Cats & Critters

32 Somerton Street
Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 442-4373

Hedgehog
Care Guide
Diet, Husbandry & General Care Guidelines

Nutritional Needs Housing Recommendations

Wild hedgehogs are opportunistic eaters and consume a Caging: Solid flooring with a wire frame on top to ensure adequate
variety of things, but the majority of their diet is ventilation. The cage should contain a large, smooth bottom with no wire
comprised of insects. As insectivores, hedgehogs require ramps or shelves on which hedgehogs can injure their feet. A minimum of
diets that consist of 30-50% protein and 10-20% fat. seven square feet; a larger cage provides space for play, toys and
Hedgehogs seems to require higher levels of dietary fiber exercise, which are necessary for physical/mental well-being. The larger the
than carnivores do; this may be related to the large cage, the cleaner the cage will remain. The preferred environmental
quantity of insect exoskeletons that they consume. temperature is 75 degrees. Aquariums are not recommended as they do
not provide enough ventilation.
Dietary Guidelines:
The bulk of the diet should be commercially prepared Bedding: Paper- or hay-based bedding is preferred. Fleece material is a
hedgehog/insectivore food. Depending on your hedge- reusable and safe option. Cedar and pine shavings should be avoided as
hog’s activity level and weight, feed him/her they contain phenols, which cause respiratory complications as well as
liver and kidney damage.
1-2 tablespoons daily.
Commercial Diets: Litter: Your hedgehog will use a litter box if you provide one. A box that is
Exotic Nutrition: Hedgehog Complete 2in deep x 6in x 9in is an acceptable size. Fill it halfway with a non-clump-
Mazuri: Hedgehog Diet ing cat litter and avoid clay-based litter as it may cause respiratory issues.
Vitakraft: Vitasmart High-Protein Insect Formula
Hedgehog Food Hiding Place: Providing a hiding place is a must for a hedgehog’s emotion-
al well-being and health.
In Addition:
1-2 teaspoons of varied moist foods like meats, eggs,
low-fat cottage cheese and moist dog/cat food can be
given occasionally.
1/2 teaspoon of fruit (banana, apple, pear, berries)
and/or vegetables (beans, cooked carrots, squash, peas
and leafy greens) should be fed daily.
Beware that nuts, seeds, raw carrots and other large, hard
food items can become lodged in the roof of the mouth.
Supplemental Feeding/Treats:
Including mealworms, earthworms, wax worms and
crickets. These items may be hidden in the bedding to
encourage natural foraging activity, which helps promote
emotional wellness.
 Cage Cleaning
Cages should be cleaned everyday in order to prevent
infection and disease. A complete change of bedding and
thorough cleaning of the entire cage contents should occur
at least four times weekly. Use a one-part bleach to
10-parts water solution to clean the cage.
Hedgehogs are naturally clean animals and will
physically and mentally decline in a dirty cage.
Housing Continued...
Toys: You can also add a few toys for your hedgehog to play
with such as a paper towel roll, bird toys or cat/ferret toys.
Wheel: An exercise wheel is an excellent addition and will
help your hedgehog stay healthy and trim. Be sure to
purchase a solid-floored wheel to reduce risk of injury.
Water Bottle: Water bottles are preferred over open dishes.
Fresh water should be available at all times.
Hedgehog Facts!
1) Hedgehogs are nocturnal.
2) Hedgehogs are solitary creatures.
3) When new objects are introduced in the environment,
hedgehogs will commonly “taste” or hypersalivate by
creating a foam and spitting onto themselves. This process
is known as “anting” or “anointing.”
Common Medical Concerns
Hedgehogs are prone to the following medical concerns:
Dental: Gingivitis, periodontitis
Neoplasia: High rate of tumor development in hedgehogs over
three years of age
Salmonella: There are documented cases of Salmonella
transmission from hedgehogs to humans. Several strains of
Salmonella can occur in hedgehogs and it is assumed that all
hedgehogs can carry and trasmit this pathogen. Wash hands
after handling and do not allow the hedgehog or any of its
belongings to come into contact with human food or food
preparation areas.
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome: A neurologic disease that
results in generalized weakness as well as progressive signs of
being off balance and difficulty walking.
Fatty Liver Disease
Pneumonia
Intestinal parasites
If your hedgehog exhibits the following symptoms, please
contact your veterinarian for an appointment right away:
∙ Decrease/increase in eating or drinking
∙ Hair/quill loss
∙ Weight decrease/increase
∙ Traumatic injury