Although hedgehogs are not legal in the state of Washington, they are legal in our neighboring state of Oregon and to the north of us in Canada. Here in the Puget Sound they are a common pet even though they are not legal. Of course you will not find them in pet stores here but you will find their food, housing, treats, books and other items.
The domestication of hedgehogs and owning them as pets became popular in the late 1970’s. For animal domestication, that is really not a long period of time and they still have many of their wild behaviors. These behaviors are often seen in the form of fear. However if they are handled a lot from a young age that will help to curb those fears. Once people began domesticating hedgehogs they started being born in additional colors such as blond.
Hedgehogs prefer a comfortable climate and do not hibernate. Many owners feed their hedgehogs a high protein but low fat cat food and include many treats like mealwors, fruit, vegetables and cooked meats that are unseasoned or flavored.
These little animals are highly active and in the wild they will cover many miles each night as they hunt. It is suggested that your hedgehog’s cage is very large as one that is kept in a small environment it may show signs of depression, refuse to eat, injure itself or act aggressively towards its handlers. A cage of no less than 5 square feet is suggested for a hedgehog as well as a wheel to help provide exercise.
If your looking for a great pet with a lot of personality a hedgehog might be a good choice for you but keep in mind that they do require a lot of handling, space, and a bit of a special diet. Keep in mind that they are not legal to own in some states and many have special rules and regulations about owning them. With daily handling, care and attention they are adoring pets that are fun to own.
Comments