Are you interested in adopting a hedgehog? Do you know much about hedgehogs? If you’re asking these and other questions about hedgehogs as a pet, then you’ve come to the right place.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
In this article, we’ll take a look at these cute small pets and how to care for them, as well as how much they cost! Let’s get started!
What is a Hedgehog?
Hedgehogs are small pets that are becoming more popular all over the world! Also called “hedgies,” these small animals have adorable faces and bodies that are covered in smooth spines. When you first see a hedgie, you may think it looks more like a hairbrush than a small pet! But they’re so cute and endearing, spines and all! Thankfully the spines on a hedgehog are not sharp. They’re smooth and not at all dangerous.
Hedgehogs make great pets because they’re quiet, fun to watch, active, and easy to care for. They make great companions but remember these are nocturnal animals, so they’re more active in the evening.
Hedgehogs don’t require much in the way of human interaction. They may not want to be cuddled, but this can vary from hedgie to hedgie. In fact, if they’re scared or not wanting to interact, a hedgehog may curl up into a ball! However, your hedgie will eventually unroll and be back to his normal self again.
How Much Does a Hedgehog Cost?
The price depends on various factors, including the hedgie’s color. However, it generally costs between $100 to $300 to buy a hedgehog. Those that are the cheapest are usually a salt and pepper color of cinnamon and pinto colored.
The most expensive hedgehogs are blond, white, or black.
While you can buy a hedgehog at the pet shop, they’re also available directly from respectable breeders or even at animal shelters and rescue groups.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowHow Much Does It Cost to Care for a Hedgehog?
When it comes to caring for your hedgehog, there are some costs you’ll also need to consider. You’ll need a home for your hedgie, which will cost between $50 to $15, depending on the type and size of the cage he needs.
You’ll also need to buy accessories for the cage. These will include a food dish, water bottle, a bed, a heating pad, and a thermometer. These will come to about $50 to $100 altogether.
Next, you’ll need to factor in the cost of veterinary care. Some people believe small animals don’t need to see the vet; however, that’s just not true. Hedgehogs need regular checkups and need to be treated when sick. Veterinary visits will vary on where you live. Be sure to look for a vet who has experience with small, exotic animals.
Don’t forget your hedgie will need to be fed! A 5-lb bag of hedgehog food can run about $25. Expect it to last between six or seven weeks. An entire year of food will cost about $100. Your hedgehog will also benefit from fresh veggies and fruit, which will add a little more to his food bill, but not that much.
You can save money by buying bedding and food in larger bags. You may also find it cheaper to buy products online rather than in the pet shop.
Remember, your hedgehog also needs toys and bedding! They are inquisitive little guys that need enrichment, just like dogs and cats. The costs for these will also vary, depending on the type and number of toys and bedding you buy your hedgie!
Other Costs of a Hedgehog
Your hedgehog will also need a litter box, which may cost about $10. And you’ll need a pet carrier when traveling or taking your hedgie to the vet. This will cost about $35-$55.
Then there are the monthly costs of keeping a hedgehog, which include:
Bedding: $15 (lasts about three months)
Brush: about $1
Cleaning: between $10 to $15
Where to Buy a Hedgehog
First, the best place to buy your hedgehog is from a private breeder. Make sure the breeder is reputable and professional. You want to avoid a “hedgehog mill” breeder. These individuals don’t follow proper breeding practices and are only concerned with how much money they can make from selling these adorable little guys.
Be sure to ask the breeder about the hedgehog’s pedigree (their family lineage). Look for breeders who care to have a nice website, though this isn’t the main way to choose the breeder. When you find a breeder, be sure to ask plenty of questions such as how many times a year the females are bred (should be no more than 2-3 times a year), how old the hedgies are when first mated, and other signs that breeder is not reputable. And be sure to ask how old the hedgehog should be when they’re ready to come home with you. The answer should be the hedgie is about six weeks of age.
If the breeder is reputable, they may have a waiting list of people who would like a hedgehog as a pet. In addition, the facility should be clean, with no old food in dishes, and all animals should have clean water.
What to Look for in a Hedgehog
When it comes to choosing the hedgehog, here are some tips for choosing the right one for you:
- The hedgehog should not have snot coming from his nose. Instead, his nose should be clean and moist.
- His eyes should also be clear and open completely.
- No drainage should be coming from his ears.
- The hedgie’s skin should not be dry and flaky.
- A female should not be kept with males. If she is, there’s a danger she could already be pregnant, and you’ll have a surprise one day!
There you have it! The initial investment will be more expensive; however, hedgehogs are really not expensive to keep. Just be sure to buy the right type of cage for your hedgie, and ensure he has all the right food & toys and take him to the vet if he gets sick.
We would like to wish you and your hedgehog happy years together!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now