The following topic, Are Pygmy Hedgehogs Good Pets?, will serve as the primary emphasis of this blog post, and you can expect to learn a significant amount of information that is pertinent to the subject from reading it. If you are interested in gaining more knowledge on this subject, continue reading.
african pygmy hedgehogs
are solitary,
wild animals
that are nocturnal – so they’re active in the night. They have complex needs that can only be met in their natural environment, so they don’t make suitable pets.
Pygmy Hedgehog: Is it cruel to keep a pygmy hedgehog
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.
Pygmy Hedgehog Cost: How much does a pygmy hedgehog cost
How Much Does a Hedgehog Cost? The average cost to buy a hedgehog can run between $100 to $300 The cost will depend on the age of the hedgehog, how friendly they are, and their coloring. The cheapest hedgehogs will be either salt and pepper or cinnamon and “pinto” hedgies will be in the mid-price range.
Can pygmy hedgehogs live inside?
Hedgehogs:
These solitary animals prefer to be housed alone and might fight if kept with other hedgehogs. Even individually, they need room to explore. An enclosure that’s at least 2 feet wide and 4 feet long is sufficient, though bigger is always better. Select housing with a smooth floor and walls, such as an aquarium.
Do hedgehogs get attached to their owners?
Hedgehogs:
Some hedgehogs will bond to their owners for life (HHC). Bonding does require effort, persistence, and an understanding of hedgehogs. Many hedgehogs don’t like to be petted by just anyone until they are completely comfortable with their environment. This is especially important when a hedgehog goes to a new home.
Hedgehogs Poop: Do
hedgehogs poop
a lot
Hedgies poop, a lot! And if your hedgehog has a wheel, as they run on their wheel, they’re going to end up running through their own poop, creating “poop boots.” Don’t despair though, Squeaky Clean is great for soaking and cleaning your wheel effectively but without using harsh or dangerous chemicals.
Girl Hedgehogs: Do
girl hedgehogs
have periods
For the record, hedgehogs do not have periods and shouldn’t bleed throughout their reproductive cycle. Hedgehogs do have heat cycles, but it is not the same as a dog or even a human’s menstrual cycle. If you notice blood in your hedgehog’s cage, it’s an indicator that something else is going on.
Do hedgehogs cuddle?
Hedgehogs:
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.
Hedgehogs Illegal: Why are hedgehogs illegal
All species are restricted from possession as pets in California primarily because they can become pests where introduced into the wild where they don’t naturally occur.
Pygmy Hedgehogs Smell: Do pygmy hedgehogs smell
Hedgehogs are naturally pretty
odorless animals
This means if you remove any environmental factors, they’ll never make much of a stink. This isn’t to say you won’t smell anything if you get close to them, but we would never consider it a “bad” smell. Instead, it’s more of a comforting organic scent.
Pygmy Hedgehogs: Do pygmy hedgehogs bite
Do hedgehogs bite? Even though the answer is technical yes, it’s a little more complicated than that In general, hedgehog bites are not something you’ll have to worry about very often. These little critters usually keep their teeth to themselves!.
Pygmy Hedgehog: How long does a pygmy hedgehog live
How long do African pygmy hedgehogs live? lifespan of the African pygmy hedgehog is around two to three years in the wild, or as many as ten years in captivity.
Pygmy Hedgehogs: Do pygmy hedgehogs have fleas
The short answer is yes. Hedgehogs can have fleas Unfortunately, fleas are a very common problem for hedgehogs, but the
good news
is that only a specific flea lives on them, and it is different than the one you commonly find on cats and dogs.
Pygmy Hedgehogs: Do pygmy hedgehogs need a heat lamp
Keeping your hedgehog warm is something that most owners know they need to do. They also know getting a heating lamp or heating pad should be a top priority before they bring their new pet home.
Pygmy Hedgehogs Clean: Are pygmy hedgehogs clean
In general they are very clean animals and regularly groom themselves. Each day you will need to refresh the litter tray and take out any soiled areas of bedding. Be sure to remove old food and provide
fresh drinking water
daily.
Do hedgehogs get along with cats?
Hedgehogs:
Hedgehogs and cats will never be best friends , but they’re unlikely to fight. Cats grow bored of animals they can’t play with, and hedgehogs are solitary animals that keep to themselves. You should expect cats and hedgehogs to ignore each other and co-exist peacefully.
Are hedgehogs smelly?
Hedgehogs:
Hedgehogs don’t have any scent glands like ferrets, skunks, or even cats! So when we’re clean, we don’t have any particular scent. Like any animal, if they aren’t kept clean, they begin to smell funky Since domestic hedgehogs are caged animals, we walk through whatever is in our cage.
Hedgehog Hard: Is owning a hedgehog hard
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.
Do hedgehogs bite?
Hedgehogs:
However, you should try to use gloves when handling a hedgehog for your own health and safety. Hedgehogs can bite you, but very rarely will that happen This usually happens when they are young and think your fingers are going to feed them (if they have been fed via a syringe as they had no mother).
Do hedgehogs need to go to the vet?
Hedgehogs:
Like cats and dogs, hedgehogs also need regular veterinary visits Hedgehogs do not need vaccinations, but spaying and neutering should be considered, especially if more than one is kept together as pets. Hedgehogs should have annual wellness and fecal exams to monitor their overall health.
