hedgehog care: everything you need to know

So what exactly does it take to raise a hedgehog? We've included everything you need to know about basic hedgehog care.

Below, you'll find the answers to:

• How to prepare a hedgehog cage?
• What is the perfect hedgehog environment?
• What do hedgehogs eat?
• What basic care do hedgehogs require?
• How do I find an exotic vet?
• Why is my hedgehog foaming at the mouth?

how to prepare a hedgehog cage

It's very important to prepare a proper hedgehog habitat before their arrival. Not all small pet habitats are ideal for hedgehogs, so please see our blog post on How to Prepare a Hedgehog Cage for detailed items, where to purchase them, and things to avoid. 

What is the perfect hedgehog environment

Putting together your perfect hedgehog cage is only part of the hedgehog environment.

• Maintain temperature between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Hedgehogs require warm temperatures between 75-80 degrees, free of drafts. Some people may not want to heat their entire house to 75 degrees, so we recommend supplementing the room where your hedgehogs live with a small space heater. We use this Amazon Basics small space heater. I also like to keep a thermometer near the cage to be sure the temperature is in an appropriate range. I use this bluetooth thermometer that connects with my phone and sends notifications if the temperature is outside of my desired range. 
• Natural Light
  • Hedgehogs, like most living things, like natural light. Since they are nocturnal, it helps for hedgehogs to have natural daytime/nighttime rhythms. Be sure to mimic these times and provide hedgehog adequate time with any supplemental lights off, and lights on if necessary.

what do hedgehogs eat?

It may surprise you to learn that the best diet for hedgehogs is high quality cat food. Thankfully it's nutritionally better (and cheaper! and easier to find!) than "hedgehog food." We feed our hedgehogs Purina ONE chicken flavor cat food.  You can also mix a few types of cat food together to make a blend of proteins. 

Be wary of too many additional treats (mealworms, etc) as hedgehogs can become obese. It is also helpful if you regularly weigh your hedgehog to track any sudden increases or decreases in weight, which can clue you in if there is a hidden health issue going on.

Also, hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, so do not feed your hedgehog milk or dairy. 

What basic care do hedgehogs require?

In the grand scheme of things, hedgehogs are fairly low maintenance pets. With a dedicated and attentive owner, hedgehogs are easy to rewarding pets. 

• Grooming | Like similar small animals, hedgehogs require regular nail trimmings
• Baths | Occasionally, hedgehogs need baths. We recommend a shallow sink or bathtub. We use a dedicated "hedgehog" toothbrush to gently scrub the quills and gentle baby shampoo. Do not bathe a hedgehog too frequently as it can dry out their skin
• Socialization | To maintain a friendly and fun hedgehog, regular socialization is necessary. We recommend 30 minutes a day, if possible. Fun tip! Hedgehogs love to cuddle in the pockets of sweatshirts if you're watching TV or gaming- just don't forget they're in there!

How to find an exotic vet

Hedgehogs do not require routine veterinary care. However, you always want to know your nearest exotic vet BEFORE a need should arise. You also want to make sure that your vet has experience specific to hedgehogs.

Here are some great ways to find your exotic vet. Be sure to call the ones you're interested in and confirm they are experienced with hedgehogs and ask procedures for regular or acute care as well as in case of emergency. Some vets have a different emergency or after-hours phone number. 

• Search Google for exotic vet near me
• Search Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians 
• Ask your local veterinarian for a referral

Our recommended exotic vet in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area:
NC State Veterinary Hospital
919-513-6999
Raleigh, NC

why is my hedgehog foaming at the mouth?!

You're hanging out with your hedgehog and everything is great. All of a sudden your hedgehog starts "foaming" at the mouth and spitting it onto their quills. Yikes!

No, your hedgehog does not have rabies. No, your hedgehog is not having a seizure. This process is called anointing. When hedgehogs come into contact with new smells and tastes, hedgehogs anoint themselves. Why exactly, we're not sure. It's believed they may be saving that scent for later. 

Either way. Don't fret. This is a completely normal part of hedgehog ownership. 

Note: If there are other concerning things happening with your hedgehog, you should call and consult with your exotic veterinarian. 

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What else do you want to know about hedgehog care? Let us know in the comments!