March 2013
Hedgehog
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Hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeus
Lifespan: 4 to 8 years.
Size: Hedgehogs vary in weight and size depending on type. On average they will reach 7 to 12 inches long, and weigh approximately 250 to 600 grams.
Maturity/Breeding: Hedgehogs become sexually mature around 2 months of age. Sexually mature adults will continue to breed all year long. Male and female Hedgehogs are extremely territorial and should be kept individually, unless you want them to breed.
Enclosure: Hedgehogs should be kept in a well-ventilated, smooth-sided enclosure. They are extremely active animals, so a cage measuring 16"H x 13"W x 23"L, or a 15 to 20 gal aquarium, is ideal for one pet. Pine or Aspen shavings, or other soft absorbent bedding should be used. Avoid using Cedar shavings in your Hedgehog tank because the vapors are harmful to the eyes and skin. A corner litter box is also recommended, but try to avoid any types of litter that can clump on toes, in eyes, nose etc. Pisces recommends: Yesterday's News Rabbit Litter.
Heating: Hedgehogs are extremely sensitive to temperature changes. Maintain an ambient temperature of 23 °C to 32 °C (72 °F to 90 °F) with the use of an infrared heat lamp. If the temperature drops below 18° C (65° F) your Hedgehog may enter a state of listlessness and inactivity. *Caution: do not place the heat lamp over your Hedgehog's house or hiding spot, or above any drinking sources. Pisces recommends: Fluker's 5.5" Clamp Lamp and Exo Terra 50W-75W HeatGlo Infrared Heat Lamp.
Feeding: Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so feeding should be done at nighttime. Because Hedgehogs are so active, they will consume up to their own body weight in food every day. Pisces recommends feeding a dry food specifically for Hedgehogs, as well as a variety of insects (i.e. crickets, meal worms etc), fruits and veggies, hard-boiled eggs (fed sparingly), dried shrimp, cooked meats (un-seasoned), and low-fat cottage cheese (also fed sparingly). Some people also like to give them cat food, but this alone is not an adequate diet and it can lead to disease. Fresh water should be available at all times from either a bottle or dish. Pisces recommends: 8in1 Ultra-Blend Select Hedgehog Diet.
Vitamins, Supplements & Treats: If your Hedgehog is fed a well balanced diet, it shouldn't require an additional vitamin or mineral supplement. Hedgehogs love treats and giving treats is an excellent way to bond with your pet but treats should be given in moderation. Pisces recommends: 8in1 Ultra Bites for Hedgehogs.
Handling: A new Hedgehog, or one that isn't accustomed to your scent, will roll itself into a prickly ball, which can result in the Hedgehog being dropped. It is recommended that you use a small towel while handling your new pet until it recognizes you as its owner. Once your Hedgehog knows your scent it will run onto your hand unrolled.
Health Care: Hedgehogs are prone to respiratory infections, parasites (internal or external) and some types of cancers. They are extremely good at hiding illnesses, so an annual veterinary exam is recommended.
Grooming: When your Hedgehog is exposed to an unfamiliar scent it will do a behavior called Self-Anointing. It will salivate profusely, producing foam that the Hedgehog will spread through its spines. You can bathe your Hedgehog occasionally with a mild puppy/kitten shampoo and warm water. Gently scrub them clean with a soft, clean toothbrush. It is also recommended that you trim their nails as needed. Pisces recommends: Hagen Essentials Puppy or Kitten Shampoo.
Exercise/Toys: Your Hedgehog will be most active at night. This is when he will run on his wheel, dig, eat, and make noise. There are many other things that your pet will find amusing, such as cardboard boxes, tunnels, paper bags, ramps etc.
Salmonella: Hedgehogs are medium-risk carriers but precautions should still be taken.
Always:
Infants, children under 5 years of age, the elderly or those with a compromised immune system have a greater risk of infection. Extra caution should be taken when they are in contact with any animal.
Recommended Books: This care sheet is designed to provide you with some basic information on your new pet. To learn more about how to care for your pet, Pisces recommends: Hedgehogs, A Complete Owners Manual by Barron's Books.
Recommended Supplies:
Your New Pet: It is the responsibility of any pet owner to provide their pet with regular veterinary care to maintain their pet's health and to prevent illness.
Should you experience any problems with your new pet, contact Pisces Pet Emporium. we will make every effort to assist you but we may refer you to a qualified veterinarian if the problem is beyond out ability to treat.
A pet is a large responsibility and should not be purchased without due consideration. Pets should never be released into the wild.
Reprint of this handout only with permission of and full credit to Pisces Pet Emporium
Hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeus
Lifespan: 4 to 8 years.
Size: Hedgehogs vary in weight and size depending on type. On average they will reach 7 to 12 inches long, and weigh approximately 250 to 600 grams.
