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Have a question for the Hedgies.com editors? Email it to ask@hedgies.com. Browse through the list of questions first. Your question may have already been answered. Please keep in mind that our editors do not always agree, so when more than one responds, please read all responses for a complete answer.

Questions

Do male hedgehogs make good pets?

(Response from Kat) Yes. They make great pets. I've had two females and three males. I've found the males to be more friendly and playful than the females. There is absolutely no reason to avoid getting a male hedgehog as a pet. Some breeders even charge less for the males.

I got a hedgehog from a school. They didn't want it because it was mean. All it does it curl up in a ball and refuses to do anything when I'm around. What can I do to help it be happy?

(Response from Kat) You need to be patient. Do not force anything on the little guy. Give it food and water. Keep cleaning up after it. Eventually, it will forget about the nasty kids who used to torment it and realize that you are not a threat. Then, you can become friends.

(Response from Shaun) It is difficult to handle a previously abused hedgehog. Just take care of it and it will eventually relax. When it relaxes, it will be curious about you. There is a high probability that it will nip at your hands - that is how they test things. When it starts to do that, you know that it is deciding if you are a friend or foe. So, be extra friendly (even give it a treat or two). I also suggest always washing with the same handsoap before handling the hedgehog. It will relate the smell of the soap with you. Then, it will relate that smell (and you) to treats. Then, it will decide you are a worthwhile person to have around and you can become friends. Unfortunately, this whole process can take more than a year. So, it takes a lot of patience and compassion.

My two girls think hedgehogs are the cutest ever. One is 10 and one is 6. I know that many children have hamsters and mice as pets. Is a hedgehog any different?

(Response from Shaun) I feel that they are very similar to other small mammals. They are nocturnal. They need plenty of room to move about. They need food, water, and regular cleaning (both the animal and the animal's home). I doubt that many children want to have an extra chore of constantly feeding and cleaning a pet. They want to play. Hedgehogs, as well as other small mammals, rarely want to play in the sense of playing fetch or running around the park. Children want a playmate, not a pet. I strongly suggest an animal that will play, such as a dog. Of course, you will likely be the one feeding, walking, and bathing the dog.

What is the best food for a hedgehog? Our pet store suggests cat food.

(Response from Shaun) Hedgehogs have a insectivorous diet. They need high protein and low fat (like bugs). Cat food is high in fat. There are foods specifically for insectivores, such as those offered by Reliable Protein Products and Mazuri. Hedgehogs also do well with high protein, low fat meat. Salmon is a common favorite. Some hedgehogs have a sweet tooth, but they don't need the sweets. Many hedgehogs will crave dairy products, but they are lactose intolerant. As for the texture of food, it is up to the hedgehogs. Some prefer soft food. Some prefer hard food. Some want it in tiny bites. Some want a large chunk they can rip apart. Try a variety and, even when you find what your hedgehog likes, toss in some variety. It is important to keep them experiencing new things.

(Response from Kat) Cat food has many benefits for hedgehogs (and owners). It is cheaper than hedgehog food. If you get the hard cat food, it is good for their teeth. I prefer cat food for elderly cats because it is higher in protein. I also ensure that I always supplement with mealworms, fruit, and vegetables. I also like to give my hedgehogs plenty of fish such as tuna or salmon. Smoked salmon is always a big hit with them.

Can hedgehogs eat flowers? I try not to allow it, but my hedgehog likes to eat my hibiscus.

(Response from Shaun) Hedgehogs are very resistant to most poisons. Therefore, some people believe that it is acceptable to let them eat anything. I do not agree. While hedgehogs are resistant to poisons, they are prone to sickness and death from eating plants and insects that contain pesticides. Therefore, ensure that any plants your hedgehog wants to eat are pesticide free. Also, you may want to check to ensure the hedgehog is attempting to eat the plant. It may simply be anointing with it. If that is the case, it is not consuming the plant.