Like every other type of animal, there are a number of pros and cons that you should consider before you purchase your own hedgehog.
PROS
Sweet Temperament - One of the biggest pros of owning a hedgehog is that they have a very sweet and personable temperament. Some can be a bit cantankerous but most are very gentle and happy.
Unique - If you are looking for a unique pet, then there are few pets that are quite as unique as a hedgehog. These are exotic pets and while they are gaining popularity, they are still fairly rare.
Cute - Some people find hedgehogs to be a little frightening with their quills but their sweet, racoon little faces make them quite cute.
Funny - Hedgehogs are really funny and entertaining to watch.
Inexpensive - On average, the daily care for hedgehogs is really inexpensive. They don't need a lot of food and the food they do eat is often very cheap.
Easy to care for - Hedgehogs are usually very easy to care for. They do require daily handling and daily feeding, but they do not require a lot of other care.
Low Smell - While their litter box can smell, the hedgehog itself does not have a strong odour. If you keep the cage clean, the amount of odour should be very low.
Can be litter trained - Finally, hedgehogs take up very little space, especially if you design their cage properly.
One thing that most hedgehog owners agree on is that owning a hedgehog is a very rewarding experience.
CONS
Nocturnal - One of the biggest cons to owning a hedgehog is that they are nocturnal animals. This means that they will be moving around at night and that they will be less than happy to be bothered during the day.
Quills - Although the quills are one of the traits that make them such a unique pet, hedgehogs will use them if they feel threatened. Be prepared to feel the quill a few times, especially when your hedgehog is first being socialized.
Need Daily Handling - Hedgehogs need to be handled on a daily basis to make sure that they are properly socialized. This can be a bit time consuming and if you are simply looking for a pet to leave in a cage, a hedgehog is not for you.
Need Even Temperatures - Hedgehogs are susceptible to extreme shifts in temperature in either direction and it can be difficult to give the ideal temperature that they need.
Are Not Social - While hedgehogs can learn to be very social and affectionate with their owners, they are not usually that way with other people. In addition they need to be in seperate cages as they prefer to be on their own.
Are Not Pet Friendly - You can own hedgehogs with other pets but you will need to keep them seperate. These are animals that trigger prey drives in both cats and dogs and they will react defensively. Allowing other pets to interact with your hedgehog can lead to significant vet bills for all involved.
Difficulty Finding Care - Lastly, it can be difficult to find a vet for your hedgehog. This will often mean higher medical costs as you will need to travel further for specialists.
As will all animals, it is important to understand both the challenges and advantages of owning and raising African Pygmy Hedgehogs. Owning them can be wonderful but it is a commitments and should not be entered into lightly.
Sun Oct 07, 2012 9:23 am
