fruits: Dried fruit should be avoided, but a small amount of fresh fruit can be offered to your hedgehog as treats. Apples, bananas, berries, and melons are popular choices among hedgehogs. Vegetables: Fresh tomatoes, fresh green beans, and cooked squash are some options that your hedgehog may enjoy.
Please don't leave them home alone for more than a day
While hedgehogs are content in solitude, they do need to be fed and checked in daily. If you travel a lot or are out of the house often, you should ensure that you have a family member, friend, or neighbor willing to check them daily.