| Hedgehogs can make great pets for the right person. | | | | though. Most owners use cages with wire bars. |
| As with any pet, hedgehogs need care and attention | | | | These work great but some are easier to clean than |
| to remain healthy and happy. Most of their needs are | | | | others so do some research. It is not a good idea to |
| common sense but they have unique characteristics, | | | | use an aquarium. The restricted air flow could cause |
| as well. | | | | your hedgehog to overheat. The cage, also, needs to |
| Hedgehogs need a substantial amount of protein in | | | | be kept in an area of stable temperature. A drop in |
| their diets. Most hedgehog food that is available in | | | | temperature can send your hedgehog into |
| pet stores contains ingredients of low quality and lack | | | | hibernation. |
| the protein that these pets need. Many pet | | | | Your pet will need access to food and water inside |
| hedgehog owners simply feed their little friends a | | | | of their cage. A dish will work to hold the water but |
| quality cat food. This is good news for you and your | | | | may be the source of a mess. Water bottles are |
| hedgehog. He will be healthier and you will save some | | | | available at almost all pet stores and are very |
| money instead of buying expensive hedgehog food. | | | | inexpensive. A water bottle will save you a lot of |
| Some owners even mix brands of cat food together | | | | time you would spend cleaning a water mess after |
| for a custom diet. Dry cat food will work perfectly | | | | your hedgehog played in his water dish. Hedgehogs |
| and you can purchase large bags as long as you | | | | will also need some things in their cage to play with |
| store it in a dry place. | | | | and hide under. Try some different things but make |
| Pet hedgehogs originate from Africa and Europe. In | | | | sure they don't pose a hazard for your pet. Wood |
| their natural habitat they search for beetles and | | | | chips are not recommended because the dust is very |
| worms to survive on. In captivity, your hedgehog | | | | irritable to a hedgehog's eyes and respiratory system. |
| might enjoy crickets or mealworms from time to | | | | Some owners have found that cheap fleece material |
| time. These snacks are available in many pet stores | | | | works very well for bedding or to lay on the bottom |
| and come live or freeze dried. Some hedgehogs have | | | | of the cage. |
| a preference between worms or crickets so you | | | | It is a good idea to give your hedgehog attention |
| might want to try both and see which works best. | | | | daily so he or she can get used to you and your |
| Now that your hedgehog has a set diet and some | | | | scent. Once your pet is used to being handled he will |
| snacks it's time to look at housing. Hedgehogs don't | | | | relax it's quills and become a very affectionate friend. |
| have a problem with being alone during their cage | | | | Hedgehogs are wonderful pets for many people. |
| time so a 2' x 3' cage would be big enough for a | | | | With proper care and daily attention your pet will be |
| single hedgehog. If you have the space and budget | | | | a friendly companion for years to come. |
| to get a bigger cage your friend would appreciate it, | | | | |