If you are considering getting a pet hedgehog, you may be wondering if they are high maintenance. Hedgehogs are small, irresistibly cute animals that make great companions but require special care and attention. In this article, we will discuss the basics of hedgehog care and answer the question: Are hedgehogs high maintenance? We’ll look at what it takes to properly care for these spiny-haired creatures so you can decide whether or not having one as a pet is right for you.
Are Hedgehogs High Maintenance?
In general, hedgehogs are not considered high maintenance pets. However, they do require more time and effort than some other small animals such as hamsters. Hedgehog owners should be prepared to provide their pet with a healthy diet, plenty of exercise and enrichment activities, regular vet visits, and proper cage cleaning.
Hedgehog Diet Requirements
Hedgehogs require a specialized diet that includes both dry kibble and wet food. They also need access to clean water at all times. Many commercial hedgehog foods offer the necessary nutrients for a balanced diet but it’s important to supplement this with fresh vegetables and fruits like apples, carrots, kale, peas, etc. It’s also important to avoid fatty treats or table scraps as these can cause obesity in hedgehogs.
Exercise & Enrichment
Hedgehogs need daily exercise outside of their cage in order to maintain good physical health and mental stimulation. This is usually done through playtime activities such as running around in an enclosed space or playing with toys such as tunnels or balls made specifically for them. In addition to providing physical activity it’s important that you enrich your hedgehog’s life by offering different types of hiding places during playtime as well as interactive toys like puzzles.
Regular Vet Visits & Cage Cleaning
- Regular Vet Visits: It’s very important that you take your hedgehog for regular check-ups at the vet so any potential health issues can be addressed immediately.
- Cage Cleaning: The cage should be cleaned on a weekly basis using hot water (no soap) and disinfectant cleaner recommended by your veterinarian.
All You Need to Know About Caring for a Hedgehog
Caring for pet hedgehogs can be both rewarding and challenging. It is important to understand the needs of your pet before bringing one home so you can provide them with the best care possible. Here are some essential tips on how to look after a hedgehog.
Housing
When it comes to housing, it’s best to use an enclosure that has plenty of room for your new pet hedgehog to move around in. A good size enclosure should be at least 30 inches by 18 inches and 12 inches high, but larger is better. The cage should also have a secure lid and openings small enough that the hedgehog cannot escape through them.
You should also line the bottom of the cage with something soft like paper towels or newspaper; this will help make sure your hedgehog’s feet stay healthy and won’t get sores from digging in wire cages. Finally, provide plenty of hiding places such as tubes, boxes, houses, etc., so that they feel safe when they want privacy.
Temperature & Humidity
It’s very important that you maintain proper temperature and humidity levels inside your hedgehog’s enclosure in order for them to stay healthy and happy. The ideal range for temperature is 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (24-27 degrees Celsius) during the day and 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-23 degrees Celsius) at night time. Humidity should be kept between 40%-60%. This can easily be monitored using a thermometer/hygrometer combination device.
Diet
Hedgehogs are omnivorous animals who need a balanced diet consisting of both proteins and vegetables as well as vitamins and minerals. Commercial dry cat food specially formulated for hedgehogs is usually adequate but you may also supplement their diet with occasional treats like mealworms or crickets.
It’s important not to overfeed your pet – too much food can lead to obesity which carries its own health risks such as diabetes.
Exercise
Providing ample exercise opportunities is also necessary in caring for your pet hedgie! As nocturnal animals they tend to sleep during most of the day so it’s important that you set aside some time each evening where you let them out into an area where there are no hazards or breakables within reach where they can explore safely without supervision.
Disadvantages of Keeping a Hedgehog as a Pet
Despite the many advantages of keeping hedgehogs as pets, there are also some potential drawbacks. Before bringing home one of these cute and fascinating animals, it’s important to consider the following:
1. Vet Care Can Be Expensive
Hedgehogs require regular veterinarian care just like any other pet, including vaccinations and exams. This can add up over time, so you need to make sure that you have adequate funds for vet visits.
2. They Require A Lot Of Attention
Hedgehogs are social creatures who need lots of attention from their owners. If they do not get enough love and affection, they can become unhappy or even sick.
3. They Are Not Great For Children
Because hedgehogs are small and fragile animals, they may not be suitable pets for young children who may accidentally injure them while handling them.
4. They Have Specialized Diet Requirements
While hedgehogs can eat commercial diets specifically formulated for them, they also require live insects such as mealworms in order to ensure proper nutrition. This makes caring for a hedgehog more time consuming than other types of pets.
5. They Have Sharp Spines
Hedgehogs have sharp spines on their backs which can prick your skin if handled incorrectly. While this isn’t usually painful, it is something to keep in mind when considering getting a pet hedgehog.
How to Comfortably Cuddle a Hedgehog
Cuddling a hedgehog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to do so in a way that’s comfortable for both you and the animal. Here are some tips to keep in mind when cuddling your pet hedgehog:
Prepare Your Hedgehog
- Gently pick up your hedgehog, supporting his or her back legs with one hand and their belly with the other.
- Place them on your lap and let them get used to being held.
- Let them explore around your lap until they feel secure enough to stay put.
Use Proper Posture
When cuddling your hedgehog, make sure you use proper posture. Try sitting upright instead of slouching or leaning over him or her. This will help ensure that the weight is evenly distributed across your lap and won’t cause any discomfort for either of you.
Be Gentle & Patient
Hedgehogs take time to warm up to new people and situations, so be patient as you attempt to bond with yours. Speak softly while gently stroking its fur; this will help create a sense of calmness and security. In addition, try not to move too quickly as sudden movements may startle it.
Stay Calm & Quiet
The best way to comfort a hedgehog is by remaining still and quiet. Don’t talk too loudly or move too much while holding it; this could make it become skittish or even bite out of fear. Instead, focus on calming yourself through deep breathing exercises if needed – this will help relax both you and the animal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hedgehogs are not necessarily high maintenance pets. With the right amount of care and attention, they can make excellent companions for those who have the time and resources to devote to them. Hedgehogs require regular feeding, housing, grooming, health check-ups, and socialization in order to stay healthy and happy. While some may find these requirements too demanding or expensive, others may find that having a pet hedgehog is an enjoyable experience worth the effort. Ultimately it’s up to the individual to decide if this particular pet is right for them.
