Hedgehog
A quirky, mostly nocturnal pet that can become comfortable with consistent handling. Hedgehogs fit owners who want an evening-active pet and can provide warmth, routine care, and patience.
size
Small
energy
Medium
handling
Sometimes
setupComplexity
Medium
lifespan
3 to 6 years
diet
Insectivore diet
space
Heated enclosure
messLevel
Medium
aloneTimeTolerance
High
noise
Low to Medium (night activity)
Best for
- People who want a small pet with unique behavior
- Owners who can handle an evening-active routine
- Homes that can provide consistent warmth
- People patient with a shy pet that bonds slowly
Not ideal for
- People who want a cuddly pet immediately
- Homes that cannot maintain warm temperatures
- Owners who want a very social group pet
- Homes with very young kids
Temperament
- Often shy at first
- Can become comfortable with consistent routine
- Mostly active at night
Daily routine
feeding: Feed at night, provide fresh water daily.
care: Check heat and bedding daily, spot-clean as needed.
handling: Short, consistent handling sessions to build trust.
Living fit
apartment: Often a good fit if warmth and quiet are maintained.
family: Better with older kids and supervised handling.
firstTimeOwner: Possible if you are consistent with routine and temperature control.
Health notes
- Warmth is essential. Cold can lead to serious issues.
- Weight management matters. Monitor activity and diet.
- Exotics vet care is recommended.
Cost and time
time: Low to moderate daily time.
cost: Moderate upfront for heated setup.
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