Hedgehogs are spiny mammals that are native to parts of Europe, as well as Asia, Africa, and New Zealand. They are not native to North America, so it is illegal to keep hedgehogs as pets in many states. If you are interested in breeding these interesting animals, you must first find hedgehog information related to your area. But while you’re learning about the rules and regulations regarding these animals, here’s more hedgehog information you should know.
Hedgehogs’ backs are covered with hollow hairs called spines. They do not have barbs and do not come out easily unless the animal is sick or under stress. The spines also do not interfere when the hedgehogs are rolled into tight balls. They sometimes do this to warn other aggressive animals in the wild. The spines will not pierce human skin, so it is possible to hold and pet a tame hedgehog.
Hedgehog information related to domestic animals is a bit different than that of wild varieties. While wild hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal, domestic animals are more active during the day. This makes them particularly suitable for life as a pet. Domesticated hedgehogs do not hibernate, so they are active year-round. While wild hedgehogs eat mostly insects, domestic hedgehogs can thrive on cat or ferret food.
Occasionally supplementing that meal with insects is a good idea and a welcome treat.
These small mammals are excellent at pest control, which is welcome information for anyone with a garden. Let it loose to roam the garden, a hedgehog can quickly clean it of insects. But care must be taken that pets do not ingest any type of insecticide. This can make them sick or even kill them. This is true for hedgehogs that are kept indoors at all times. They will willingly eat ants or cockroaches, but insecticides should not be used indoors if they are allowed to roam free.
Information on hedgehogs regarding diseases in these animals should be sought before considering adopting one. Many human diseases can infect these small mammals. These include cancers, liver disease, and heart disease. Of course, those are not contagious diseases. But fungal skin infections are contagious, and hedgehogs can pass them on to their human family members…and vice versa.
Domestic hedgehogs are usually small, less than nine inches long. They live from three to eight years, which is not as long as most dogs and cats. Their small size makes them easy to transport and they usually don’t mind being handled.
More information on hedgehogs can be found at local pet stores or through veterinarians. There is also a wealth of information about hedgehogs on the Internet. Generally speaking, these small mammals make wonderful household pets, especially in homes where dogs or cats are not allowed.