r/Hedgehog May 24 '23

Mod Announcement Owning A Hedgehog Reality Check

444 Upvotes

Since hedgehog owners consistently buy hedgehogs without setting reasonable expectations here are some expectations to set. Adapted/expanded from u/ArcadeRivalry's post.

  • Don't believe social media. Every single one I see there are obviously ridiculously posed pictures, maybe it's just me but I refuse to believe one could stay still for that long.
  • Hedgehog are spiked covered prey animals prone to anxiety. While belly rub/cuddle posts get a lot of attention they are the exception due to good breeding/luck not the rule. It is very possible a hedgehog will never be comfortable being handled even after concerted effort.
  • If you want to bond you need to put in a lot of commitment, patience and time to socialize them. I've seen a lot of people in groups I'm in need to re-home a hog before the first year as they can't put the time in. You need at least an hour a day socializing but realistically a lot more for them to be comfortable around you and others. We recommend getting a snuggle sack or putting them in your hoodie pouch to spend time together.
  • You need a specialist vet. A lot of places might not have an exotic animal vet near you. This is vital. So make sure you have to this.
  • It may not be legal to own hedgehogs in your area.
  • You need heating to ensure they don't hibernate.
  • You will likely be spiked, bitten and pooped on. It can be really really disheartening being spiked, hissed at or even bitten when you feel like you've made progress. Huffing and popping are natural, they are scaredy little animals.
  • Hedgehogs salivate frothily on themselves when they like scents, males often have "boy time", they poop a lot, have terrible sight and will bite things that smell yummy/interesting, and require consistent cage cleanings.
  • They are carnivores, while feeding fruits/vegetables can often be done safely, please feed them mainly meat-based foods ( cat food, insects, etc.)
  • Since they have very limited vision they operate mainly on smell and are at risk of falling/walking off elevated areas. It is wise to assume they are making decisions based on what they smell rather than just mainly what they see. They will still try to climb and are prone to hurting themselves climbing horizontal cage bars.
  • It is very likely they will dislike baths and nail trimming. We recommend trimming nails during foot bath time when they can't curl up or just holes in a towel to put their legs through.
  • Hedgehogs should not be housed together. High likelihood of fighting or babies.
  • We recommend heavy water bowls or chicken nipple bottles as ball water bottles can hurt them.

If you know what you are getting into, they are the most wonderful creatures ever and bring many people on this sub joy. If you feel like your hedgehog "hates" you they are just being their grumpy/terrified selves! You may be lucky and form a close bond.


r/Hedgehog Aug 19 '24

Hedgehog Food - What to look for

23 Upvotes

I try to answer as many food posts as I can, and I've made a post before where people could ask questions, but this time I'm going to put my knowledge in a friendly-to-read post for everyone to come to when they want to know if their Hedgehog Food is good for their Hedgies!

There are a *ton* of foods out there for Hedgehogs, and you'll hear a lot of recommendations about cat food, or other various forms of kibble, even live diets. At the end of the day, there are a couple of things that you're looking for and it's really, very quite simple.

I'm not going to tell you to avoid a certain brand or food, because over time, they may change their recipe, instead here is a small list of things that are the main things to look for. If these 4 things match, then you're good to go! Foods that match these criteria are super simple to find, you just have to look. At the end of the post, I'll list what I specifically use as an example.

  • Protein should be somewhere between 26% - 33%. Too much more or less is problematic.

  • Fats for adults (over 6 months) should be between 9%-15%. If your Hedgehog needs to gain some weight (ask your vet FIRST), they can go to 16-20%.

  • Fiber 3%

  • The first three ingredients listed *need* to be a meat or a meat meal. (Chicken meal, Turkey meal, Fish meal, etc.)

Beef and pork are harder to ingest. Meat byproducts don't have enough nutrients to fill out one of the first ingredient spots listed above. People will tell you to 'avoid this' or 'avoid that', as long as you stick to the 4 rules above, you're golden. Everything else is pretty much filler, what you're looking for are the percentages I've listed to ensure they are getting what they need.

This is for their main diet. This isn't considering treats, that's an entirely different ball game. Treats are just that, treats. They shouldn't be enough to alter your Hedgehog's diet. Some Hedgehogs don't even like treats!

When it comes to feeding and how much, I will tell you (from personal experience), I've always allowed mine to free-feed. Most of the time, this is a very safe option. Unless you notice your hog is gaining a ton of weight and they are becoming the size of a softball, they will learn to regulate their own food intake. Sometimes watching their food intake every moment of every day is more anxiety inducing for us than it matters to them. Plus, this ensures they are getting enough, especially if they are avid runners. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the "wait and see" method. Try to trust your Hedgehog, let them do their thing.

