F.A.Q.
Q: Do hedgehogs make good pets for children?
A: There is no straight answer to this question. It depends on the children, the parents, and the hedgehog. A hedgehog can make a great pet for a child, although they are not suggested for very young children. Because of their naturally defensive personalities, hedgehogs require patience and time dedicated to bonding. Their quills can also be intimidating to children. They are fairly delicate, and can be badly hurt if dropped, so parental supervision is suggested for children that are too young or uncertain to handle a hedgehog with confidence. Hedgehogs are not as cuddly as other pets, and they do not "play" the way a dog or cat would, so there is a chance that children will lose interest once the novelty wears off. Teenagers are generally capable of the patience and responsibility needed to be able to properly care for a hedgehog long-term, but for children younger than 12 or so, there should be a parent dedicated to the care and regular handling of the hedgehog regardless of whether the children maintain interest. There should also be an adult responsible for the costs, including the cost of supplies and vet care.
Temperament should be the main consideration when a hedgehog is intended as a pet for children. Some hedgehogs are naturally more outgoing and willing to be handled, which is the best choice. Although baby hedgehogs are very cute, their personality cannot be predicted and they will go through at least several weeks of quilling shortly after they go to their new homes, which often means grumpiness and sensitivity when being handled. An older hedgehog can be a better option because they are done with quilling and their personalities are already known.
Q: Why do hedgehogs cost so much?
A: Hedgehogs are a fairly new kind of exotic pet - they have only been domesticated for 20 years or so. They also are fairly short-lived. Therefore, the population of domestic hedgehogs is very small compared to other pets that have been available much longer.
The gestation period of a hedgehog is about 35 days, and the mother devotes another 5-6 weeks to the babies before they are weaned. Although this means a female could have 4 litters per year, good breeders will only breed them twice per year in order to let them recuperate from the demands of pregnancy and motherhood. Litters are much smaller than those of rodents (4 babies on average), and females are retired from breeding at 2.5-3 years, which means that each female only has around 20-24 babies over the course of her life. The mortality rate of babies is about 30%, so the actual number of babies that are sold is less than that. Hedgehogs are also unreliable breeders. The chances of pregnancy and the number of babies in a litter tends to decrease during fall and winter.
Because of these various variables, baby hedgehogs are rarely available for less than $175-200. It is virtually unheard of for babies to be sold for under $125 or so, and these lower prices are only ever from "backyard" breeders (breeders who are considered unreputable due to over-breeding, lack of correct information, and/or the breeding of hedgehogs without pedigree). These individuals do not provide post-sale support or health/WHS guarantees.
Q: Are hedgehogs related to porcupines?
A: No. Other than both being mammals, hedgehogs and porcupines are not related at all.
Hedgehogs are much smaller than porcupines, and though they both have quills, their quills are very different. A porcupine's quills detach easily and have tiny barbs - a hedgehog's quills don't. Porcupines also don't curl into balls the way hedgehogs do, which means that their skeletal structure is very different.
Q: Are hedgehogs rodents?
A: No. Hedgehogs are part of the order Erinaceomorpha whereas rodents belong to the order Rodentia.
The main difference when it comes to keeping these animals as pets is that rodents (mice, rats, guinea pigs, etc.) have continuously growing front teeth and they must continuously gnaw to wear their teeth down. This is also true for rabbits (order Lagomorpha). Rodents and rabbits therefore can do damage to items in their cages and any other items (furniture, shoes, electronics wires, etc.) that they get the chance to chew on. Hedgehogs do not chew on anything - except for food, of course.
Q: How long do hedgehogs live?
A: The lifespan of a domestic hedgehog is 3-7 years, with the average being 4-5.
Q: What is Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS)?
A: Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome is a devastating illness that can occur in domestic hedgehogs. It is a progressive, degenerative, neurological disease. Very little is known about it, but the research of breeders indicates that there is a genetic component. There is no known cure, and although there are ways to improve the life of a hedgehog with WHS, the progression of the disease leads to death or humane euthanasia.
The symptoms of WHS are similar to those of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in humans. It causes a gradual paralysis that usually begins with the back legs and progresses to the front legs and other parts of the body. Early signs of WHS include a wobbly walk (thus the name) and unsteadiness or swaying when standing still. (Note: there are other things that can cause wobbliness in a hedgehog, including a hibernation attempt and stroke. Sudden onset of severe wobbliness or paralysis is almost always something besides WHS.)
WHS cannot be diagnosed conclusively until after death. A necropsy (autopsy performed on an animal) is the only completely accurate method of diagnosis. The necropsy of a hedgehog with WHS will show lesions on the brain.
Because of its long-term effects and lack of cure, WHS is considered the "worst" of known hedgehog illnesses. It is fairly common in hedgehogs that come from pet stores or other sources that do not consider the background of hedgehogs that are used for breeding. Reputable breeders offer a WHS guarantee and only breed hedgehogs with known lineage so as to reduce the chances that any of the babies they sell will have WHS.
Q: What are the letters before and after a hedgehog's name?
