Mini hedgehogs or hedgehogs are suitable pets for dedicated and patient people. A cross between 2 wild African species, the African Pygmy Hedgehog, is a miniature hedgehog that is known to be friendly, intelligent and fun to owners who are willing to take care of it with dedication. As with any other pet, seek information about the miniature hedgehog and the care it needs so you can decide if it fits your lifestyle. Make sure you understand their habitat and food needs so that you are ready to take them home and provide them with the best care possible.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Picking and Bringing Home a Hedgehog
Step 1. Find out if keeping a mini hedgehog is prohibited in your area
Hedgehogs are considered as exotic animals which are regulated by certain rules and laws. In some places, mini hedgehogs are not allowed to be kept, while in other areas special permits are required. Check the laws and regulations in your area for everything related to keeping exotic animals. In Indonesia, the hedgehog is a legal animal and can be kept, while the common hedgehog (porcupine) is a protected animal, and cannot be kept or traded.
To find out what special regulations apply in your area, or to find a safe place for hedgehogs that shouldn't be kept in your area, contact animal protection organizations or those who specialize in handling hedgehogs
Step 2. Purchase a mini hedgehog from a licensed seller
Hedgehogs from responsible breeders tend to be more socially trained, and since the breeder is already familiar with the hedgehog mother, you're more likely to get a healthy animal. Thus, it is very important to choose a good breeder. If you don't, you may end up with a ferocious and sickly mini hedgehog.
- If you live in the US, make sure the breeder provides a miniature hedgehog that does not have a history of WHS (Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome) or cancer in their lineage.
- Check if the breeder has a USDA license. In the US, hedgehog breeders must have a USDA license. When you buy a mini hedgehog, you will receive a document that includes the breeder's license number.
- Be wary of breeders advertising hedgehogs on Craigslist or other online classifieds.
- Ask if the farmer provides health insurance. Policies may vary, but you will feel comfortable if the breeder allows you to return or exchange your hedgehog if health problems arise in the first place. This will also alert the breeder if a certain lineage turns out to have health problems. If they pay attention to this problem, it means the farmer is indeed responsible.
Step 3. Check if the hedgehog is healthy
Before making a choice, there are several signs that indicate the mini hedgehog is in good health.
- Clear eyes: Hedgehogs will look alert; the eyes should not be crusty, sunken, or swollen.
- Clean bristles and quills: It's okay if it's a little greasy (see below). However, the presence of stool around the anus could signal diarrhea or another underlying health condition.
- Healthy skin: Crusty skin around the spines can indicate the presence of mites and dry skin. If there are mites, you must treat them. Also look for fleas (small brown spots the size of the tip of a pin that can jump quickly), which should also be treated.
- No scabies or sores: If sores or scabies are present, the farmer must explain why this is happening, and must determine if the hedgehog can recover from the condition. While some hedgehogs can survive problems in infancy (eg blindness, missing limbs, etc.) and can continue to live a healthy and happy life, you should still consider what care is needed and whether you can afford it.
- Alertness: Hedgehogs must be alert and pay attention to the environment around them, not lethargic and less responsive.
- Dirt: Watch the cage for green stools or diarrhea. If so, this could indicate that the hedgehog is suffering from a health problem.
- Medium weight: An overweight hedgehog has fat "bags" in the armpit area, and his body cannot turn into a ball. A hedgehog that is too thin has a sunken stomach with a hollow body. Both of these can indicate a health problem.
- Healthy feet: Toenails should be trimmed short so they don't curl downwards. If the nails are too long, ask the breeder to show you how to trim them.
Step 4. Bring the hedgehog home properly
Before making a purchase, be sure to have everything you need and get ready to welcome the hedgehog. Take at least a month for your hedgehog to get to know you, as well as your new scent and environment. The animal has just undergone a major change in its life.
Hold your hedgehog every day while allowing him to get to know you more, for example by placing him on your lap and talking to him. Build your hedgehog's trust by placing a treat in the palm of your hand, and placing an old T-shirt you wore for a day in his cage. This allows the hedgehog to get used to your body odor
Step 5. Get ready to see the hedgehog licking himself
One of the rarest behaviors of a hedgehog is drooling excessively in the presence of salt, as well as new foods and smells. The hedgehog will twist its body in an S shape, turn its head back, and spread saliva on its spines. While no one can say for sure what prompted him to do this, many think that this was an attempt by the hedgehog to make his spines a more powerful weapon by lubricating them with an irritant. Because of this, you may feel a little irritated the first time you touch your hedgehog.
Part 2 of 4: Providing a Home for the Hedgehog
Step 1. Prepare a good cage
Hedgehogs need a large cage for comfort. This animal enjoys exploring its habitat, and its natural territory has a diameter of about 200-300 meters. There are several other factors to consider when choosing a cage for your mini hedgehog.
