Hedgehogs: The Newest Trend in Pets

More and more households are becoming homes to this newly discovered pet. They don’t require a lot of maintenance, or even an over abundance of attention. Sleeping most of the time and easily entertained when they’re awake, hedgehogs may just be the ideal pet.

What is a hedgehog?

There are 16 species of this small mammal, but none are native to North America. The hedgehogs normally kept as pets are a mix of the African white-bellied hedgehog and the Algerian hedgehog. They are smaller than the European breeds and often referred to as ‘pygmies’, although African Pygmy hedgehogs is more a colourful descriptive given by breeders than a true species name. Hedgehogs come in over 90 color varieties.

Characteristics of a hedgehog:

Hedgehogs have remained largely unchanged since the time of dinosaurs. They are compact creatures measuring 5-8 inches long with a lifespan of 4-6 years. Rows of short prickly spines cover their backs and their bellies are layered with soft fur. When threatened, hedgehogs roll in to a tight, spine covered ball. These quills are modified hairs. They are not very sharp and do not have barbs like those of a porcupine. And they can’t ‘throw’ them. An average hedgehog will be covered in 5000 - 7000 quills. A hedgehog with spines erect feels somewhat like a rough scrub brush.

They do not have scent glands like ferrets and there is usually very little odour as long as their cage or pen is kept reasonably clean. Hedgehogs tend to be quite nervous animals and will generally duck their head down to present a very prickly forehead to any possible enemies. This action may be accompanied by rapid snuffling or snorting.

Poor eyesight is compensated for with excellent senses of smell and hearing. They explore with their mouths and anything that smells interesting, including your fingers, will probably receive a lick, or nip. The teeth are fairly short and sharp, but nothing extreme. Next to their quills, the two most noticeable traits of a healthy hedgehog is its moist, active noses and large ears.

Hedgehogs have their own unique means of communication. Soft purring and whistling is a sign of contentment, much like a cat; puffing sounds indicate displeasure and are usually accompanied by snorting or sneezing; hissing and clicking tells someone to get away, or that your pet is tired of playing with you; snuffling is done when it contentedly investigates things; nursing hoglets (babies) and breeding males will chirp; screaming is not a good thing and indicates physical pain, fear, or sometimes anger.

Some hedgehogs actually snore and will often sniff, snort, and chirp while in dreamland. They also have a clear body language – a rolled up ball with spines erect shows fear, or displeasure, while upright quills on the forehead only is simply a sign of caution and uncertainty.

Self Annointing:

One of the oddest traits hedgehogs have is their habit of “self-anointing”. When encountering a new or strong smell or substance, hedgehogs will often lick the matter and produce foamy saliva which it applies to all or part of its quills. Sometimes this ritual is quite dramatic and a hedgehog will break out in contortions and drool profusely.

Although no one is exactly sure why hedgehogs do this, the common theory is that the hedgehog, which is resistant to many toxins, is spreading a potential poison, or camouflaging smell, on their bodies for protection. Whatever the reason, it’s not a matter for concern and some hedgehogs will do it more than others.

Do they make good pets?

If you want it to chase balls and wrestle with you, then no, a hedgehog will not be the kind of pet for you. If you’re satisfied with a pet that simply lounges on your lap and keeps you quiet company, then yes, hedgehogs will be a good choice.

Because they’re timid creatures, households with small children and rambunctious pets may not be a suitable environment for a hedgehog. Hedgehogs should be kept indoors at normal room temperature (65 to 80oF).

Hedgehogs are low maintenance. It can be fed a good quality dry cat food, or formulated hedgehog food. They don't bark, climb curtains, or chew on furniture. People that are normally allergic to cats are rarely allergic to hedgehogs. Despite their solitary nature, hedgehogs can become very affectionate with their owners and will even snuggle in your lap and watch TV with you.

They have distinct personalities and are surprisingly intelligent, fun to play with and easily entertained. These pets love to play with tunnels, mazes and specially designed hedgehog wheels. A simple toilet paper tube will make a good toy and you’ll probably find them sticking their heads inside and running about the floor.

Do they get along with other pets?

Hedgehogs are well-equipped to defend themselves from other pets and seem to tolerate them quite well. Cats tend to quickly develop a healthy respect for the quills of a hedgehog and keep a respectful distance. Dogs are generally quite wary of the hedgehog’s armour, but large, energetic dogs may injure a hedgehog in rough play despite the quills.

Other pets like rats, ferrets and guinea pigs are tolerated by hedgehogs. Ferrets can be pesky, but will quickly learn to respect the quills. Overall, hedgehogs are quite amiable and non-aggressive and are perfectly happy to be left alone.

Picking the right hedgehog:

Try to choose one that will allow you to be pick it up and maybe even turn on its back without rolling into a tight ball and staying there.

Look for bright eyes, clear nostrils, and healthy looking skin, quills and fur. Watch out for flaky skin, missing quills, discharge around the eyes or nose, or evidence of diarrhoea. Also make sure the hedgehog is in good body condition - neither too thin nor overweight (a good place to check is around the legs - watch out for rolls of fat as obesity is a common problem).

Being timid creatures, it will take a while for your hedgehog to warm up to you. Be patient and give it regular attention. Before long, this shy little critter will be your buddy.