A: The prefix and/or suffix on a hedgehog's name are breeder's herd initials, given by the International Hedgehog Registry. The prefix is the breeder that the hedgehog was bred by, and the suffix is the breeder that the hedgehog is owned by. If the owner of the hedgehog is the same as the breeder, only the prefix will be present.
For example, one of our hedgehogs is named KTW Anubis VVH. KTW (Kymwana Tiggy Winkles) bred her and VVH (Volcano View Hedgehogs) owns her. Another of our hedgehogs is named NPH Oleander KTW/VVH - he was bred by NPH (Northern Plains Hedgehogs) and was first owned by KTW, then owned by VVH.
Hedgehogs sold as pets will only have the breeder's prefix on their pedigree.
Q: Is there a difference in personality between males and females?
A: No. Males and females are very similar and both make excellent pets.
As individual pets, the only difference is that males will occasionally have "boy time", meaning that they will masturbate. This is usually discreet and the only evidence (if any) might be residual semen on liners or bags. Many owners of males have never seen evidence of it at all.
Males will fight with other males, and cannot be housed together. Females generally will not fight. Although two females should not be housed together unless they were raised that way from a young age, females can be given playtime together with very little risk of fighting.
Q: Do hedgehogs require vaccines like dogs and cats?
A: No. Hedgehogs do not require vaccines to live healthy lives. However, a wellness check with a vet is suggested within a week or two of bringing your hedgehog home, and it's a good idea for them to get an annual check-up.
Q: Do hedgehogs smell as much as some other small animals, like ferrets or guinea pigs?
A: Hedgehogs are naturally clean animals and smell very little. They do not produce a musky odor like ferrets. As long as they are bathed when necessary (usually once every few weeks) and have their cages cleaned 1-2 times per week, there is no odor associated with owning a hedgehog. Avoiding foods with fish in them will also limit the smell of their poop.
Q: Should I leave my new hedgehog alone for a few days before I start taking him out for bonding?
A: Although this is sometimes suggested, we at Volcano View Hedgehogs believe that it is unnecessary to leave your new hedgehog alone for several days when you first bring him home. The transition to a new home can be stressful, and your baby might be timid and huffy in the beginning, but it is important to begin the process of bonding as soon as possible. Hedgehogs, especially young ones, can adapt very well to new things and will quickly get used to their new home and new family. Socialization is the most important thing for a new hedgehog, so we advise against postponing it.
Q: Should hedgehogs be kept away from loud noises? (i.e. TV, vacuum, music?)
A: No. Hedgehogs have fairly sensitive hearing and will often react to loud noises by raising their quills and huffing. This is a reflex reaction and will happen less as they are exposed to those noises repeatedly. There is no reason to avoid normal household sounds when handling your hedgehog, because they are an important part of socialization. A hedgehog that has experienced a variety of different noises will be less bothered by any new noises that they encounter, whereas a hedgehog that has been sheltered and kept in a very quiet environment will be more likely to be spooked by any little sound. Although it may be uncomfortable for a new hedgehog owner to see the initial reactions of their new pet to unfamiliar noises, it is much better in the long run for hedgehogs to not be sheltered from them.
At Volcano View Hedgehogs, we regularly have a radio playing inside the hedgehog room, and we take all of our hedgehogs out for socialization, which exposes them to the sounds of the TV, video games, dogs barking, vacuuming, and so on.
Q: Why is my hedgehog bald on the top of his head?
A: The "bald" strip on a hedgehog's head is called a "reverse mohawk". It's there so the quills in front can cross each other when the hedgehog rolls up into a ball.
A: There is no straight answer to this question. It depends on the children, the parents, and the hedgehog. A hedgehog can make a great pet for a child, although they are not suggested for very young children. Because of their naturally defensive personalities, hedgehogs require patience and time dedicated to bonding. Their quills can also be intimidating to children. They are fairly delicate, and can be badly hurt if dropped, so parental supervision is suggested for children that are too young or uncertain to handle a hedgehog with confidence. Hedgehogs are not as cuddly as other pets, and they do not "play" the way a dog or cat would, so there is a chance that children will lose interest once the novelty wears off. Teenagers are generally capable of the patience and responsibility needed to be able to properly care for a hedgehog long-term, but for children younger than 12 or so, there should be a parent dedicated to the care and regular handling of the hedgehog regardless of whether the children maintain interest. There should also be an adult responsible for the costs, including the cost of supplies and vet care.
Temperament should be the main consideration when a hedgehog is intended as a pet for children. Some hedgehogs are naturally more outgoing and willing to be handled, which is the best choice. Although baby hedgehogs are very cute, their personality cannot be predicted and they will go through at least several weeks of quilling shortly after they go to their new homes, which often means grumpiness and sensitivity when being handled. An older hedgehog can be a better option because they are done with quilling and their personalities are already known.
Q: Why do hedgehogs cost so much?
A: Hedgehogs are a fairly new kind of exotic pet - they have only been domesticated for 20 years or so. They also are fairly short-lived. Therefore, the population of domestic hedgehogs is very small compared to other pets that have been available much longer.
