With its pointy nose and coat of quills, the pet hedgehog is winning over more and more households. While hedgehog medicine is still relatively underdeveloped, their quiet behavior and charming appearance make them appealing exotic pets. To ensure a healthy and happy life, it’s essential to understand the pet hedgehog care needs before bringing one home.
Origin and behavior
- Native to Central and East Africa
- Belongs to the Erinaceidae family
- Insectivorous and strictly nocturnal
- Average lifespan: 4 to 6 years
- Solitary and territorial: house one hedgehog per cage
- In the wild, they travel several kilometers per night for food
💡 Defense mechanism: rolls into a ball and raises its spines when threatened
⚠️ Cold sensitivity: at low temperatures, hedgehogs may enter torpor (similar to hibernation), which can be dangerous in captivity
Proper housing and environment
Captive hedgehogs are prone to obesity due to reduced activity. To support physical and mental health:
- Use a large enclosure, preferably a glass tank (aquarium) rather than a wire cage (to avoid injuries from caught quills)
- Provide a solid-surface exercise wheel for nighttime activity
- Use recycled paper bedding or newspaper
❌ Avoid wood shavings, corn cob, or clumping litter — they may irritate the skin, eyes, or lungs
🔍 Recommended enrichment:
- Hiding spots
- Tunnels
- Climbing or burrowing objects to simulate natural behaviors
Balanced diet
Though they eat only small amounts, hedgehogs need a nutritious, protein-rich diet adapted to their metabolism.
- Daily base diet:
✅ 1–2 teaspoons of hedgehog-specific kibble
✅ Offered freely throughout the day - Evening fresh food (when they are most active):
✅ 1–2 tsp of canned cat or dog food, boiled egg, cooked meat, or cottage cheese
✅ ½ tsp of fruit (banana, apple, strawberry, blueberry, pear…)
✅ ½ tsp of vegetables (cooked carrot, green beans, peas, tomato, broccoli…)
✅ Live insects (e.g., crickets, mealworms) as occasional treats
⚠️ Monitor body weight — overfeeding and lack of exercise are leading causes of obesity
By meeting your hedgehog’s care needs through proper diet, a safe and enriched habitat, and daily monitoring, you’ll ensure they thrive and enjoy a healthy life in your care.