Maturity/Breeding: Hedgehogs become sexually mature around 2 months of age. Sexually mature adults will continue to breed all year long. Male and female Hedgehogs are extremely territorial and should be kept individually, unless you want them to breed.
Enclosure: Hedgehogs should be kept in a well-ventilated, smooth-sided enclosure. They are extremely active animals, so a cage measuring 16"H x 13"W x 23"L, or a 15 to 20 gal aquarium, is ideal for one pet. Pine or Aspen shavings, or other soft absorbent bedding should be used. Avoid using Cedar shavings in your Hedgehog tank because the vapors are harmful to the eyes and skin. A corner litter box is also recommended, but try to avoid any types of litter that can clump on toes, in eyes, nose etc. Pisces recommends: Yesterday's News Rabbit Litter.
Heating: Hedgehogs are extremely sensitive to temperature changes. Maintain an ambient temperature of 23 °C to 32 °C (72 °F to 90 °F) with the use of an infrared heat lamp. If the temperature drops below 18° C (65° F) your Hedgehog may enter a state of listlessness and inactivity. *Caution: do not place the heat lamp over your Hedgehog's house or hiding spot, or above any drinking sources. Pisces recommends: Fluker's 5.5" Clamp Lamp and Exo Terra 50W-75W HeatGlo Infrared Heat Lamp.
Feeding: Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so feeding should be done at nighttime. Because Hedgehogs are so active, they will consume up to their own body weight in food every day. Pisces recommends feeding a dry food specifically for Hedgehogs, as well as a variety of insects (i.e. crickets, meal worms etc), fruits and veggies, hard-boiled eggs (fed sparingly), dried shrimp, cooked meats (un-seasoned), and low-fat cottage cheese (also fed sparingly). Some people also like to give them cat food, but this alone is not an adequate diet and it can lead to disease. Fresh water should be available at all times from either a bottle or dish. Pisces recommends: 8in1 Ultra-Blend Select Hedgehog Diet.
Vitamins, Supplements & Treats: If your Hedgehog is fed a well balanced diet, it shouldn't require an additional vitamin or mineral supplement. Hedgehogs love treats and giving treats is an excellent way to bond with your pet but treats should be given in moderation. Pisces recommends: 8in1 Ultra Bites for Hedgehogs.
Handling: A new Hedgehog, or one that isn't accustomed to your scent, will roll itself into a prickly ball, which can result in the Hedgehog being dropped. It is recommended that you use a small towel while handling your new pet until it recognizes you as its owner. Once your Hedgehog knows your scent it will run onto your hand unrolled.
Health Care: Hedgehogs are prone to respiratory infections, parasites (internal or external) and some types of cancers. They are extremely good at hiding illnesses, so an annual veterinary exam is recommended.
Grooming: When your Hedgehog is exposed to an unfamiliar scent it will do a behavior called Self-Anointing. It will salivate profusely, producing foam that the Hedgehog will spread through its spines. You can bathe your Hedgehog occasionally with a mild puppy/kitten shampoo and warm water. Gently scrub them clean with a soft, clean toothbrush. It is also recommended that you trim their nails as needed. Pisces recommends: Hagen Essentials Puppy or Kitten Shampoo.
Exercise/Toys: Your Hedgehog will be most active at night. This is when he will run on his wheel, dig, eat, and make noise. There are many other things that your pet will find amusing, such as cardboard boxes, tunnels, paper bags, ramps etc.
Salmonella: Hedgehogs are medium-risk carriers but precautions should still be taken.
Always:
- Wash your hands after handling your Hedgehog.
- Keep your Hedgehog off any surface on which you would prepare or serve your own food (i.e. kitchen counters, tables etc.).
- Wash your Hedgehogs dishes separate from your own.
Infants, children under 5 years of age, the elderly or those with a compromised immune system have a greater risk of infection. Extra caution should be taken when they are in contact with any animal.
Recommended Books: This care sheet is designed to provide you with some basic information on your new pet. To learn more about how to care for your pet, Pisces recommends: Hedgehogs, A Complete Owners Manual by Barron's Books.
Recommended Supplies:
- Well ventilated, smooth sided cage
- Pine, Aspen, or Carefresh bedding
- Ceramic food dish
- Water bottle or dish
- 8in1 Ultra-Blend Select Hedgehog Diet
- Wheel
- House
- Nail clippers & Styptic powder
- Heat lamp & bulb
- Mealworms/and or crickets
- Corner litter box
- Yesterdays News Litter
Your New Pet: It is the responsibility of any pet owner to provide their pet with regular veterinary care to maintain their pet's health and to prevent illness.
Should you experience any problems with your new pet, contact Pisces Pet Emporium. we will make every effort to assist you but we may refer you to a qualified veterinarian if the problem is beyond out ability to treat.
A pet is a large responsibility and should not be purchased without due consideration. Pets should never be released into the wild.
Reprint of this handout only with permission of and full credit to Pisces Pet Emporium
