Hedgehogs
- Thread starter waitmanff
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2013
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- 145
I had one it was a choice between hedgehog and a tortoise (money wise) I chose hedgehog but he died when he was 5 
he was called sonic, very cute but nocturnal so only really awake at night, and coz they run 6 miles a night they need a wheel and fed on cat food and meal worms as a treat, I now have a tortoise
he was called sonic, very cute but nocturnal so only really awake at night, and coz they run 6 miles a night they need a wheel and fed on cat food and meal worms as a treat, I now have a tortoise 
I had one. Would not get another one unless I could get a baby and work/handle it a lot. You can also turn their days and nights around so they are awake when you are, but again, I would work with a baby as it will be easier and your starting it from the get go. Other then that, yes I think they are a good pet. Be sure to handle it a lot though.
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2014
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- 154
I would love to get one! But I heard the sale of hedgehogs is illegal in California.
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2014
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- 154
I think they're pretty cool! but they seem to have a short life span. ._.
but they seem to have a short life span. ._.
I had one. Took a long time to train it.. cool pet but I wouldn't get another one.
- Joined
- May 19, 2013
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- 22
We have one. Although he has no problems with being handled, including nail trimming and baths, he doesn't care much for it either. He never seeks out attention from us, pretty much only cares that there is food in his bowl each night and water. Ours is awake from ~10 pm-12, then 4 am- 6 am. Although wellington mentioned you can reverse their schedules, there are a few cases where it has weakened their immune system and shortened the life span even more. The person who mentioned the wheel is right on, ours averaged 1-2 miles a night, with a top record 4 miles in a night. We added a bike odometer to his wheel to measure. Be prepared for LOTS of smelly poop.
They are relatively easy to keep though, mostly quiet. Cat food, mealworms, hard boiled/scrambled eggs, and roaches all make good food with the majority of the diet being cat food.
Like almost everyone else we likely won't get another.
They are relatively easy to keep though, mostly quiet. Cat food, mealworms, hard boiled/scrambled eggs, and roaches all make good food with the majority of the diet being cat food.
Like almost everyone else we likely won't get another.
Wow, never heard of the reverse shortening their life. Okay, don't recommend doing that. I didn't do it with ours. Just heard you could.
Until a few months ago I didn't even know that there pet-suitable hedgehogs. 5 minutes from where I live we have a hedgehog rescue. They are always looking for people willing to take in an underweight hedgehog over the winter.
waitmanff said:
Switzerland aka. The chocolate state. ;D
I don't even know if you were allowed to keep hedgehogs as pets here. maybe you would need a permit, I know you need one with sugargliders.
I've never had one but always found them interesting. As for them tolerating handling but not seeking it out isn't that the same as our reptiles?
And I never understand why people think nocturnal is a drawback. Most people work days, so diurnal animals are out and about when you're at work. I've always found the animals that wake up at sundown to be awake when most people are home!
And I never understand why people think nocturnal is a drawback. Most people work days, so diurnal animals are out and about when you're at work. I've always found the animals that wake up at sundown to be awake when most people are home!
I used to breed hedgehogs, they are a lot easier to care n breed, lifespan 4 to 6 yrs, litters my ave is 6 hoglets , they are cute, can be litter train, very very easy. Get a tame one, but if not a tame n shy type , you need to handle them 15 mins a day, here a trick how your new hedgehog with be familiar to you and easily be tame, leave a used shocks in the enclosure, so he will be familiar with you scent, sorry am not that good in english n spelling, am from the Philippines
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- May 19, 2013
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- 22
To comment on the tolerating but not seeking handling, for me its different from reptiles because I happen to have all diurnal herps, so I get to watch them interact with their environment. So for me that brings pleasure. Versus my hedgehog who wakes up as I get ready to go to bed. Also, mine prefers to spend even his waking hours 90% under blankets and in his pouch, so there really isn't anything to see. It isn't until now at almost 3.5 that he will even keep running on his wheel with an audience.
So for me, that makes a difference. For late night people, and people who have nocturnal reptiles I suppose it really isn't any different and may not be a problem. They can be good pets, so wasn't trying to discourage the poster, just be fairly realistic.
So for me, that makes a difference. For late night people, and people who have nocturnal reptiles I suppose it really isn't any different and may not be a problem. They can be good pets, so wasn't trying to discourage the poster, just be fairly realistic.
Thank you for your input I appreciate everyone's opinions!!
So I did it, I got a hedgehog! Thanks for everyone comments! I look forward to more advice! These are pictures the girl I got him from took. His name is shadow and he is a year old! He is getting settled right now! I have put a sock in there for him Wish me luck!
So I did it, I got a hedgehog! Thanks for everyone comments! I look forward to more advice! These are pictures the girl I got him from took. His name is shadow and he is a year old! He is getting settled right now! I have put a sock in there for him
Wish me luck!
