Can I Adopt A Baby Hedgehog?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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adoption is a wonderful way to provide a Hedgehog a second chance and caring environment. Most pets arrive at shelters because the owner had to move, could no longer afford the pet, had a death in the family, or simply gave up the responsibly of being a care taker for a Hedgehog.

How much does it cost to adopt a baby hedgehog?

Adoption. It's hard to say how much you will pay to adopt a hedgie, but it is

generally upwards of $100

. Rescues price according to how much they may have spent on the pet. Higher adoption fees also help ensure they are going to a home that will provide adequate care for them.

Can I legally own a hedgehog?

Hedgehogs. Hedgehogs can be dangerous to people and are therefore

illegal to keep as pets in California

. Another popular pet that is legal in many states is the hedgehog.

Is it better to get a baby hedgehog?

Human nature makes us want to select the smallest, cutest baby possible, but this is not a good option for the safety and well-being of the animal. … Hedgehog owners should expect babies to go through an almost continual quilling process until they are approximately twelve

weeks

old.

What do I need to adopt a hedgehog?

  • Are Hedgehogs Good Pets? Let's get this out of the way first. …
  • One Species Stands Above The Rest. …
  • You'll Need To Make Sure They're Allowed Where You Live. …
  • Handling Them Takes Some Practice. …
  • You'll Learn To Read Their Moods. …
  • Feeding Them Can Be Simpler Than You Think. …
  • They're Nocturnal. …
  • Pet Hedgehogs Make A Variety Of Noises.

Do hedgehogs stink?


Hedgehogs don't have any scent glands

like ferrets, skunks, or even cats! So when we're clean, we don't have any particular scent. Like any animal, if they aren't kept clean, they begin to smell funky. … If you keep our cage and bodies clean, a hedgehog should smell just fine!

Do hedgehogs bite?


Hedgehogs can bite you

, but very rarely will that happen. This usually happens when they are young and think your fingers are going to feed them (if they have been fed via a syringe as they had no mother). … They are strong enough to dig their teeth in to your flesh, however, they very rarely bite.

What is the best age to buy a hedgehog?

  • Most breeders recommend selecting a fully weaned hedgehog that is between six- and twelve-weeks old.
  • Babies are fully weaned when they can eat and drink on their own, without their mother providing any of their nutrition.

Do hedgehogs carry diseases?


Hedgehogs can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings

while appearing healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies, habitats, toys, bedding, and anything in the area where they live. People can get sick after they touch hedgehogs or anything in their habitats.

Can baby hedgehogs survive without Mom?

Another important rule to remember that will help keep the baby hedgehogs safe is that

there must be NO cagemates present

. This will almost always end in disaster. … She needs five uninterrupted days of nursing her newborn baby hedgehogs before you should disturb their enclosure at all.

Are hedgehogs cuddly?

In the wild, hedgehogs are solitary animals and they spend most of their time alone except during mating season. They tend to be shy and wary of people. It takes patience and a gentle hand to form a trusting bond with a pet hedgehog. Once a bond is established hedgehogs can be

quite playful and occasionally cuddly

.

Do hedgehogs like to be held?

Every hedgehog has a unique personality, but

most aren't interested in human affection

. Caretakers note that it takes a lot of time and effort to get a hedgehog to tolerate being held. Like porcupines, hedgehogs have sharp, prickly quills that they use to fend off predators.

How expensive is a hedgehog?

Typical costs: Hedgehogs range in price

from $125-$250

, depending on the hedgehog's age, color, and temperament. Some breeders offer hedgehog starter kits for around $75 that include a cage, wheel, a hiding place, water bottle, feed bowl and food, and some shavings.

Do hedgehogs need baths?

Hedgehogs have naturally dry skin, so

you do not want to bath them very often

. They may occasionally come across something new and smelly, and have the odd desire to spread it on their quills and get themselves rather messy.

Do hedgehogs need a litter box?

A litter trained hedgehog will

save you cage cleaning time

, decrease the amount of bedding needed, and increase the freedom you have with your pet. Litter trained hedgehogs are obviously much more suited to “free-roaming” in their own room or in an area of your home or apartment.

What smells do hedgehogs hate?

Do try some mint. Rats apparently hate the smell of mint, whilst hedgehogs seem to quite like it.

Peppermint essential oil

sprinkled by their bolt holes, or plenty of mint planted in your garden, could work as a deterrent.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.