
How to Raise a Hedgehog?
Hedgehogs are mammals. These animals are adorable to look at. Their typical life span is a minimum of four to six years and usually grow up to nine inches in length. They are quite active during the time they are awake. They are nocturnal animals, so they typically become active around evening.
These animals are not at all aggressive, but very sensitive to touch and sound. It does not take much effort to pet them. They take time to get comfortable in a new place and with new people. Once they do, they are one of the most adorable pets you can ask for.
You just need to handle them carefully, while making a clean atmosphere for this clean creature.
Care Packages For Raising A Hedgehog
Before buying a hedgehog as your pet, you need to be prepared. Things you need to care for a hedgehog are:
Information Guide On The Different Prospects
You need to look after each of the following areas to ensure a good environment for your hedgehog:
Habitat
If you want to have a hedgehog as a pet, you have to ensure it a good home. You need to keep your hedgehog safe and entertained while keeping it happy. They also need to run around outside the cage, so you might need to keep your house safe for it too.
You should keep the cage away from heaters, freezers, air conditioner or any place where the cage can be too warmed up or cooled down.
A Cage With A Proper Environment
Building or buying a spacious cage is a must for a hedgehog so that it can roam around freely inside it. Building a multi-level cage is the best idea if you have space and money.
1. Bedding
Having bedding over the bottom area will keep it comfortable. You can use recycled paper or pulp to make the bedding fluffy. It is best not to use wood shavings.
2. Bowls for Food And Water
There should be separate places to keep bowls for food and water inside the cage. The bowls should be attached to the cage to prevent the hedgehog from turning it over. There needs to two separate bowls for dry and moist food.
3. Litter Box
You would want to train your hedgehog to use the litter box. So you can attach a small box on the place it prefers. It can be made by using recycled paper.
4. A Tunnel
A cage needs a tunnel where the hedgehog can feel warm and safe and can hide for relaxing. A tunnel can easily be made at home inside the cage. Or you can buy one with a tunnel.
5. Entertainment
You can keep some toy items to keep it happy and active. A cage can come with wheels or ramps, ledges, etc. to keep it busy. You can also keep a ball, chew toys or bells.
6. Cleaning
The cage needs regular cleaning. The cage needs to be free of waste every day while having a clean bowl of water and food. The bedding and toys are needed to be replaced once a week. You have to make sure that the bedding is dry before putting it inside the cage.
Diet Of A Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are not known to be picky eaters. They eat insects, baby mice, worms, eggs or fruits. You can make a plan to give your hedgehog a balanced amount of protein depending on his activity level and metabolism.
Handling And Grooming
You need to be patient in handling your hedgehog.
Hedgehogs are very clean animals compared to others. They need proper grooming to stay clean. Such as:
Medical Care
Even after taking all the steps to ensure a happy and healthy habitat and proper diet, your hedgehog might face some difficulties. It can face injuries or illness. In such cases, it is best to take it to the veterinarian.
Final Words
Hedgehogs are not an appropriate pet for children; they might hurt hedgehogs' quills or get hurt in return. While it seems a bit high maintenance, keeping a hedgehog as a pet is entertaining and fulfilling.
Once you build up a perfect environment for it, it is super easy from there. You just have to ensure the cleanliness and dietary supplies regularly for them.