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Getting a hedgehog

21 14:50:24

Question
Hi crystal,

I'm a fellow expert on this fantastic website but I deal with hamsters. I am considering getting a new pet and the thought of a hedgehog really appeals to me. I live in rented accomodation so anything that makes a lot of noise like a barking dog or sheds at all is not an option. I'm aware that hedgehogs are different from hamsters but after reading your past questions, its seems the ammount of care, living conditions and some behaviour is quite similar to that of a hamster. I'd like a pet that is a bit more sociable and interesting than a hamster, don't get me wrong I love my hamster but I'd like something with a bit more 'ooomph' if you get me? haha. Do you think a hedgehog would be suitable for me. I work night shift but don't start til late, and my husband and  I work alternate nights so there would always be someone around to look after it.

Thanks in advance.

Joanne x

Answer
Hedgehogs require a bit more care than a hamster. They need to be handled daily to keep a sociable behavior. Also, a bit more vet care is needed. Yearly exams with a vet that specializes in hedgehogs is needed. Also, hedgehogs are very likely to develope cancer as they get older. It is something I had heard before I had my first hedgehog, but I never thought about it again until she was 5 years old and had a lump so big that she could barely breathe. There were 3 large tumours and the vet suspected there would be many more smaller ones in the lungs. I am not telling you this to scare you, but it is something you should be prepared for as cancer is fairly common in hedgehogs.

Hedgehogs can be very friendly. Unlike hamsters, more cleaning is involved. Hedgehogs are quite dirty compared to a hamster. They will poop/pee whereever they feel like, and most likely it will be when running in the wheel, so you will need to wash feet occasionally and clean a wheel daily/weekly to contain odor and prevent disease. A daily scooping of the waste and soiled bedding is needed.

You will want to get the biggest housing that you have room for. Hedgehogs love to have space, and a wheel is a must. Some people use kid size wading pools. A lid is not really neccesary. Hedgehogs are not escape artists like hamsters.

It is also nice to have outside of the cage play sessions, and mine have always loved to run through a tube system set up in a tiled room. I don't suggest carpet since hedgehog urine is the worst smell ever, and just as hard to get rid of as cat urine.


good luck with whatever you decide. Just realize it is a big commitment and hedgehogs can live 5-10years.