Top 10+ Common Mistakes Hedgehog Owners Make

Ignoring Temperature Requirements

Hedgehogs are very sensitive to temperatures when compared to dogs or cats. They do not cope well with sudden changes in temperature. This is probably the biggest mistake new owners make, and it's literally life-threatening. Think your regular room temperature is fine? Think again. It is vital to keep a hedgehogs cage temperature between 72F (22C) and 80F (26.5C), as anything lower than this could make them lethargic and possibly cause them to go into hibernation and anything higher than this could cause them to go into aestivation (heat stroke). When hedgehogs get too cold, they can attempt hibernation, which their domestic bodies aren't designed for. When hedgehogs get too cold, they are likely to try to go into a form of hibernation/aestivation. Hedgehogs will not eat and they become less active which can be very dangerous for your pet. Even if your house feels comfortable to you, it might be too chilly for your hedgehog. But most of them make one of the following mistakes: They either rush out and get a low-quality product, don't know how to monitor the heat accurately, or have no backup plan if their primary heating option fails. Any of these common mistakes can lead to a cold hedgie and very serious health issues.

Feeding the Wrong Foods

Here's a mistake that seems innocent but can be deadly: giving your hedgehog the wrong diet. Hedgehogs are not commonly kept as pets, and new parents may not know what foods are best to feed them and what foods you should avoid. Many owners think fruits and vegetables are healthy treats, but here's the reality: Hedgehogs often do like vegetables and curiously sample them, but they have a bit of difficulty digesting them, and as such, they should only be considered a last resort when it comes to treats. Hedgehogs have a very poor ability to digest cellulose (found in plant matter), and vegetables shouldn't form a large portion of their diet. Even worse, some foods that seem harmless are actually toxic. Avocado – Avocado is considered toxic for many pets and is best avoided. Grapes – Like avocados, grapes are toxic for some pets, so it's best not to offer them to your pet hedgehog. And those cute dried fruits? All Dried Fruits – Fruits, in general, are not great for hedgehogs; dried fruits are exceptionally high in sugar and are, therefore, best if avoided. They are also a potential choking hazard.

Using Improper Cage Setup

Your hedgehog's home isn't just a place to sleep - it's their entire world. Yet so many owners get this completely wrong. A good cage is very important. Choose one with a solid floor. Wire floors don't hold substrate, and can actually cause injuries. Those cute hamster cages with wire bottoms? They're actually dangerous for hedgehogs. Only solid bottom cages are suitable for hedgehogs, any wire bottom cages could trap their legs or rip off toenails. Size matters too, and most people seriously underestimate how much space these active little creatures need. Because they like to explore the cage should be large in size, 4' x2'. A larger size cage also has better ventilation. Here's something that'll surprise you: Hedgehogs are very active at night and will run several miles a day on their wheel or in their enclosed play area. If they are unable to get the large amount of exercise they require, they may become depressed, overweight, and develop foot sores.

Neglecting Exercise Needs

This mistake breaks my heart because it's so easily preventable. Many owners don't realize just how active hedgehogs really are. Wheels are critical to keeping a hedgehog mentally and physically healthy. Hedgehogs run as their main source of exercise and can run up to 20 km in a night. Having a wheel keeps them active as well as keeps their minds occupied. Without proper exercise, your hedgehog won't just be unhappy - they'll get sick. Hedgehogs are naturally quite active, and they can get quite sad and depressed if they don't get enough exercise. But here's the catch: not all wheels are safe. A running wheel is rather like the hedgehog version of a treadmill. Just be sure to choose a solid one: the wire ones are actually dangerous. Think of it like this: imagine being trapped in a small room with no way to exercise. That's what life is like for a hedgehog without proper activity options.

Misunderstanding Their Nocturnal Nature

This mistake causes stress for both hedgehogs and their owners. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, which means they're most active during the night. If you're considering a hedgehog as a pet for a child, it's important to remember this. When thinking about hedgehog care, make sure your pet has a quiet place to sleep during the day and space to explore and play at night. Many new owners make the mistake of trying to wake their hedgehog during the day for playtime. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and run and eat at night. This is not a habit that can be broken, this is biology. Do not be surprised if your hedgehog is irritated when you wake them up in the middle of the day and do not be mad when they start running on their wheel at three in the morning. Forcing a hedgehog to be active during daylight hours is like forcing a night-shift worker to stay awake all day after working all night. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so try engaging with them in the evening when they are waking up. If you interrupt their rest during the day, they may be resistant.

