The good, the bad and the ugly... what is it really like owning a hedgehog?
My son was 8 when he first asked (begged) for a hedgehog. I remember looking at him, eyebrows raised, and wondering to myself if people can actually have hedgehogs as pets.
Like most mothers, my first response for any additional pets was a firm NO, especially since I already had my hands full with 2 active boys, a newborn baby, 4 cats, and a bearded dragon. We had a miniature zoo of kid's and animals and I did not want any more mouths to feed or poop to clean. I figured with time he'd quit asking/begging, but he didn't. And here we are today, years later with not just one hedgehog but an entire herd of them!
When we brought or first hedgie home I had no idea what to expect. Of course we had researched them and had a basic understanding of their care, but we were newbies and this pokey little creature was unlike any other pet I had brought home. I anticipated they would be very similar to a guinea pig or a hamster, and they do have their similarities, but I was not expecting having to put some work in in order to build a bond with our new pet. I'll admit that sitting with that hedgehog night after night, softly speaking to her and trying so hard to get her to trust me, changed me. I struggled with horrible postpartum depression after having my daughter, and trying to get that little pokey ball of hate to trust me strangely brought me a sense of calm and peace.
Most hedgehogs, regardless of where they come from, will be TERRIFIED of their new owners, new and unfamiliar noises, and new smells. They need time and patience to build a bond and to make them feel comfortable. Our hedgehogs are handled every day here, and it is important to continue handling them (preferably with bare hands) so they learn to trust and understand you. So what is it really like owning a pet hedgehog? Here are some honest facts I have learned after years of raising hedgehogs:
My son was 8 when he first asked (begged) for a hedgehog. I remember looking at him, eyebrows raised, and wondering to myself if people can actually have hedgehogs as pets.
Like most mothers, my first response for any additional pets was a firm NO, especially since I already had my hands full with 2 active boys, a newborn baby, 4 cats, and a bearded dragon. We had a miniature zoo of kid's and animals and I did not want any more mouths to feed or poop to clean. I figured with time he'd quit asking/begging, but he didn't. And here we are today, years later with not just one hedgehog but an entire herd of them!
When we brought or first hedgie home I had no idea what to expect. Of course we had researched them and had a basic understanding of their care, but we were newbies and this pokey little creature was unlike any other pet I had brought home. I anticipated they would be very similar to a guinea pig or a hamster, and they do have their similarities, but I was not expecting having to put some work in in order to build a bond with our new pet. I'll admit that sitting with that hedgehog night after night, softly speaking to her and trying so hard to get her to trust me, changed me. I struggled with horrible postpartum depression after having my daughter, and trying to get that little pokey ball of hate to trust me strangely brought me a sense of calm and peace.
Most hedgehogs, regardless of where they come from, will be TERRIFIED of their new owners, new and unfamiliar noises, and new smells. They need time and patience to build a bond and to make them feel comfortable. Our hedgehogs are handled every day here, and it is important to continue handling them (preferably with bare hands) so they learn to trust and understand you. So what is it really like owning a pet hedgehog? Here are some honest facts I have learned after years of raising hedgehogs:
- Not all hedgehogs will go to their new homes and be relaxed and happy like the pictures on social media. It can take weeks, sometimes months, of consistent handling to get them used to you. Don't give up on them! They don't hate you, they just don't know you!
- Baby hedgehogs poop. A LOT. They have plenty of growing to do, which means they eat a lot of food...what goes in must come out ;) In order to keep them (and yourself clean) keep moistened paper towels nearby or unscented baby wipes. Don't forget to wash your hands after handling them!
- Most hedgehogs will poop on their wheel while they run.
- Happy hedgehogs make the most adorable little snorting, grunting, purring noise. Like the cross between a purring cat and a happy pig :)
- If a hedgehogs is too cold they can attempt hibernation which can be fatal. They also might seem crabbier and upset if they are too cold.
- Hedgehogs can be litter trained, ours are used to using a litter pan when they leave us.
- Hedgehogs are curious about new and unfamiliar smells.
- Hedgehogs are nocturnal.
- Be prepared to have this little pokey creature steal your heart :)