Do you really want a hedgehog, or would you prefer to admire other peoples’ hedgehogs?

Owning a hedgehog can be a really fun, great experience, but it is not a decision to be made with reckless abandon.

Here is a list of pros and cons of hedgehog ownership:

Pros:

  •       Hedgehogs are nocturnal
    This means you will not be neglecting them if you work during the day.  they will happily sleep and you can play with them in the evenings.  If you DO want to take them out during the day, it is fine, they may just want to snuggle (this is the best thing that ever happens to me) or may be a bit grouchy, but this is a great way to bond.
  •      Hedgehogs are a great conversation piece.
    I am always surprised at how many people have never actually seen a hedgehog, particularly up close! I have found the answer to the question “Do you want to see my hedgehog?” to always be a resounding “YES”! Followed by great interest and admiration.
  •    Baby Hedgehogs are really cute.  Adult hedgehogs are really cute too!
    Technically this is a matter of opinion, but most would agree that the cuteness of hedgehogs does not diminish with age and growth.

Cons:

  •        Hedgehogs are nocturnal
    If you work nights or are gone in the evenings, you will miss your hedgehog’s active time.
  •        Hedgehogs can be hard to handle.  
    Literally. When a hedgehog is relaxed, its quills are down and can be stroked gently. When they feel threatened, their spines go up, they curl into a ball,  and can really poke you.  This can hurt! Handling a hedgehog with a blanket can help while you get to know each other and you will likely find it unnecessary when your spiky friend gets to know and trust you.  While hedgehogs naturally will shed some quills from time to time, they do not release their quills like a porcupine.
  •        Hedgehogs can be messy and require daily care.
    Caring for a hedgehog is not a super time consuming task, but they can knock over their food bowls, spill water, and they often poop on their wheels while they run.  Their wheel will likely need to be wiped down and scrubbed possibly daily.  It is possible to litter train a hedgehog, but they may still poop on their wheel.  If you develop a routine and system, this is not a horrible task, but it is not for everyone.