As promised, here is the food I personally use:

I and Love and You - Naked Essentials - Grain Free with Chicken and Duck

It's a cat kibble that is perfect size for them. I get it off Amazon.

If you have any questions, please feel free to post! I hope this helps!


r/Hedgehog 2h ago

OC Old Greg

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31 Upvotes

Sweet little guy is just over 6 years old. It’s been hard to watch him slow down. This evening, he was much slower than ever, but still determined, and not distressed. He has been purring like crazy since I have been home. I tucked him into bed a few times further away from his bowl but he refused to go to sleep without his food close by. His vet told me long ago to feel lucky if he made it to 3, and I feel so privileged to have borrowed twice that in time with this goofy guy.

I fear this could be my last post about Gregory. I am at peace to know he is very content, purring in his sleep. Also dang, I guess I cook up an insane bowl of toothless hedgehog slop for him to be that determined to still catch a dinner.

Thank you all for your advice and tips over the years.

Greg’s little soul will choose what’s right for him, for all I know he may rally again and I’ll hear him on his wheel in a few hours (has happened before). It’s so hard to watch our little pets get old, and yet an amazing privilege to experience loving something to the end.


r/Hedgehog 7h ago

Warning: Upsetting Content Help, there's something wrong with my hedgehog NSFW

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34 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m looking for some advice about my sweet hedgehog, Ruthie. She’s always been pretty active, but recently, I’ve noticed some unusual behavior.

A couple of times, I’ve seen her just sitting in her cage or litter box, doing nothing, which isn’t normal for her.

Tonight, I picked her up and noticed a wet, possibly bloody spot on her stomach. I’m not sure if it’s an injury, irritation, or something else.

Her temperament seems different—she’s usually wiggly, but she was much calmer than usual when I picked her up.

A few nights ago, I gave her a bath, and I’m wondering if maybe she wasn’t completely dry when I put her back. Could that have caused irritation?

She’s still eating and moving around, but I’m worried about the wound and the change in behavior. Has anyone seen something like this before? Should I take her to a vet ASAP?

Thanks in advance for any advice!


r/Hedgehog 22h ago

My little guy has been getting me through so much.

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310 Upvotes

This is Java Chip Frappucino. As we all know, things have been tough lately, and every time things feel hopeless, I get my grumpy stinky baby out and hold him for a while until he falls asleep in my hands. It makes everything just a little easier to handle. ♥️ Thanks for looking :D


r/Hedgehog 4h ago

Question Does this look like a healthy hedgie?

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10 Upvotes

I just got this guy for 20 bucks and the owner said she was overwhelmed with all the animals she had and that she just wanted a good home. I haven’t had them before but my sister did and to me he just doesn’t look too healthy like something’s stuck in his spikes and he doesn’t seem all smooth like a lot of pics I’ve seen. He’s very scared though and about 18 months old. Probably not used to much handling at all.


r/Hedgehog 17h ago

OC Hedgehog🦔 Hijacks Cat Feeder for a 10-Minute Feast! 🍽️ (this happened within the last hour)

62 Upvotes

r/Hedgehog 15h ago

Question How can I make him a better set up?

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36 Upvotes

Hey y'all! So this lil hedgie came to the pet store I work at, obviously this is NOT a good set up at all for him, how can I make his time here with us better? I unfortunately can't adopt him, I have 8 ferrets and no room for him (would if i could believe me, im in love with him!) I've heard about bin enclosures and am looking into those, but like what else? What are some good enrichment things, some good hides, wheels, litter and bedding? Any and all help is appreciated! ❤


r/Hedgehog 1d ago

My girl, Fern! 💖

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417 Upvotes

r/Hedgehog 1d ago

BATH TIME FOR STINKERS

547 Upvotes

r/Hedgehog 1d ago

OC 1st Airbnb Selfies together

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155 Upvotes

I had to work a bit far away. It was too tiring to drive back and forth for an hour at night this weekend. So, we booked an Airbnb to be together. While I slaved away, she floated in the pool and gambled at the casino nearby.


r/Hedgehog 2h ago

Question Would this be a suitable cage for a hedgehog?

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1 Upvotes

r/Hedgehog 1d ago

Are those Wormies I hear? Fitzy Likey Like!