Hedgehogs High Maintenance: Are hedgehogs high maintenance
I’m happy to report, though, that hedgehogs ARE a low maintenance pet Expect to spend about fifteen minutes to a half hour per week cleaning your hedgehogs’ cage, food bowl, water bottle, wheel and other toys.
How long do hedgehogs live as pets?
Hedgehogs:
Dr. Keller says, “With appropriate care and keeping, your hedgehog will live about five years, and some even live longer than eight years” If you have any questions about hedgehogs, contact your local veterinarian.
Pygmy Hedgehogs: Do pygmy hedgehogs need a cage
Minimum Cage Size for African Pygmy Hedgehogs Pygmy hedgehogs are solitary animals, and must be housed in separate enclosures They are nocturnal and can often roam for up to 3 miles a night in the wild, so they need as large a home as possible.
Do hedgehogs need a wheel?
Hedgehogs:
A good wheel can actually improve their health, happiness, and overall well being. Hedgehogs require a wheel because they love to run and can actually run up to 12 miles at 12 MPH ! But, you have to be careful when choosing a wheel. There is proof that some hedgehog exercise wheels cause injury to backs, legs, and feet.
Can my hedgehog sleep with me?
Hedgehog:
You can hold a hedgehog close and let it snuggle into you without “petting” your hedgehog which may make it more nervous You may be able to pet an otherwise “unpettable” hedgie when your hedgehog falls asleep and relaxes. Some hedgehogs might not feel comfortable being exposed.
Tummy Rubs: Do hedgehogs like tummy rubs
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! This reaction is too great to miss.
How do I play with my hedgehog?
Hedgehog:
Don’t attempt to touch your hedgie but instead allow it to get to know you on its own terms. Place your hand several inches away from your hedgehog and allow it to come up to your hands and smell you Your hedgehog is relaxed when its quills are laid down and it is moving about without flinching every time you move.
Good Pet: Is a hedgehog a good pet for a child
Hedgehogs. These spiny mammals may not make cuddly pets, but they’re cute, friendly, and relatively long-lived, with a lifespan of five to seven years And if hedgehogs are handled while still young, they will grow to be social with your child. The downside is that you might find yourself spending more money on them.
Hedgehogs Pee: Do hedgehogs pee everywhere
Premium Member. Yeah, hedgehogs tend to do that ! There’s not really any way to potty train them outside of their cage – sometimes you can in the cage, but it just depends on the hedgehog.
Boy Hedgehogs: Are girl or boy hedgehogs better
For many species, males are more aggressive than females. Because of this, females are typically viewed as more desirable pets than males This tendency, however, is not true of hedgehogs. Male and female hedgehogs show no consisten temperament difference in how they react toward humans.
Do hedgehogs eat their babies?
Hedgehogs:
Unfortunately, it is fairly common for hedgehogs to eat their babies and/or reject them, especially if it is a first litter or if the mother was disturbed (mother hedgehogs need considerable peace and quiet).
Do hedgehogs have fleas?
Hedgehogs:
Hedgehogs are renowned for having fleas However, the fleas found on hedgehogs are actually hedgehog fleas (scientific name: Archaeopsylla erinacei) which are host specific, meaning they will not survive for long on any other species, be it pets or people.
Do hedgehogs like clothes?
Hedgehogs:
Everyone knows that hedgehogs love dressing up in costumes , but their little legs are too short to put clothes on by themselves. That’s why hedgehogs need your help in donning these costumes for the upcoming holiday.
Are hedgehogs as smart as dogs?
Hedgehogs:
Many hedgehog fans would characterize their hedgehogs as “suprisingly intelligent”. However, when compared to ferrets, monkeys, dogs, cats and squirrels; hedgehogs don’t score quite so high on the critter IQ test.
Can you give a hedgehog a banana?
Hedgehog:
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.
Hedgehog Spines: Do hedgehog spines hurt
A nervous or threatened hedgehog will curl into a ball when they feel threatened. Curling up changes the potion of the spines. The quills become more spread out and sharper to the touch. While the quills most likely won’t break our skin, they are still sometimes painful to touch.
What is the purpose of a hedgehog?
Hedgehog:
As a hedgehog picks its way through the hedges it emits piglike grunts—thus, the hedgehog. Some people consider hedgehogs useful pets because they prey on many common garden pests.
Can you bathe a hedgehog?
Hedgehog:
You can bathe your hedgehog in the sink, tub, or a separate wash basin For simplicity, I prefer to use the sink. It’s best to run the bath water before putting your hedgehog into it since the running water may get too hot or scare your pet.
How often do hedgehogs need baths?
Hedgehogs:
Once a month bathing is adequate for the average hedgehog. Some hedgehogs need baths frequently and others seldom need one. Bathing generally helps to relieve dry skin; however, bathing too frequently may contribute to dry skin.
Sources
https://small-pets.lovetoknow.com/choosing-small-pet/do-hedgehogs-make-good-pets
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_pygmy_hedgehog
https://weu-az-web-cdnep.azureedge.net/mediacontainer/medialibraries/hollyhousevets/documents/guide-to-keeping-aphe.pdf