Unlike porcupines, however, hedgehogs cannot shoot their quills out in defense. Like porcupines, the skin over a hedgehog’s back is covered with prickly quills that help protect it from predators. Hedgehogs do not need vaccinations, but they will need periodic nail trims and should have their stool checked annually for parasites. To prevent medical problems from developing, all hedgehogs should have a check-up with a hedgehog-savvy veterinarian when they are first purchased or adopted and should have annual examinations after that. There are also many reputable breeders and pet stores that sell hedgehogs. And like other animals, hedgehogs can be found in shelters across the U.S. The International Hedgehog Association and the Hedgehog Welfare Society are great resources for finding adoptable hedgehogs. Given the right cage set-up and environment, these animals can thrive in captivity and be fun, social pets. They are generally called African pygmy hedgehogs. Most North American hedgehog pets have been bred from African species and are considered domesticated.
They are not native to the U.S., but have become very popular pets here. Wild hedgehogs are native to Africa, Asia, Europe, and New Zealand. Before you rush out and get a hedgehog, learn as much about them as possible to make sure these interesting creatures are right for you. While they can make terrific pets in the right circumstances, they are not right for everyone.
They are known for being timid little animals, but as any hedgehog owner will tell you, hedgehogs respond to their owner’s voice and appearance and are very interactive if socialized properly. Hedgehogs are adorable little insect eating mammals that live, on average, 4-7 years when kept as pets. By Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice)
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