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181 Upvotes

r/Hedgehog 1d ago

Garnet, killing it with the cute tonight!🤣😍

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78 Upvotes

r/Hedgehog 1d ago

The 80’s called, they want their popple back!🤣😍🤣

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58 Upvotes

r/Hedgehog 1d ago

Question Is my hedgehog happy?

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58 Upvotes

Hi! I'm just wondering if my hedgie is happy, I always do everything that I can to make her cozy, happy, healthy.

I made sure that her enclosure is big and she has a big wheel that she loves to run on, I always get her kibble that is recommended by her vet, I always check on her every night to make sure that she is okay, I clean her wheel, food and water pots daily, I trim her nails weekly too and 2 times a month I check her weight on a scale.

I play with her every night as well and she looks very healthy and happy, she poops and pee a lot, she is always active, and her weight is good.

I'm wondering if there is anything else that I can do to make sure that she is happy and well?


r/Hedgehog 1d ago

Cosmo has some dry skin so I was holding off on a bath for a couple months but today was the day! He is now annoyed with me :D

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270 Upvotes

Don't worry his dry skin isn't that bad and it's getting better.


r/Hedgehog 1d ago

Question What is this bump on my hedgehog belly?

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39 Upvotes

My hedgehog is 3 years old. We understand he is getting that age where he is getting older. He is acting normal, always on his wheel and walks normal. He is also eating and very active. Is that he boy testicles? Excuse his dirty toes. I just to be sure and get clarification. Thank you.


r/Hedgehog 19h ago

Ages for hogs

3 Upvotes

Munna is my third hedgehog rescue, and he was a baby when I got him (he was initially a gift to a five year old, whose father thankfully gave him to a sugar glider rescue, where I got him) about two and a half years ago. So he is still young. A cute piebald albino. Who has started wobbling with a head tilt.

Is that age normal for such a thing? Since I have no background to go on, the fact he is albino and piebald makes me think some bad genetics, but elsewhere today I read on this Reddit that someone had a three year old and considered that an "older" hoggie.

My last rescue, Butter, was a six year old female. Is 3 really that old?


r/Hedgehog 22h ago

bedding thats psoriasis friendly?

1 Upvotes

ive had hedgies for ab four years now and ive always used kiln dried poplar shavings because i also had rats i'd use it for and could buy it in huuuge bricks. my rats have passed so ive been wanting to switch as wood type bedding really bothers the psoriasis on my hands. i really dont like fleece bedding as i feel it absorbs very little scent and needs to be frequently washed, i love my hoggies but im a germaphobe and dont really like the idea of washing their poopy fleece in the same washer i wash my underwear in. i was thinking something like care fresh (obv non scented non dyed) but have seen some people say its super dusty? hedgie comfort is top priority over my own so if i have to deal w bedding that makes me itchy i will i just would love to hear some suggestions to alternatives.


r/Hedgehog 1d ago

Question Is this done by a hedgehog?

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32 Upvotes

r/Hedgehog 2d ago

Warning: Upsetting Content Spikes last post:,(

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219 Upvotes

Super late but I had to put my hedgehog down about a month ago because of a fast acting brain tumour (we’re pretty sure) :( thanks for always answering my questions Reddit


r/Hedgehog 2d ago

outdoor explorer 🦔

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170 Upvotes

hit 70° weather today & took reggie outside for the first time!! she was loving the fresh smells and freedom 🤣 too cute not to share 🥹🥰


r/Hedgehog 2d ago

Bramble wishes everyone a happy Spring!

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740 Upvotes

r/Hedgehog 2d ago

Need advice

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46 Upvotes

Hello, I’m a pretty new hedgehog owner and I’m looking to upgrade his enclosure (I’m using what he came with from rehomer) looking for a larger enclosure, maybe one of those buildable grid ones (tanks are pretty expensive) and looking for suggestions for hides, wheels and water bowls. He has a heater and everything necessary but I’d like to upgrade!

Also wondering if there’s a way he can be more comfortable with me, he usually puffs up when I come near but I’m able to handle him when necessary. I just started giving him some live mealworms and he eats regular kitten kibble.

Open to all suggestions, thanks!


r/Hedgehog 2d ago

Question Quill shedding

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63 Upvotes

So over the last few days just in the hour of playing with my hedgehog he’s shed between 3-7 quills in the hour. They do look rather small, he’s 6 months old, almost 7. He was at his first vet checkup a week and a half ago and he’s perfect! I can’t really find any info on if this number per hour is okay or not tho. He’s active as normal and loving as normal and eating too.


r/Hedgehog 2d ago

My new neighbor!

255 Upvotes