Hedgehog

Breeds: There are many different breeds of hogs but only two that are the main breeds you may be familiar with. Please keep in mind that hedgehogs are not legal in every state or country. Some states even require special permits to own a hedgehog. Please check if they are legal before inquiring to own one.
African Pygmy (domesticated and bred to be pets)
European (endangered species/wild animal/illegal to own)
As of 2019 African Pygmy (pet) hedgehogs are illegal to own in: California, Georgia, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Omaha Nebraska, New York City (The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island), Washington DC, and Australia
As of 2019, states that require permits to own: Arizona, Maine, New Jersey, Wyoming, Wisconsin,
Housing: Hogs are solitary animals and should never be housed with another hog. There are some rare exceptions to this but we do not recommend housing any hogs together for their safety and wellbeing.
Require minimum cage floor space of 2 ft. by 3 ft., although we recommend a minimum of 2 ft. by 4 ft.
For a bioactive cage the minimum is 2 ft. by 4 ft.
Temperature: Hogs require a cage temperature between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything below 70 degrees is too cold and can lead to your hog attempting hibernation (which can lead to death). Anything above 85 degrees can be considered too hot, although hogs can tolerate temperatures up to 90 (although it would not be comfortable and should be avoided).
  • Ceramic Lamp Socket/Dome (8.5" or larger)
  • 100-150 Watt Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE bulb) that does not emit light
  • Thermostat with probe to regulate the temperature
  • ​Another safe option: Chicken brooder (ex: Brinsea)
  • Unsafe: heating pads, bulbs that emit light (colored heat bulbs or day/night bulbs)
Diet: Hogs are insectivores that need a primary diet of live (avoid freeze dried or canned) insects in order to consume chitin, which is a nutrient they need. In addition to this, domesticated hogs have a staple of cat kibble offered as well.
  • Primary insects: Dubia roaches, Superworms, Waxworms, Hornworms, Black Solider Fly Larvae (BSFL), Phoenix worms
  • Occasional insects (to be fed limited): Mealworms, Crickets, Silkworms, Butterworms
  • Safe Proteins (must be cooked and should be fed 5-6 times a week): beef, chicken, salmon, organ meats, chicken liver/kidney/heart, beef heart, eggs, frozen pinky (thawed).
  • Flax seed, Vitamin E, or coconut oil can be added to their kibble (never put oils directly on their skin)
  • Hedgehog Precision is the only safe hedgehog specific-marketed kibble
  • Cat kibble should be grain-free, protein of 30-35%, and fat between 10-15% and also depends on the weight of the hog. It's best to offer a variety of 3+ cat kibbles mixed together.
  • Kibble suggestions: Solid Gold, Taste of the Wild, Inception, the Honest Kitchen
  • Other safe foods (should be limited): Baby food, Freeze-dried raw treats (ex: Instinct), Hedgehog Precision Bug Blocks, wet/canned cat food
  • RARELY/NEVER feed any fruits or vegetables. They are hard on their stomachs to digest and should be avoided.
  • Unlimited fresh water in a bowl. Bowls encourage more hydration and are more natural for animals to drink out of. ​
  • Where to buy insects? Purchasing from your local pet store often is unreliable and overpriced. You want to ensure you do research on how to gut-load your insects and are able to keep them alive. Our recommended online sellers are DubiaRoaches, RainbowMealworms, and RodentPro (for pinkies).
Bedding Options: Anti-pill fleece or Unscented paper bedding
Litter Options: Aspen shavings, Kiln dried Pine pellets, paper pellets, kiln dried pine shavings
For bioactive cage use a mix of: coconut fiber substrate, coconut husk, eco potting soil (no added fertilizer), reptile sand (or play sand), sphagnum moss and partially decomposed leaves, excavator clay (optional)
Unsafe materials: cedar, clumping litter, calcium sand/silica
Cage Accessories/Enrichment:
  • 12-14 inch upright solid running wheel (such as a "bucket wheel," Carolina Storm, or Kaytee Comfort)
  • Dig box for burrowing opportunities
  • Sand bath (play sand or calcium free reptile sand, avoid dust)
  • PVC pipes for tunnels (4" or larger)
  • Safe toys: ping pong balls, crinkle balls, rubber duckies, toilet paper rolls, cat "mint" toy, plush toys,
  • Unsafe toys: wood toys, strings, feathers, ribbons, toys with holes, PVC/tunnels under 4" in diameter
Grooming/Bathing: Do not bathe your hog unless absolutely necessary. Overbathing can cause dry skin. If your hog needs it's feet cleaned, a warm foot bath with no soap is best and can be done as needed.
  • Use a soft bristle toothbrush to brush your hogs quills
  • Fragrance free body wash options: Aveeno Baby Wash, Hedgehogs & Friends Hog Wash
  • Oatmeal baths (soak oats in warm water, remove oats when water is milky)
  • Always rinse your hog thoroughly and be sure to dry them and keep them warm afterwards
  • Nail trim as needed (typically every 3 weeks): Baby nail clippers or cuticle scissors
  • Never use "shampoos" or oils directly on their skin
Photos taken from Google Image Search. All credits belong to their rightful owner. These photos are examples. Please note that everything in these photos may not be items Lala’s approves or recommends.
Resources/References:
Hedgehog Care Guide
File Size: 417 kb
File Type: docx
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Disclaimer: Any information posted on Lala's Playhouse and Rescue's website is for general information purposes only and should not be used as medical advice, medical opinion, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information given is not to be substituted for medical attention. Always seek licensed veterinary care for your pet's health and treatment. All information on this website is given "as-is." Lala's Playhouse and Rescue is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages of any kind whatsoever with respect to the use of this website. You agree that you are using this website solely at your own risk.