- The cage must be large enough. The minimum cage size is 45 x 60 cm, but it's a good idea to provide more space. A cage measuring 60 x 80 cm is preferred, and a cage measuring 80 x 80 cm is the best choice.
- The sides of the cage should be about 40 cm high. Some suggest smooth walls, others warn that the smooth sides of the cage make ventilation difficult. Keep in mind that the wire sides can be a problem if your hedgehog likes to climb! Hedgehogs are animals that are experts at running away. Make sure the cage is tightly closed. If you don't cover the top of the cage, make sure your hedgehog can't climb out of the cage.
- The floor of the cage should be solid because the hedgehog's tiny feet could fall into the wire floor, which could injure them.
- The cage should not be more than one level because the mini hedgehog's eyesight is very poor and its legs are easily broken. Climbing wire cages are also dangerous if you place climbing objects. Make room for toys, food bowls, and litter containers when you build or buy a cage.
- Make sure the cage is well ventilated. Airflow in the cage must be available at all times. However, if the temperature in the room drops significantly (such as during a power outage), you may need to cover the cage with a blanket.
Step 2. Use a good material for bedding
Mini hedgehogs love wood shavings, but use aspen shavings instead of cedar. Cedar contains carcinogenic phenols (aromatic oils) that can cause cancer if inhaled. Alternatively, you can line the cage with strong fabric (such as twill, corduroy, or fleece) cut to the size of the cage.
Carefresh is a brand of products that are similar to powder from gray cardboard. Although some people recommend this product, be aware that the particles can get stuck in the male hedgehog's genitals or between the spines. Also, understand that Carefresh can be dangerous for hedgehogs after they release a new formula, namely Carefresh Bedding
Step 3. Complete the cage
Add some things to the cage to meet the needs of the mini hedgehog.
- Hiding places: Hedgehogs are nocturnal predators (active at night) so they need a hiding place when they are "resting" so they are out of sight, exposed to light, and away from public activities. You can place an igloo or sleeping bag for this purpose.
- Exercise wheel. Hedgehogs need a lot of practice, and a wheel is a great tool for practicing running at night. The base of the wheel must be solid. If they are made of netting or bars, the wheels can catch the hedgehog, tear his nails, or even break his leg.
- Make sure the hedgehog bed is away from water. Chemicals in bedding can get into the water, and kill the hedgehog.
- Provide a litter container with a height of less than 1.5 cm for easy access and preventing broken legs. Always use non-clumping cat litter (if you choose this material). You can also use a tissue. The litter box should be large enough for the hedgehog and can be cleaned daily. You can use a cake pan or a factory-made plastic litter container. Most hedgehog owners place this container under the toy wheel because this location is often used by hedgehogs for activities.
Step 4. Make sure the room temperature is suitable for the hedgehog's needs
These animals need temperatures that are slightly warmer than the average home temperature, which is around 20 C to 30 C. If the temperature is colder than this, the hedgehog is more likely to go into "hibernation", which can kill it (because it causes pneumonia). On the other hand, hotter temperatures also cause heat stress. Adjust the room temperature if the hedgehog is spreading out in the cage as if it feels hot. If your hedgehog looks lethargic, or his body temperature is colder than usual, warm him up as quickly as possible by placing him under a shirt to warm him up using your body heat.
Take your hedgehog to the vet if it's still cold after 1 hour
Part 3 of 4: Feeding the Hedgehog
Step 1. Give a variety of foods
By nature, hedgehogs are insectivorous, but also enjoy other foods, such as vegetables, fruits, eggs, and meat. Hedgehogs tend to be fat so you have to be careful when feeding them so they don't get too fat. Hedgehogs who are overweight will not be able to curl up and have fat "bags" hanging off, which hinder their ability to walk.
Step 2. Provide quality food
Although the exact nutritional requirements of a hedgehog are still unknown, high-quality cat food is considered a good option as a main food, which should be accompanied by several other types of food, which are discussed below. The cat feed used should have a fat content of no more than 15%, with a protein of 32-35%. Choose organic or holistic foods. Do not use cat food that contains by-products, corn, and other similar ingredients. Give about 1-2 tbsp. (15–30 ml) of dry cat food daily.
Do not choose low quality hedgehog food as the ingredients used are usually of poor quality. You can use good quality food, such as Old Mill, L'Avian, or 8-in-1
Step 3. Feed more if you're not home when it's time to eat
Many owners feed the hedgehogs free feeding (the feed container is always filled even though it is not yet time to eat) by giving a little more food so that there is always food left.