Poor Handling Techniques

New hedgehog owners often get frustrated when their pet balls up and won't come out. But this reaction usually means you're doing something wrong. Hedgehogs can't see very well: they mostly navigate the world by smells and sounds. It's very easy to startle these guys. Just the sight of your shadow can frighten your tiny pet! Take care not to scare him. The key is patience and understanding their natural behavior. It's going to take a little while for your hedgehog to get comfortable with you and know who you are. You just have to be patient. Hedgehogs are naturally a bit nervous around humans at first and it takes some time for them to build that trust around you. Many owners also don't realize that proper socialization makes a huge difference. Younger hedgehogs are easier to tame than older ones, therefore your best chance to have a hedgehog that loves being held is by getting one at about six to eight weeks of age. Here's a gentle approach that works: Before picking them up, give them the chance to sniff your hands and walk into your palms voluntarily. Your hedgehog may roll into a ball, so be patient with them as they adjust to being held and begin to feel comfortable.

Overfeeding and Obesity Issues

This might be the cutest mistake owners make, but it's also one of the most harmful. Another thing you'll want to be aware of is the potential for your hedgehog to overeat. They LOVE to eat and if you're not careful they'll gain weight. Another common reason this happens is because feeding them is a ton of fun and very adorable to watch. You'll need to keep yourself in check as much as your hedgie! The problem is that Common illnesses in hedgehogs include obesity, especially if fed diets too high in fat or lacking adequate exercise. It's easy to give in when your hedgehog begs for more food with those adorable little hands. But obesity in hedgehogs leads to serious health problems including heart disease, liver problems, and shortened lifespan. Obesity is another common issue with these pets; make sure you feed the recommended amount of food according to the diet they are using. Think of portion control like this: your hedgehog's stomach is about the size of a large grape, so they really don't need much food.

Inadequate Veterinary Care

Here's a mistake that costs lives: not finding an exotic veterinarian before you need one. A veterinarian who is familiar with hedgehogs can partner with you to ensure your pet has a long, healthy life. Many owners assume any vet can treat a hedgehog, but that's not true. These animals have specific needs and health issues that require specialized knowledge. Dental disease, skin issues including mite and lice infestations, intestinal parasites, and tumors can all be issues for pet hedgehogs. Spaying and neutering are recommended to avoid reproductive organ tumors and other diseases later in life. Even worse, many owners ignore warning signs until it's too late. Like any other pet, hedgehogs are susceptible to several illnesses and diseases, including cancer, reproductive problems, and dental trouble. You'll need to keep an eye out for warning signs. Some common ones are lack of appetite, weight loss, respiratory problems, dull eyes, lethargy, diarrhea, and lumps or bumps. Don't wait until your hedgehog is obviously sick - prevention is always better than treatment.

Using Dangerous Bedding Materials

This mistake might seem small, but it can cause serious respiratory problems or even death. The bedding can either be a fleece liner or shredded paper bedding commonly found in pet stores. NEVER use pine aspen chips for bedding because it can cause respiratory problems in hedgehogs. Avoid all wood chip bedding as little pieces can get caught and stuck in sensitive areas. Cedar shavings are particularly dangerous. Provide a soft bedding free of dust, such as recycled paper pellets or if you use wood shavings use only kiln dried pine or aspen. Do not use cedar shavings as they could irritate your hedgehog's lungs. Another common mistake involves fabric choices. Small huts with pieces of fleece or old fleece hats allow the hedgehog to stay warm and feel secure while it sleeps. Avoid using any fabrics with small loops in them because, as hedgehogs can easily get their toes stuck and the string can cut off the circulation to their feet and toes. Always remember that hedgehogs have tiny, delicate feet that can easily get trapped in the wrong materials.

Forcing Social Interaction

This mistake comes from love, but it can stress your hedgehog terribly. Hedgehog playtime is what you make of it. Since hedgehogs are solitary animals, they will not get depressed or angry if you do not have loads of time to spend with them. Many owners think their hedgehog is lonely and try to get a companion, but this usually backfires. Hedgehogs should generally be housed individually. They are solitary animals in the wild and can become stressed or aggressive when kept with others, especially in confined spaces. The good news is that hedgehogs don't need constant attention to be happy. Hedgehogs do bond with you and enjoying spending time with you, but they won't be angry if you don't have hours to spend with them. However, you should still check on them daily. It is important, however, to get your hedgehog out every day to be sure he is not ill or injured. Think of your hedgehog like an introverted friend - they enjoy your company, but they also need their alone time to recharge.

Conclusion

Owning a hedgehog successfully isn't about being perfect - it's about avoiding these common pitfalls that can seriously harm your spiky friend's health and happiness. The biggest takeaway? These creatures are far more complex than their cute appearance suggests. From maintaining precise temperatures to understanding their nocturnal nature, every aspect of hedgehog care requires thoughtful attention. Remember, Pet hedgehogs commonly live between four and six years. Regular veterinary visits can detect medical issues early, increasing the chance of a longer lifespan. With proper care and by avoiding these mistakes, your hedgehog can live a full, healthy life as your unique companion.

The most important thing to remember is that prevention is always easier than treatment. Whether it's maintaining the right temperature, choosing proper bedding, or finding an exotic vet before you need one, planning ahead will save you heartache and save your hedgehog's life. These aren't just pets - they're complex little beings with specific needs that deserve our respect and understanding.

Did you expect that such small creatures could have such specific requirements?