Questions about Hedgehogs?

Question

1. Do they bite (or poke you with their quills?)

2. Are they as active as hamsters?

3. Do they need a lot of room in their cage?

4. Are they friendly like other rodents?

5. Are they easy to take care of?

6. Are they as active as other rodents (like do they need a wheel?)

Thanks!

Answer 1

I worked at our local zoo and was keeper to many animals including Hedgehogs. They do not make good pets! They don't like to be held, need a special diet, they are nocturnal and if you do manage to pick it up, you'll need thick gloves. And they do not run on wheels.

Answer 2

African Hedgehogs, unlike European Hedgehogs, actually do make great pets, contrary to what some other people are saying. I have raised hedgehogs for many years and would not give them up for the world. They eat cat food, which is not considered a 'special diet' last time I checked.

1. A friendly hedgehog will rarely poke you with his/her quills or bite. Bites most often occur when a hedgie mistakes a smell n your hand for food and tries to taste it. This is often just a little, harmless nip, but some will mistake an entire finger for food and will hold on for a few seconds, but it is never serious. If you are careful of the quills, they are not usually a problem, especially with a friendly hedgie.

2. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and sleep during the day. At night, they are very active and will run up to 10 KM in one night. People who see hedgehogs in a pet store will mistake them for being lazy, but we would be lazy too in the middle of the night if we had just been woken up.

3. The more space the better. Two square feet is considered the absolute, bare minimum. You will also need to consider how much room the wheel, house and toys will need, in addition to some extra play space.

4. Hedgehogs are not rodents, and they are not as friendly as guinea pigs or hamsters. They are content to explore their human like a giant jungle gym. When raised properly and socialized, they make very good pets. If you get a pet store or rescue hedgie, this may not be the case, so buy from a breeder.

5. If you know what you are doing, they are very low maintenance pets to care for. Do lots of research before you get your new pet and you will be well prepared. Check out www.chins-n-quills.com. It is a forum for hedgehog (and chinchilla) members with lots of great information.

6. Again, they are not rodents. They NEED a wheel as they are prone to obesity. Get a 12'' wheel with a plastic running surface. My favourite is Comfort Wheel, but you can also make a bucket wheel or purchase one on the internet.

Good luck!

Answer 3

1. they can poke you with their quills

2. no

3. kinda, yea

4. not really

5. no

6. no

Answer 4

y are u trying to get a hedgehog as a pet they do not survive as domesticated animals so dont keep one as a pet.

1. they just roll up in a ball to make their quills more prominant

2. they are nocturnal and are slow animals so no.

3.yes they would but they should be let free in the garden not kept in a cage

4. they are not domesticated animals! and yes they are friendly but die easily from stress.

5. no they are not easy to take care of.

6.no they donnot need a wheel they should be let free