Step 4. Give your hedgehog a variety of food so that the hedgehog is not malnourished
Supplement the cat's diet with other foods in small amounts, maybe about 1 tsp. every day or every 2 days. Some of the options you can choose from include:
- Skinless and cooked chicken, turkey, or salmon, then chopped.
- Small amounts of vegetables and fruit, such as watermelon, sweet potatoes, mashed ripe peas, or applesauce.
- Chopped scrambled or hard-boiled eggs.
- Hong Kong caterpillars, crickets and bamboo caterpillars: These are important food for hedgehogs. As insectivores, hedgehogs need mental stimulation obtained from live food, as well as essential nutrients. Feed some insects 1-4 times a week. Never give away wild-caught insects (such as those you caught from the yard). These insects may contain toxic pesticides in their bodies, or parasites that can infect hedgehogs.
Step 5. Know what not to eat
Although hedgehogs love a variety of foods, there are some foods that should not be given to hedgehogs: seeds/nuts, dried fruit, raw vegetables, raw meat, sticky/fibrous/hard foods, avocado, grapes or raisins, milk and dairy products, bread, alcohol, celery, onion and onion powder, tomatoes, raw carrots, junk food (potato chips, candy, and sweet and salty foods, etc.), anything that tastes very sour, and honey.
Step 6. Adjust the amount of food as the hedgehog gets fatter
Reduce the amount of food given if the hedgehog looks fatter, and increase his exercise.
Step 7. Feed in the afternoon
Hedgehogs have crepuscular properties, which are active around dusk. If possible, feed once a day at this time.
Step 8. Choose the right food container
The food bowl should be wide so that the hedgehog can access it and heavy enough not to tip over (when the hedgehog is up and playing on it).
Step 9. Provide a water bowl or water bottle with a drinking hose
You must provide clean water at all times.
- If using a bowl, choose a heavy, shallow bowl so it doesn't tip over. Wash the bowl thoroughly every day and fill it with clean water.
- If using a bottle with a drinking tube, make sure your hedgehog knows how to drink it! The hedgehog should have learned this from its mother, but perhaps it should be shown how. The water in the bottle should also be changed every day to prevent bacteria from accumulating.
Part 4 of 4: Keeping the Hedgehog Happy and Healthy
Step 1. Place the hedgehog in a quiet and peaceful location
Avoid placing the hedgehog under the television or music player. As a predator in the wild and relying on your sense of hearing, this noise will annoy your hedgehog and stress him out. Choose a location with low levels of noise, lighting, and activity. Move the cage if the nearby noise level increases (because of anything). Hedgehogs can get used to noise if introduced gradually.
Step 2. Give your hedgehog plenty of time to exercise
Hedgehogs tend to gain weight so exercise is a must. This means that you will have to provide lots of toys, in addition to the toy wheels. The toy given can be something that can be chewed, pushed, peeled, or even rolled over, as long as the material doesn't break when bitten and can't be swallowed. Make sure the nails and feet don't get caught in small holes or loose ropes.
- Some of the toys that can be used include: rubber balls, used children's toys, rubber figures (miniature rubber figures), toys for babies to bite on, used tissue tubes that are split in half lengthwise, cat toy balls, or bird toys equipped with bell.
- Let the mini hedgehog play in the larger area every now and then. You can buy a large plastic tub or release your hedgehog in the tub (after draining the water, of course).
Step 3. Observe the hedgehog's behavior and food/water intake
Hedgehogs are very good at hiding their illness, so you should pay close attention to your hedgehog. Monitor for any changes and contact your veterinarian to see if your hedgehog needs to be examined.
- If your hedgehog hasn't eaten in a day or two, there may be a problem that needs to be checked by a veterinarian. Mini hedgehogs who don't eat for several days are at risk of developing fatty liver disease, which can kill them.
- Watch for dry, scaly skin around the hedgehog's spines. This could indicate the presence of mites which can weaken the hedgehog if left untreated.
- Sounds when breathing or wheezing, and discharge from the face or wrists are signs of infection. This is a serious condition that often affects miniature hedgehogs.
- Soft-textured stools for more than a day, or diarrhea followed by lethargy or lack of appetite can be signs of a parasitic infection or other disease.
- Hibernation (even if miniature hedgehogs do in the wild) is not safe for hedgehogs living in cages. As explained earlier, if your hedgehog's stomach feels cold, warm the animal by placing it under your clothing, near your skin. If it doesn't warm up within 1 hour, take your hedgehog to the vet as soon as possible.
Step 4. Hold the hedgehog as often as possible
The intimacy of the hedgehog when being carried can be obtained by holding it often. You should always be confident when holding a hedgehog. This animal is actually not as fragile as it looks. The general rule is to hold the hedgehog for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Approach the hedgehog calmly and slowly. Grab the body from below, then hold the hedgehog with both hands.
