Are hedgies good pets?

[chin_gal]

I am maybe thinking about getting a hedgehog but am unsure.Are they good pets?I also need to learn more about them.If you can help me,thanks! :applause:

[jules_77]

I think hedgies are great pets they are not to hard to care for and you can cuddle with them, but they also need to be kept at a certain temperature and are nocturinal, so they are not to active during the day I wopuld reccomend doing some more reasearch but i think they are great pets!

[chin_gal]

Ok,thanks.What temps are best?You see,I have chinchillas and it can't go over 75*.
I am currently looking at a site so I am doing some research.Any other advice?

[Hedge_girl]

I think they are great pets. I also think everyone in here will be a little biased, including me. *chuckles* That being said...

It depends on your situation. Some considerations are:
Environment: Hedgehogs require a higher ambient temperature than chins (72 F minimum). In addition, hedgehogs need quite a bit of space to play around in. Mine has a 2'x3' ferret cage and sometimes I'm not sure even that is enough. A solid surface wheel is an absolute must. (Some people find them noisy and disruptive.)

Diet: A hedgehog can be fed primarily with high-quality cat food. Many owners supplement this diet with protein (cooked chicken and beef, and boiled egg), vegetables and fruit (banana, watermelon, carrot, yam, etc.) and treats (mealworms, crickets, and Cheerios-all very much in moderation).

Playtime: They do require playtime for bonding (and for socializing!) And hour a night would be good if you can spare it! I try to play with my hedgehog at least a half hour each night so she is used to me. The more time you spend with a hedgehog, the greater the chance that it will bond with you. A bonded hedgehog is a very loyal and loving creature! Hedgehogs are also pretty nocturnal. If you tend to stay up late, you shouldn't have a problem with that. Otherwise, expect a groggy, grouchy pet at playtime. *lol*

Temperament: This runs the gammut from shy to outgoing, cuddly to "always on the go", friendly to perpetually grouchy. Hedgehogs are full of personality and can be very opinionated. In my opinion, this can make them a joy to interact with.

These are just a few very basic considerations. What traits are you looking for in a new pet? That might help me (and others) better address your question. :)

EDIT: About the nocturnal bit: most hedgehogs seem to be up late evening, take a nap, then get up again in early morning. (Mine is usually 8-10pm and 4-6am with variations due to weather and the like.) I think it varies a bit by hedgehog. At any rate, there is a chance you can play with your hedgie in the early morning if you happen to be an early riser.

[chin_gal]

I want a loving pet that I can become very close to.Other than that,let a hedgie be a hedgie.That's all I need!

[Hedge_girl]

Hmm.... As mentioned, it's not garaunteed your hedgie will be cuddly. Cuddly hedgies do exist however. A local breeder might be able to help you with finding one?

Cuddly or not, most people on this forum seem to be hopelessly in love with their hedgies. :) :D

[Super Chin]

If you are looking for a breeder, I would suggest contacting Stasi. She just moved to Maryland from Alaska. She doesn't have any babies now, but waiting would give you plently of time to research.

[teela1342]

I have only been a hedgie mom for a little over a month and my guy is a grumpy, previously ill treated, little bundle of quills.

I love him to death! :love: He never fails to crack me up. :laugh: *** But you really need to do your research before before you get one.

If you just want an exotic pet to be able to say that you have an exotic pet, pass on the hedgie.

If you want a really cuddly animal that curls up in your lap, adopt a kitten.

If you want an animal that does tricks, adopt a puppy.

If you want a low maintence pet, get fish.

I am not saying hedgies can't be cuddly and cute! You will hear from tons of owners here who have this experience. I am only saying that if you go into hedgie ownership with this expectation you are setting yourself up for diappointment.

You are getting a pet that not a lot of people have. They have only been domestic pets for about 15 years and are still illegal in some states. You will have to do a lot of digging and ask a lot of questions. There is no "Hedgehogs for Dummies" book.

The others can tell you specifics about cages, environment, and diet. I can only tell you from a fresh owner perspective that I am so glad I have Jake but like any other pet, he is work. I have learned a lot in the last month and something new crops up every other day.

You have come to the right place to ask your questions, though. These folks are brilliant, friendly, helpful, and totally nuts about their hedgie babies!

Good luck with the decision.

[horse_chic89]

the only issue that you have is heating. oyu may consider a heating pad or lamp if the temperature is not adequet. yes, hedgies are very cuddly, but you may have to go through a bit of prickes. i got my girl just over a month ago. she still huffs and sometimes balls when i try to pick her up, but as soon as she realizes that it is me, and that she is on me, she calms down. but i warn you, not every hedgie is the same. i know of one hedgie that is still grumpy, even when held alot. they are though very cute and have ALOT of personality. the are great pets, but you do have to be patient at first. the good thing is if you have any questions, i'm sure these friendly ppl of chins-n-quills would be happy to help out!

[Nancy]

If your hedgie will be in the same room as your chins you should forget about getting a hedgie. Their temperature requirements are not compatable. If hedgie will be in another room that can be kept warm then that would be fine.

Hedgehogs are not for everyone any more than chinchillas or even dogs and cats are.

I am very glad to see you doing research on them before getting one. :) So many people jump into it and then a few months later decide that a hedgie is not for them. The poor hedgie ends up being passed to another home.

There are cuddly hedgehogs, shy nervous hedgehogs, grumpy hedgehogs and explorer can't sit still for a minute hedgehogs. Each one of them are lovable for their own personality. Unfortunatly when choosing a baby it is not a guarantee that the calm cuddly little baby you hold will remain cuddly. I have found though that most of mine that were calm and social immediately at 6 or 7 weeks are still that way. The huffy nervous ones still are. The runners still can't sit still, and the total grumps are still grumpy although they have improved. :laugh:

We are here to help so ask anything. :)