Should I get a hedgehog?

Question

Before anyone’s says anything, yes I have done research. Anyways anyone have one? If so what would you say are your pros and cons to having one? And any tips or advice? Also the one I’m looking at getting is a boy so any name suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer

So I've had one and will personally never get one again though they are very cute. When you first get one they need to grow accustomed to your smell as their eyesight is very poor. You put a well worn shirt (no perfume as its toxic) in the cage and change it out for a new one for a long time. Handle, handle, handle, and gently. They will be very scared at first and ball up a lot, learn to live with the pokes. They typically bond with only 1 or 2 people so keep in mind this is not a pass around to your friends pet. They dont need a ton of space but I do recommend a play area with a mat (they poo where they want, yes you can potty train but good luck). On the topic of poo theirs stink pretty bad, expect to clean the enclosure/cage at least every other day if not spot checking everyday. Do not use any bedding that is dusty as their lungs are very sensitive and they will get sick. These critters run! And when I say run I mean ALL NIGHT LONG! There are techniques to try and switch the day and night but these are nocturnal wild animals. They hunt all night long in the wild and that is their instinct. Keep that in mind when you decide where you are going to put the enclosure/cage and more importantly the wheel. They need it, it is a must. Get a large one that is disk shaped so its flat and doesn't hurt their back. The diet is very specific and you can buy food for them in large pet store or online but they love live critters that they can actively hunt. More on perfume, their sense of smell is so much stronger than ours as they rely on it for hunting and navigating. Perfume is toxic for their tiny lungs as are most artificial scents. Look, they are so stinking cute and you see videos of them floating in water in a ball and its adorable. These animals take a ton of time to get to that point, a ton of attention. If you cant give them room to run and hunt, most importantly run as they runs miles every night and lots of love and patience don't get one. You will get 3-5 or 5-7 years depending on the breed and care as well so take that into consideration. Also DO NOT BUY FROM A PET STORE!! Those babies are not treated as they should and typically have been made bred and can result in health issues and behavioral issues. Yes they bite and it hurts. Find a rescue or speacialized breeder as they care for these wonderful creatures very well and have lots of knowledge to give. Good luck!

Answer

No they are WILD Animals LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!!

Answer

i have one!! they are a lot of work, and need much attention when they’re awake... which is at night. they are nocturnal which is sort of a downfall but in the long run they are worth it. An important tip if you are getting one is to be patient. in order to build trust, they need to recognize your scent, which does take awhile. but once they do, it’s so rewarding and they are so sweet.

Answer

Following for comments because I am currently contemplating the same thing!

Answer

I’ve heard they can be a little smelly!

Answer

I had one named pickle once I loved him so much alot of work but so worth it!

Answer

I thought about getting one too

Answer

I would see if there is someone you know with one or a pet store that would let you handle one first. I attempted to hold my friend's hedgie and had a bad reaction to the oils on her quills. My hands felt like they were on fire for a good 10-15min even after washing. She said they can irritate a lot of people's skin.

Answer

I want one so bad but they are illegal in California 😭

Should I get a hedgehog?

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