- Take time to play around. Besides holding the hedgehog, don't be afraid to play with it. Hedgehogs can definitely accept your presence in the game if you do it regularly.
Step 5. Clean the hedgehog cage regularly
Clean feed containers and water bowls/bottles daily using hot water. Clean the toy wheels and dirty places every day, and change the bedding once a week or as needed.
Step 6. Bathe the hedgehog as needed
Some mini hedgehogs have cleaner bodies than others. So you may need to bathe them less often or more often.
- Fill the sink with warm (not hot) water until it reaches the hedgehog's stomach. The hedgehog's nose and ears should not get water in it.
- Add a light oatmeal bath product (such as Aveeno) or a puppy product to the water. Scrub the hedgehog's quills and paws with a toothbrush.
- Rinse the hedgehog with warm water and wrap it in a clean, dry towel until it dries. If the body is resistant, you can use a hairdryer set on a low temperature. If you can't stand a hairdryer, just use a towel. Never put a wet hedgehog in a cage.
Step 7. Check your hedgehog's nails regularly
If your hedgehog's nails are too long and your hedgehog rolls around a lot, they can tear when the hedgehog runs around on the toy wheel.
- Trim the hedgehog's nails using small manicure scissors, trimming only the ends.
- If bleeding occurs, apply a small amount of cornstarch to the injured area using a cotton swab. Do not use factory-made anti-wound powders as they tend to sting.
Step 8. Get ready for quilling
Quilling is an event similar to the loss of a baby tooth in a young child, or the shedding of a snake's skin. This begins in a hedgehog at 6-8 weeks of age and can occur throughout the hedgehog's first year of life until all of its spines have been replaced by adult spines. This is a normal process and nothing to worry about, unless you notice signs of illness and discomfort, or the replacement thorn isn't growing. Maybe the hedgehog gets irritated easily during this process, and doesn't really like being held. You can bathe it with oatmeal to ease the discomfort. This is just one phase in a hedgehog's life.
Tips
- Don't buy male and female hedgehogs unless you plan to breed them. Hedgehog breeding is very dangerous and expensive. Mother and/or baby hedgehogs often die so you shouldn't take this for granted.
- Make sure the hedgehog you get from the breeder does not suffer from WHS (Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome) in the lineage. This condition could easily make the hedgehog suffer from the same genetic syndrome in the long run.
- Never place more than one hedgehog in one cage.
- Not all veterinarians are used to handling miniature hedgehogs. Because of this, it's a good idea to check with the store or breeder that sells it for a vet recommendation in your area. Call your doctor first, before an emergency arises.
- Discard hair and thin threads. These two objects can easily entangle the legs or legs of a mini hedgehog, and cut off circulation. If left untreated, this condition can make the hedgehog's limbs have to be amputated.
- If using a water bottle, make sure the ball in the nozzle moves down (towards the bottom of the nozzle) when you reverse it. If the ball remains in front of the tube, do not use the bottle. This can get the hedgehog's tongue stuck. It's best if you just use a bowl.
- Unless your hedgehog LOVES a large space, always try to choose a cage size that's close to the minimum. The minimum cage area that must be provided is 60-120 square cm, depending on the hedgehog's preference.
Warning
- Be very careful because the mini hedgehog could bite you. Don't react. Once the bite has been removed, don't return the hedgehog to its cage as this can look like a gift to the hedgehog.
- Do not let the mini hedgehog hibernate because it can be fatal for him. The most common symptoms are severe lethargy and the stomach feels cold to the touch. If this happens, remove the hedgehog as quickly as possible and place it under a shirt that is at the sides of the body to warm it. Continue to do this gradually using warm (but not hot) objects such as a heating pad set on low heat, or 1 or 2 bottles filled with warm water. DO NOT immerse the hedgehog in water. If your hedgehog doesn't recover or doesn't wake up within 1 hour, take your hedgehog to the vet as soon as possible.
- Do not keep the hedgehog away from heat sources. This is a common cause for hedgehogs to hibernate. Check out Tori Lynn's YouTube video on how to warm up a hedgehog.
- Don't confuse ordinary quilling with shedding of spines due to mite infestation, infection, and poor diet. Go to the vet if some of the hedgehog spines fall off. Quilling occurs when the mini hedgehog is 6-12 months old, it can be more or less.
- Don't mistreat your hedgehog by dropping it, rolling it when it rolls over, or throwing it. If this is done, the hedgehog will become permanently grumpy and unfriendly.
- Do not use dry cedar or pine shavings as they are both toxic. The best materials are aspen wood, fleece, paper, pellets, and so on.
- DO NOT use wire or net toy wheels, under any circumstances.
