Hedgehogs make fascinating pets. They eat a different sort of food than other pocket pets and roll into balls when terrified. Read on to learn how to care for a pet hedgehog's housing and diet.
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs gallop at night on their wheel or in their enclosure. Inactivity can cause melancholy, obesity, and foot sores. Potential hedgehog owners should provide exercise and activity.
Housing Hedgehogs as Companion Animals
Hedgehogs' sensitive feet prefer soft, regularly-changed bedding. Wire-bottom or plastic grates produce calluses and pododermatitis.
Your hedgie's cage should have a hide box, food bowl, and water bottle. Clean the running wheel periodically to prevent faeces from building up and causing foot or human illnesses.
When it comes to food, hedgehogs eat insects. Live prey such as mealworms and crickets are given in captivity, but kibble should be the main course.
Hedgehog Diet
It is strongly suggested that mealworms, crickets, and vegetables be fed as a supplement to kibble that does not contain any insects.
Despite their spines, hedgehogs are enjoyable to hold. Tame hedgehogs will eat from your hands. Younger hedgehogs (6-8 weeks) are simpler to tame.
Hedgehog Care
When afraid, hedgehogs roll into spiky balls and don't like their heads petted. Since hedgehogs don't like water, try soaking their feet in a shallow bath.
Hedgehogs can suffer dental disease, mites, and parasites. Annual dental exams and anaesthetic cleanings can prevent your hedgie from losing teeth or developing dental problems.