Feeding & Care

Temperature

The most important part of a hedgehog set up is making sure a hedgehog cage or room remains between a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees. If a hedgehog temperature goes below that it may attempt to “hibernate” which a domesticated hedgehog should never do. I personally have my hedgehogs in a room that maintains their heat with a space heater. If you can’t keep your cage to that temp it is extremely important to add a heat source to your set-up. A Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) with heat bulb (100 Watt) can be added to your set-up to maintain this desired temperature. These need to be placed securely to a spot that will not melt your cage set-up or cover, and not placed too close to bedding or liners to avoid damage or fire.

Cages

I recommend getting the biggest enclosure you can. There are several options. I use 3 different varieties. My personal favorite is a large plastic tote. Sterlite or Rubbermaid containers with a minimal size or 116 liters is preferable. If you can find the Christmas Tree storage bins, I recommend them as they have a lot more living space than the 116 liter bins. My only complaint with the smaller bins (116 liter) is that once you add the wheel and igloo or hut, it takes up all the space. These “bins” are so easy to clean and handle. The lids that come with can be manipulated by cutting around the edge to open the middle, add screening to it and have a cover for the hedgies that like to try and “escape”. I also use 2 different types of guinea pig cages that I like as well. Cages are not a favorite for a lot of hedgehog owners as you need to be extremely careful that your hedgehog does not wedge themselves in between the wire trying to get out. You need to make sure that the corners are not too wide for them to get stuck. The cages I prefer have tight corners and I have not had an issue with anyone getting stuck.

Bedding or Liners

I have used both fleece liners and Pine Shavings as bedding for my cages. Any anti-pill fleece will work. If you can sew, these can be easily made to size of your cage. I recommend having at least one extra to replace the liner when you clean the cage. If you can not sew or have someone who can, there are a lot of people on Etsy that make fleece liners. Pine shavings work well too. I like that it absorbs urine odor. DO NOT USE CEDAR OR ASPEN shavings as they are harmful to respiratory systems. CareFresh bedding is another popular choice. It is important to use the natural, unbleached types.

Exercise Wheels - A MUST!!

A hedgehog needs an exercise wheel. They use them everyday. It is important to get a wheel that is SOLID, all one piece and a 12 inch diameter. I highly recommend the Kaytee Comfort Wheel- Giant. Carolina Storm Wheels I hear are really good wheels, I have not tried them, but many of my breeder friends use these and love them. You will notice that their wheels will be the one part of your hedgies cage that needs the most attention. Wiping them off daily or every other day is recommended. Hedgehogs do not take a “break” to go potty. They will poop as they run on their wheels and it will stick to the wheel. Keep it clean. DO NOT USE the SILENT SPINNER wheels. They are 2 pieces attached together. Lots of people have reported their hedgehogs feet have been caught in the grooves and ripped off toenails and even worse. Although some of my pictures may show one of these wheels, I no longer use them as duct taping the seams was too much of a pain. I went back to the comfort Wheel, which was my favorite anyway. Just get a good recommended wheel to begin with. 

Igloos, Huts, Tubes

Hedgehogs need a couple different places to “hide” or “burrow” to sleep in. There are several options for this. I use Large plastic Igloos by Kaytee. Also, I have a few comfortable huts or fleece tubes for them to hide or sleep in as well.  Several options can be found on Amazon or in Pet Shops. There are lots of Etsy shops that make raph

Water Bottles and Dishes



I highly suggest getting a heavier ceramic bowl for food, treats and water. Hedgehogs are surprisingly strong and will tip over lighter bowls. Water bottles can be used also. I have always been happy with Lik-it brand water bottles as they do not leak. If you use a water bottle it is important to refill and clean them out every day. Its important they have fresh, clean water daily. If you switch to a bottle make sure you have a water bowl in the cage as well until you SEE them using the bottle. Once you see them use it, the extra bowl can be removed. I have 3 different bowls I use. 1 for water, 1 for food and 1 for treats (mealworms, veggies and fruit, baby foods). It is important that these all remain clean. Having extras for cleaning is always nice.

