🦔 7 Important Things to Note When Raising a Hedgehog・Super Detailed Lazy Bag

Hedgehogs are small and round, and many people are drawn to them. 😍 They may be as easy to care for as hamsters or rabbits. However, I would like to remind everyone: Hedgehogs are exotic animals with unique physiological needs. You can't just buy a cage and be done with it. If you want them to live a healthy and happy life, you need to truly understand their needs.

Below, we've compiled seven important things you must pay attention to when raising hedgehogs . We've combined reliable online information with actual hedgehog breeding practices in Hong Kong. This post is a bit long because we need to cover it in enough detail for beginners to fully grasp it. 📝

1️⃣ Suitable living environment🏠

Hedgehogs need a safe and comfortable living space.

• Cage/Box Selection : Hedgehogs shouldn't use wire cages, as they can easily get stuck or bruise their feet. A plastic box, glass tank, or dedicated reptile box with ample space (at least 60cm or more) is best.
• Bedding : You can use paper sand or sawdust (choose dust-free and fragrance-free types), but avoid using cat litter because the dust is not good for the hedgehog's breathing.
• Hedgehogs are nocturnal and need to hide during the day. Be sure to provide a shelter or tunnel so they feel safe.

Editor's perspective 👉 Hong Kong buildings are small and space is limited, but please don't be too convenient and use a small plastic box. Hedgehogs are actually very active animals and need enough space to move around.

2️⃣ Temperature control 🌡️

Hedgehogs are very sensitive to temperature and can get into trouble if they are too cold or too hot.

• Ideal temperature : around 24–27°C.
• Consequences of being too cold : Below 20°C, hedgehogs may enter "false hibernation", which is actually a dangerous state and may lead to death.
• Consequences of being too hot : Above 30°C, you may suffer from heat stroke and dehydration.
• Solution : You can use a heating pad or a constant temperature lamp; when Hong Kong is too hot in the summer, turn on the air conditioner, but avoid direct wind.

Editor's note: Hong Kong has a large temperature difference. It gets freezing cold in the winter and extremely hot in the summer. Owners must prepare a thermometer to monitor the temperature at all times and do not take it lightly.

3️⃣ Dietary needs 🍽️

Hedgehogs are not "cute omnivores" that eat everything.

• Staple food : There are special hedgehog foods on the market, but the quality varies. It is recommended to choose food with a formula close to "high fiber, low fat, and containing insect protein."
• Side dishes : You can feed a small amount of insects (mealworms, crickets), cooked chicken, and vegetables (such as carrots and pumpkins).
• Avoid : Do not eat dairy products, fruits high in sugar (grapes, bananas), nuts, and chocolate.
• Water : Clean water should be available 24/7, either in bowls or bottles.

Editor's Note: Many hedgehog treats sold in Hong Kong pet stores are actually unhealthy, laden with sugar and additives. New pet owners should learn to read the ingredient list and avoid being fooled by appearances.

4️⃣ Nocturnal habits🌙

Hedgehogs are mostly active at night.

• Activity time : Most of the time they sleep during the day and come out at night to forage and run around.
• Noise problem : It is very active at night, and the sound of the running wheel may affect the owner's sleep.
• When to interact : It is best to interact with your partner at night when they are awake.

Editor's tip: Many Hong Kong people live in small units. If a hedgehog cage is placed in the bedroom, the sound of the running wheels at night may cause you to lose sleep. It is recommended to consider the placement in advance.

5️⃣ Health Checkup and Common Diseases🩺

Hedgehogs are prone to several common health problems.

• Obesity : If you don’t get enough exercise, you can easily become a “pig hedgehog”.
• Dental problems : Improper diet can lead to overgrown teeth or tooth decay.
• Skin diseases : Mites and fungal infections can cause hedgehogs to lose needles and their skin to become red and swollen.
• Tumor : It is very common in middle-aged and elderly hedgehogs, so you need to pay attention to whether there are any lumps on your body.
• Eye problems : Due to protruding eyes, they are prone to injury or infection.

Editor's perspective👉 There are not many veterinarians in Hong Kong who specialize in treating hedgehogs. New owners should find an experienced small animal veterinarian in advance, rather than waiting until something happens.

6️⃣ Social and Interaction🤝

Hedgehogs are not social animals and it is not suitable to keep multiple of them in one cage.

• Personality : They are relatively independent by nature and don’t like to “gather in groups” like rabbits and hamsters.
• Interaction : Patience is required. Initially, the cat may curl up into a ball and use its spines to protect itself. The owner should slowly familiarize the cat with its scent and then gradually increase interaction.
• Prohibition : Do not hug the baby forcefully, as this will only frighten him more.

Editor's Note: Many Hong Kong owners mistakenly believe hedgehogs need companionship when they're lonely, leading to fights and even bites between them. Remember: hedgehogs should be kept individually!

7️⃣ Lifespan and Responsibility❤️

Hedgehogs generally live for 3-5 years, which is not long, but they need the owner's full care during this period.

• Time investment : Clean food, water, and cages every day; check the health of the canal regularly.
• Financial investment : Food, cages, heating pads, and medical expenses are all quite high.
• Be prepared : Hedgehogs are not "punch-in pets"; they require patience and a long-term commitment.

Editor's Note: Some people in Hong Kong buy hedgehogs simply because they think they're cute, only to abandon them out of hassle. How cruel! Before getting a hedgehog, carefully consider whether you're up to the responsibility.

📝 Editor's Summary

There are seven key points to pay attention to when raising hedgehogs:

✅ Provide a safe and comfortable living environment ✅ Control the temperature to avoid overheating or overcooling ✅ A healthy and balanced diet ✅ Respect the nocturnal habits ✅ Regular health checks to prevent common diseases ✅ Individual feeding and patient interaction ✅ Assume long-term responsibility

Hedgehogs may be adorable, but they're not easy pets. With careful care, they can become your heartwarming companions.