Choosing A Hedgehog

 

Bring the Right One Home



Choosing the right hedgehog can seem like quite a daunting task if you don’t know what to look for before you go, but really, it’s not as hard as it seems.


Legality


First of all, it’s important to know whether hedgehogs are legal in the area in which you live.  You should do ample research into your county, city and/or state laws to ensure that owning a hedgehog would not be breaking the law.  Some places may allow hedgehogs, but require a permit.  Currently, hedgehogs are illegal in California, New York City, Georgia, Arizona, Hawaii and Pennsylvania, but laws are liable to change at any time, so make sure you research your local laws first. 


Pet Store vs. Breeder


Next, you should decide whether you want to purchase your hedgie from a reputable breeder or from a pet store.  The answer is up to you, but there are a few valuable pieces of information you should take into consideration before deciding.


You will probably find hedgehogs cheaper and more readily available through a pet store, but you really do not know where pet store hedgehogs come from, or if it came from a “hedgehog mill”.  Hedgies are prone to cancer, Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome and other illnesses and without a pedigree to show your hedgehogs lineage it’s impossible to know if your little one has a genetic disposition to such illnesses.  Furthermore, since you don’t know it’s pedigree you really cannot know for sure how old your hedgehog is.


Pet store hedgehogs are also often housed in improper enclosures and often with hedgehogs of the opposite sex.  You can guess what that could potentially come from that - unexpected hoglets!  Not good.  Also, they probably have not been feed a diet with the necessary nutrition and have most likely never been handled as babies, inhibiting proper socialization.  This means, they will be very huffy and scared of you, and can potentially take a long time to open up to you.  It can be quite frustrating dealing with a scared hedgehog, especially if it’s your first hedgehog experience.


Reputable, USDA licensed breeders are a much different experience.  Breeders know the lineage of their hedgehogs, the potential for diseases, the exact age of their hoglets and properly house, feed and socialize their babies.  Generally, you are going to get a much healthier, happier, friendlier hedgehog from a qualified breeder.  You may have to pay more and wait for your little hoglet to be ready to come home with you, but the benefits are much, much better.


Also, breeders typically offer hedgehogs in much more varied color varieties.  You can find more exotic looking hedgies (more about color at COLOR GUIDE) than you will find in pet stores.


To find a breeder in your area consult the HEDGEHOG CENTRAL BREEDER LIST.


What To Look For


Once you’ve decided on whether you’re going to purchase from a pet store or from a breeder, the next step is to know what to look for in a hoglet.


Do you want a boy or a girl?  Does it matter?  The easiest way to tell the difference between sexes is that male hedgehogs have what looks like a outie belly button.  This is their penile sheath.


It’s easiest to create a bond with a baby hedgehog (about 8 weeks old), but older hedgehogs are great too.  Every hedgehog needs special time and attention, but some just take a bit more.


Of course you want a healthy hedgehog, so here are some things to look for:


  1. ๏ A hedgehog should be at least 6 weeks old before it’s removed from its mother.

  2. ๏ The hedgehog’s nose should be wet, but not snotty or runny.  Hedgehog noses are sort of moist, like a dog’s.

  3. ๏ Its quills should be full, meaning no bald spots or broken quills.  The skin between them should not be flaky or have any sores.

  4. ๏ Its feet should be free of injury.

  5. ๏ Its eyes should be clear and bright.

  6. ๏ It should have a temperament that you are comfortable with.  Do you need a hedgie that rarely hisses or pops or can you handle spending the extra time and patience on one who does? (Hedgies almost always get huffy when first approached, so don’t let that throw you off because really, underneath it could be the sweetest one of all.)

  7. ๏ Hedgehogs are crepuscular, so they will probably be asleep when you go to check them out during the day, but it should not be extremely listless or lethargic.

  8. ๏ Check its underbelly, mouth and legs for any lumps or obvious injury.

  9. ๏ It should have a well rounded body, almost tear shaped.


Questions To Ask:


I think it is also extremely important to ask questions of the person you’re purchasing your baby from.  Of course, use common sense and ask any questions you think necessary, but here are a few important things to know:


  1. ๏ Are you licensed to sell/breed hedgehogs?

  2. ๏ How long have you been selling/breeding hedgehogs?

  3. ๏ When was it born?

  4. ๏ Is there any history of illness in its family line?

  5. ๏ Can I see its lineage/pedigree?

  6. ๏ Do you have some sort of guarantee on your hoglets?

  7. ๏ What do you feed them?

  8. ๏ What type of bedding do you use?

  9. ๏ How often do you handle/socialize your hedgehogs?

  10. ๏ Can I contact you with questions and/or problems with my hoglet?


Once you’ve found the right hedgie for you it’s time to bring it home to the well stocked home you’ve created for it and enjoy your life together.  Hedgehogs really do make life sweet.



Contact: roxieprince@sayhedgehog.com