Toys and Dig Boxes

I add fun little items in my cages for my hedgehogs to play with. Tiny Solo cups, rubber ducks, small cat toys (ones that are sturdy and hard to break, avoid ones with tiny parts that could be swallowed. Hartz makes a CAT Mint Stick that the hedgehogs LOVE. Dig Boxes have become very popular as well. They are a fun “foraging” tool for hedgehogs to play in. Lots of people put their meal worms in the box for the hedgehogs to dig around to keep them occupied and practice foraging. Dig Boxes are a shallow pan with small pompoms, ping pong balls, fleece strips, etc.

Snuggle Sack

You will receive one of these with a hedgehog. These are great for bonding and taking your hedgehog on the go (weather and temperature permitting). I always put my hedgehogs in a snuggle sack when I remove them from the cage and bring them to sit with me. This way they are enclosed and have a place to hide if they are not feeling social. They can sit in my lap in their sack and hang out. I always put my hand in there with them to pet them, or just get them used to my scent (for new babies). When I have them out on the bed or couch with me I have the sack available for them to retreat to if they wish.

Litter Boxes

Not a fan. I’m not saying don’t try, but in my experience mine have never used them, well not enough to make it worth while. I have always noticed my hedgehogs going potty in the same spots, which is where you want to place your litter box. A lot of people place their litter boxes right under their wheels, which works and there is a place for the poop and urine to drop in to and soak up in the litter. Carefresh bedding, pine shavings, pine wood pellets and cat litters all work. I would not recommend litters with added fragrances or powders as it isn’t good for their respiratory systems.

Feeding

A topic no one will agree on. I personally feed Blue Buffalo Weight Control- Chicken and Brown Rice as this is what works for me and my herd. You will receive a small bag of this to gradually add to the brand of food you prefer. A good, high quality cat food is a must. Do not get brands with a lot of fillers or artificial ingredients.  I leave a small bowl of cat food in my cages at all times. If a hedgehog becomes chunkier, then you may have to limit their food amount daily, giving them a limited amount.  If you can’t afford to buy a high quality food, then a hedgehog is not for you. It is important that they have a good diet. Hedgehogs are omnivores which means they eat insects, grass roots and some fruits and vegetables. It is important to include these to keep them to as natural a diet possible. Meal worms, wax worms, crickets, and pinky mice should be added to their diets. I do meal worms. 2 to 3 every couple of days. Too many worms can fatten up a hedgehog. Other foods can be added in small amounts every couple of days are… cooked plain chicken, eggs, vegetables and fruits, etc. (see food list). I use baby food frequently as well. Just a tablespoon of a mixed chicken and apple baby food, turkey and sweet potato, or plain baby food fruits or vegetables (see food list for safe foods). Real or natural is always better, for me in rural Alaska baby food is a good back up. While it is important to offer all of these, make sure you do it in moderation. I try to add a “treat” each night, either meal worms one night, and some chicken or fruit the next night (or a tablespoon of baby food), etc. And of course, fresh water daily.   

Bonding and Handling

I can not emphasize this enough. It is extremely important to spend quality time with your hedgehog daily (or what is the point of having one, right?). I suggest an hour a day. Yes, hedgehogs are nocturnal, but it is still possible to bond with them every day. Even having your hedgehog in their snuggle sack on your lap watching a moving and taking them out is fantastic. You will get out of a pet exactly what you put into it. If you don’t make the effort to be with them daily, they will revert to being anti-social.

One or Two?

One per cage. Hedgehogs are solitary animals. They do not need or crave the attention or constant companionship of a “buddy”. If you choose to own more than one hedgehog, they must have their own enclosures. Hedgehogs can be very territorial and may fight if caged together. Have people done this successfully? Yes. But that does mean it is recommended or even advised. It is not worth the risk.