As someone who owns a hedgehog I’m a bit biased in saying they’re great pets. I’ve had my boy, named Hogwarts, for five months now, so I feel comfortable in giving you an accurate assessment. *All photos are from the wonderful life of my best-friend Hogwarts.
- They’re pretty simple to take care of.
Hedgehogs do need a fair amount of room to run around in, however nothing that is unreasonable. Must haves for their cages include: a close running wheel (so their feet don’t get stuck), a type of bedding (there’s tons of options, but I prefer fabric), food and a water bottle (self-explanatory), and some type of heating! Of these necessities heating is definitely the most important. Hedgehogs need to stay between 72 and 80 degrees so if your house isn’t the warmest (like mine!) then heat lamps are the way to go, and easy to use!
2. They have their own personalities.
This shouldn’t be a surprise if you’ve ever owned a pet before, but animals have their own unique personalities! Hedgehogs can be temperamental if not treated right or if they don’t know you, but they can also be quite funny animals! My experience has been that my hedgehog will act grumpy if I wake him up when he’s napping, or after a bath!
3. They’re low-odor animals.
Unlike guinea pigs or hamsters, hedgehogs tend not to stink! The only reason this would be an issue is if their bedding is need of a changing. Therefore, I tend to recommend fabric as it’s easy to wash and reusable! The biggest problem I’ve had was with fuzzies getting in Hogwarts’ quills.
4. They’re not bad with other animals.
While I don’t recommend having your hedgehog alone with other pets, I’ve found they’re okay to be together! My cats were curious about Hogwarts when I first got him, however after getting poked once, they now leave him alone. The closest they get to him when he’s out is to try and steal his food!
5. They’re quiet animals
Hedgehogs tend to be nocturnal animals however there’s no issue with waking them up during the day – your hedgehog might be grumpy for a little bit though! At night I’m more likely to hear Hogwarts on his wheel, than to hear him make sounds. The loudest sound you’re likely to hear is the hiss like sound hedgehogs make when they feel threatened.
6. They don’t suffer separation anxiety like other animals
Hedgehogs are solitary animals and don’t require constant attention. They’re okay if you don’t spend time playing or bonding with them every night, however this is a great way to grow your relationship with them! I try to spend some time with Hogwarts every night, however sometimes it’s not possible!
7. Your friends will love him!
All my friends have fallen in love with my hedgehog! Every time they come over holding him is their top priority. photo-shoots are a must! My hedgehog has his own Instagram where we post funny pictures of him!
8. They’re great with kids!
Owning a hedgehog is a great responsibility, but I’ve found that they’re great with kids. I have sisters who are six and eight and “hedgie” as they’ve named him, is great with them. I don’t let them take him out when I’m gone, however they’ve become pros at picking him up when I’m home! Scoop him like a chip in salsa has been my method of teaching them to pick him up properly!
9. They take such great pictures!
Photo-shoots are a must! I recommend taking them so you can look back and see how much your hedgehog has grown, plus it’s too adorable! You’ll find yourself taking pictures of them doing everything from running on their wheels to eating their food. My hedgehog even has his own Instagram for when he’s being funny or cute!
10. They’ll always be there to make you happy.
When I’m having a crappy day, Hogwarts is the guy I go to. Hedgehogs are so funny with some of the things they do, and always cheer you up! Even when they make you mad- like when Hogwarts pooped on my book, it was still the funniest thing he had done!
If these reasons-and pictures, don’t give you enough reasons to get a hedgehog then nothing will! If you’re interested in seeing more of my boy Hogwarts feel free to follow him on Instagram: @Hogwarts_the_Hedgehog