Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are small exotic pets that can make good small pets.

When you pick out the hedgehog, you want to gauge its reaction. You want a hedgehog that will allow it to be picked up and possibly rolled onto its back without rolling into a ball. When selecting a healthy hedgehog look for missing quills, dry skin, discharge around the eyes or nose, or evidence of diarrhea around rear; if the hedgehog has any of these signs, and keep looking for a healthy hedgehog. You can check around the legs; if there are rolls, obesity may be an issue .The hedgehog should not too thin or too heavy.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal and therefore are active in the evenings. Many hedgehogs dig in houseplants and dirt if accessible and will look for spiders and insects in the home. Supervise your hedgehog when loose and you will be able to control this behavior.

Most hedgehogs prefer quiet environments and may react with fright at loud noises. Although hedgehogs are being bred commercially, their behavior is that of a non-domesticated animal. Very few hedgehogs bite, but they might "puff up," and adult males may hiss.

Most of the hedgehog foods on the market are cat food in a box labeled hedgehog food. Live foods include crickets, meal worms and wax worms these should also be part of your hedgehog’s diet. Anaquarium is preferable to open metal dog or cat cages. But some people believe wire cages are better. Completely clean all the cages once a week .Every cage needs food/water bowls, toys, and wheels. Some cages have PVC pipes and still need wood chip appropriate bedding. There are many kinds of cages on the market today consult a hedgehog breeder for specific suggestions or concerns.

Cleaning cages is not a fun chore for any pet, but making cleaning as easy as possible and sticking to a schedule will make cage cleaning simply part of your routine. Because hedgehogs are prone to colds you should provide a warm environment between 68 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Each state of these will have a different set of exotic pet rules and you should check before you invest in a hedgehog and care supplies.