Hedgehogs?

[FunkSlap89]

does anyone have any experience with these guys as pets? I'm really considering buying one, but i'm not sure if they'd make good pets. I know you guys in europe have wild ones, but i was wondering about them as pets. They seem really cuddly and awesome! Thanks!

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[superbassman2000]

my cousin had one, but i don't have any stories or anecdotes about it

although i don't know if i'd "cuddle" with them

 

[yoshi]

When we were younger, my bro and i used to find them in my mum's garden all the time. We'd feed them and water them, then just leave them to their own devices - usually hunting slugs and frogs etc from the various ponds we had!

Also, if we ever found one on the road, we'd always grab it and take it home to show our mum - a tricky task considering how prickly they are...plus, wild ones here tend to be riddled with fleas and parasites.

I think it could be a cool pet, though i don't think you can program any loyalty into it like you can a dog or cat... :/

 

[FunkSlap89]

my cousin had one, but i don't have any stories or anecdotes about it

although i don't know if i'd "cuddle" with them

I actually hear that they're not spiny as much as prickly. It would probably feel like petting a hairbrush. Not particularly uncomfortable, but not the softest thing either. Oh well, i think they're awesome. I'll look into it!

 

[superbassman2000]

i hear they run really fast too, and hang out with raccoons

 

[bmc]

i hear they run really fast too, and hang out with raccoons

Not the wild ones around here. They run about as quickly as a fast walking pace for a human. We have them all over the place here.

 

[superbassman2000]

i don't think you got it

 

[ADbassman]

I recommend hiding your gold rings.

 

[smperry]

Cute!

Marshall

 

[bmc]

i don't think you got it

Cut me some slack. It's early morning here in Europe.

 

[superbassman2000]

ok

 

[link wray]

They are nice animals but are not easy pets:
- They are teaming with fleas: because of those 'spikes' on their backs they cannot clean themselves as effectively as other animals.
- They are insect-eaters. They will eat other foods but that is not good for their health. bad health will result in even more fleas.
- They are more or less nocturnal: most active at dusk and dawn and at night. Maybe this changes if you are able to tame them. I dont know.

But if you can overcome these problems you should be OK: they are curious and loose their fear of humans easily so taming one should not be a problem. They do hate dogs...

 

[dlloyd]

I actually hear that they're not spiny as much as prickly. It would probably feel like petting a hairbrush. Not particularly uncomfortable, but not the softest thing either. Oh well, i think they're awesome. I'll look into it!

They're fairly easy to catch, so I've picked up a few. Yup, they're teaming with fleas but that shouldn't be a problem to you. Yup, they're spikey, but hamster bites hurt more.

 

[Atef]

besides, if you consider buying one, won't the pet store have cleaned them of fleas?

 

[Toasted]

We have a bunch of wildlife in our garden. Amongst my favourite are the hedgehogs.

 

[vindy500]

im sorry but the idea of buying a pet hedgehog just seems rediculous to me, each to his own. i think one of the funnest things to do with em is to get a little dog near one. they stare and growl at it but if they get close yelp! and they run backand growl... grrrrrrrrrrr

 

[BurningSkies]

I had a friend in college who had what I believe was an 'african pygmy hedgehog'. She walled off the lower portion of her walk in closet and it lived mostly in there. It was cute, and mostly active nocturnally. It was good natured and fun to play with. I sort of think of it like a very large hampster or maybe chinchilla in terms of other similar pets.

I don't believe that fleas will be any problem with one that's been purchased from a pet store or other proper outlet, but may be an issue with one scrounged from the wild.

I would look into the care/health/longevity of any animal before purchasing. I've seen too many people get unique pets only to find out that they're high maintenance and in some cases might live as long as people (lots of birds do this).

I read an article recently about the current problem with English hedgehogs, which I guess are fading from the countryside these days.

 

[FL Knifemaker]

They make good pets. They also clean themselves very well, despite their quills. If you get one from a breeder or a reputable dealer they will be, and if kept inside, should stay parasite free. They are less active than other small pets like Guinea pigs sugar gliders or ferrets. Don't expect then to chase toys and romp around!! The one I had experience with was litter pan trained and seemed damn smart!!

Here is all you would ever want to know about them and more

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[spliffnriff]

I used to have one. I loved him. Once trained, they are cool pets to have. Different, but fun. They can be toilet trained very easily, just keep their area clean. Also they need space to run around in, so a hampster cage is WRONG! Now if you want a cuddly pet, then hedgehogs are not for you. YOu must also be prepared to handle spikes once in a while without giving into the temptation of dropping the animal!!!
I am sad I had to give mine away, but my wife and step daughters wishes were important to me (give and take)!
Last thing, when you buy, buy from a reputable breeder....

Al

 

[momma'sboy]

does anyone have any experience with these guys as pets? I'm really considering buying one, but i'm not sure if they'd make good pets. I know you guys in europe have wild ones, but i was wondering about them as pets. They seem really cuddly and awesome!

i agree with you that they're awesome but cuddly???? is like hugging a cactus but i think its pretty cool to have one