Hedgehog Care Basics

Are hedgehogs legal to keep, and why does temperature matter so much?

Hedgehog ownership is restricted in some states and municipalities, so hedgehogs should only be kept where legal in your state, and local rules should be confirmed before acquiring one. Where permitted, temperature control is one of the most important aspects of care: pet hedgehogs (typically African pygmy hedgehogs) are not true hibernators and can attempt to hibernate if their environment gets too cool, which is dangerous and can be fatal. Enclosures should be kept within a warm, stable temperature range — roughly 73–80°F (23–27°C) — with a thermometer used to confirm conditions rather than relying on how the room feels.

What should hedgehogs eat?

Hedgehogs are insectivores, and their diet should reflect that: a base of a high-quality commercial hedgehog or insectivore diet, supplemented with appropriately sized insects such as mealworms or crickets, offers a nutritionally reasonable approach. Treats, including fruit, should be limited, since hedgehogs are prone to obesity on diets too high in fat or sugar.

How should hedgehogs be housed?

Hedgehogs are solitary animals in the wild and should be housed alone as pets; housing two hedgehogs together can lead to stress or fighting. A solid-bottomed enclosure with appropriate substrate, a hide for daytime sleeping, and enough space to move around supports natural behavior. A solid exercise wheel sized appropriately for a hedgehog, along with rotating enrichment items, helps meet their need for activity, since hedgehogs are naturally active overnight.

What health problems are common?

Obesity is common in pet hedgehogs and is closely tied to diet and activity level. Dental disease can develop as hedgehogs age and may go unnoticed until eating changes. External mites are a frequent cause of excessive quill loss, flaking skin, or itchiness and are treatable once identified. Wobbly hedgehog syndrome, a progressive neurologic condition, is also seen in the species; any hedgehog showing loss of coordination, wobbling, or difficulty using its limbs should be evaluated, since early recognition helps guide management even though the underlying disease is not curable.

What else supports good hedgehog health?

Regular handling from a young age helps hedgehogs become comfortable with people, and routine weighing at home can catch weight changes early. As with other exotic pets, a veterinarian experienced with hedgehogs is the best resource for questions specific to an individual animal.