Hedgehogs as Pets: Vet‑Approved 2025 Guide by Dr Duncan Houston 🦔🌙

Introduction

Hedgehogs are enchanting, spiky companions—yet they come with unique needs and legal considerations. In this 2025 guide, I detail care essentials for housing, diet, enrichment, handling, and health tailored to these nocturnal insectivores. With thoughtful care and understanding of local laws, hedgehogs can thrive as unique pets in your home. ❤️

1. Legal & Lifestyle Considerations

Before welcoming a hedgehog, check local regulations. Some U.S. states require permits or prohibit ownership altogether—ensure your home allows for legal, responsible guardianship. Also, as nocturnal pets, hedgehogs are most active overnight and can disturb light sleepers. Plan accordingly before adding one to your family. 🎯

2. Personality & Behavior

• Temperament: Ranges from shy to curious—early gentle handling encourages socialization.
• Self‑defense: They may ball up and hiss when startled.
• Wet‑ting behavior: “Anting” with foamy saliva is normal hedgehog exploration.
• Environmental curiosity: Expect foraging around furniture, plants, and carpets when out-of-cage.

3. Housing 🏡

Design an environment that ensures safety, comfort, and warmth:

• Enclosure: Smooth-sided, ventilated tank or cage—minimum 2×3 ft per hedgehog.
• Temperature: Maintain 75–85 °F (24–30 °C) with heat lamps or chew-proof pads.
• Bedding: Use recycled paper bedding—clean daily, full swaps weekly.
• Hiding nests: Provide hide boxes and tunnels for security.
• Exercise: Solid-surface wheels, hide boxes, edge-proof spaces—hedgehogs love to roam after dark.

4. Diet & Nutrition 🍽️

Hedgehogs are insectivores, not carnivores. Improper diets often lead to obesity and dental issues.

• Evening meals: Offer food when hedgehogs are most active.
• Daily portions:
  • 2 level tsp insectivore or raptor chow
  • 1 tsp low-fat high-quality cat food
  • 1 tsp mixed veggies (dark leafy greens over sugar-rich vegetables)
  • 6–8 insects (crickets, mealworms, phoenix worms, dubia roaches)
• Avoid: Sugary fruits (bananas, carrots, grapes, raisins) to protect kidneys and teeth.
• Food rotation: Offer variety in insects to support nutrition and interest.

Controlled feeding helps maintain healthy weight. Monitor daily intake and weigh monthly. ⚖️

5. Enrichment & Exercise

• Solid exercise wheel
• Exploration toys: tunnels, boxes, tubes
• Foraging: scatter insects or treats in substrates
• Warm shallow water tubs for bathing

Rotate toys and items weekly. Hedgehogs thrive on variety and mental stimulation. 🎲

6. Handling & Bonding 🤝

• Handle gently in dim light to ease nocturnal sensitivity.
• Let your hedgehog crawl into your hand or cup rather than grabbing by spines.
• Speak softly and move slowly to build trust.
• Begin with short, frequent handling sessions to prevent stress.

Some may always be shy; respect their boundaries. Over time, many become affectionate and exploratory with patience. 💞

7. Routine Home Care

• Nail trims: Monthly to prevent overgrowth and injury.
• Oral hygiene: Regular brushing helps prevent dental disease.
• Environment: Keep bedding clean and the enclosure dry to avoid skin and respiratory issues.
• Warmth: Ensure consistent warmth—cold risks stress and illness.

8. Common Health Issues 🩺

Obesity

Excess calories + low activity often leads to weight gain. Manage diet, exercise, and use frequent weight monitoring to avoid complications like fatty liver or joint strain.

Dental Disease

Sugary foods cause tooth decay. Provide brushing and veterinarian checkups; note drooling or difficulty eating as red flags.

Pneumonia & Respiratory Disease

Dirty bedding or cold stress may trigger lung infections. Watch for sneezing, wheezing, and lethargy—seek vet care promptly.

Cancer & Neurological Disease

Hedgehogs often develop oral or gastrointestinal tumors, and Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome—a neurodegenerative disorder causing ataxia. Early vet intervention may slow progression.

Trauma

Falls from cage surfaces or escapes can cause injuries. Secure habitat edges, supervise out-of-cage time, and keep a humming nighttime routine to avoid accidents.

9. Lifespan & Daily Routine

• Average lifespan: 3–6 years (some live 6–10 years with ideal care).
• Daily: Evening feeding, fresh water, clean enclosure & bedding, enrichment.
• Monthly: Weight checks, nail trims, oral exploration.
• Veterinarian: Annual exams and earlier if health concerns arise.

10. 2025 Vet‑Approved Tips 🦔

• Check local laws—hedgehogs aren't legal everywhere.
• House one per enclosure at optimal 75–85 °F.
• Feed a mix of insectivore diet + cat food + veggies + varied insects once daily.
• Provide exercise wheels, tunnels, and foraging opportunities.
• Maintain cleanliness, warmth, and monitor weight monthly.
• Trim nails and brush teeth regularly.
• Watch for respiratory signs, cancer symptoms, or neurological wobble.
• Contact a small-animal vet for any concerning changes. 🩺

Conclusion

Hedgehogs are fascinating and expressive pets—if approached with appropriate care, warmth, and legal awareness. Meeting their nocturnal, dietary, and housing needs helps them flourish in your home. With kindness, patience, and respect, your hedgehog can offer unique companionship for several wonderful years. 🏡❤️

Support from Ask A Vet

Need help with temperature, nail trimming, or signs of Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome? Visit AskAVet.com and download our Ask A Vet app for personalized small mammal support. 📲

Disclaimer

This guide provides general care information. Always consult your veterinarian for specific medical advice on your pets.