The gestation period of a hedgehog is about 35 days, and the mother devotes another 5-6 weeks to the babies before they are weaned. Although this means a female could have 4 litters per year, good breeders will only breed them twice per year in order to let them recuperate from the demands of pregnancy and motherhood. Litters are much smaller than those of rodents (4 babies on average), and females are retired from breeding at 2.5-3 years, which means that each female only has around 20-24 babies over the course of her life. The mortality rate of babies is about 30%, so the actual number of babies that are sold is less than that. Hedgehogs are also unreliable breeders. The chances of pregnancy and the number of babies in a litter tends to decrease during fall and winter.
Because of these various variables, baby hedgehogs are rarely available for less than $175-200. It is virtually unheard of for babies to be sold for under $125 or so, and these lower prices are only ever from "backyard" breeders (breeders who are considered unreputable due to over-breeding, lack of correct information, and/or the breeding of hedgehogs without pedigree). These individuals do not provide post-sale support or health/WHS guarantees.
Q: Are hedgehogs related to porcupines?
A: No. Other than both being mammals, hedgehogs and porcupines are not related at all.
Hedgehogs are much smaller than porcupines, and though they both have quills, their quills are very different. A porcupine's quills detach easily and have tiny barbs - a hedgehog's quills don't. Porcupines also don't curl into balls the way hedgehogs do, which means that their skeletal structure is very different.
Q: Are hedgehogs rodents?
A: No. Hedgehogs are part of the order Erinaceomorpha whereas rodents belong to the order Rodentia.
The main difference when it comes to keeping these animals as pets is that rodents (mice, rats, guinea pigs, etc.) have continuously growing front teeth and they must continuously gnaw to wear their teeth down. This is also true for rabbits (order Lagomorpha). Rodents and rabbits therefore can do damage to items in their cages and any other items (furniture, shoes, electronics wires, etc.) that they get the chance to chew on. Hedgehogs do not chew on anything - except for food, of course.
Q: How long do hedgehogs live?
A: The lifespan of a domestic hedgehog is 3-7 years, with the average being 4-5.
Q: What is Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS)?
A: Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome is a devastating illness that can occur in domestic hedgehogs. It is a progressive, degenerative, neurological disease. Very little is known about it, but the research of breeders indicates that there is a genetic component. There is no known cure, and although there are ways to improve the life of a hedgehog with WHS, the progression of the disease leads to death or humane euthanasia.
The symptoms of WHS are similar to those of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in humans. It causes a gradual paralysis that usually begins with the back legs and progresses to the front legs and other parts of the body. Early signs of WHS include a wobbly walk (thus the name) and unsteadiness or swaying when standing still. (Note: there are other things that can cause wobbliness in a hedgehog, including a hibernation attempt and stroke. Sudden onset of severe wobbliness or paralysis is almost always something besides WHS.)
WHS cannot be diagnosed conclusively until after death. A necropsy (autopsy performed on an animal) is the only completely accurate method of diagnosis. The necropsy of a hedgehog with WHS will show lesions on the brain.
Because of its long-term effects and lack of cure, WHS is considered the "worst" of known hedgehog illnesses. It is fairly common in hedgehogs that come from pet stores or other sources that do not consider the background of hedgehogs that are used for breeding. Reputable breeders offer a WHS guarantee and only breed hedgehogs with known lineage so as to reduce the chances that any of the babies they sell will have WHS.
Q: What are the letters before and after a hedgehog's name?
A: The prefix and/or suffix on a hedgehog's name are breeder's herd initials, given by the International Hedgehog Registry. The prefix is the breeder that the hedgehog was bred by, and the suffix is the breeder that the hedgehog is owned by. If the owner of the hedgehog is the same as the breeder, only the prefix will be present.
For example, one of our hedgehogs is named KTW Anubis VVH. KTW (Kymwana Tiggy Winkles) bred her and VVH (Volcano View Hedgehogs) owns her. Another of our hedgehogs is named NPH Oleander KTW/VVH - he was bred by NPH (Northern Plains Hedgehogs) and was first owned by KTW, then owned by VVH.
Hedgehogs sold as pets will only have the breeder's prefix on their pedigree.
Q: Is there a difference in personality between males and females?
A: No. Males and females are very similar and both make excellent pets.
As individual pets, the only difference is that males will occasionally have "boy time", meaning that they will masturbate. This is usually discreet and the only evidence (if any) might be residual semen on liners or bags. Many owners of males have never seen evidence of it at all.
Males will fight with other males, and cannot be housed together. Females generally will not fight. Although two females should not be housed together unless they were raised that way from a young age, females can be given playtime together with very little risk of fighting.
Q: Do hedgehogs require vaccines like dogs and cats?
A: No. Hedgehogs do not require vaccines to live healthy lives. However, a wellness check with a vet is suggested within a week or two of bringing your hedgehog home, and it's a good idea for them to get an annual check-up.
Q: Do hedgehogs smell as much as some other small animals, like ferrets or guinea pigs?
A: Hedgehogs are naturally clean animals and smell very little. They do not produce a musky odor like ferrets. As long as they are bathed when necessary (usually once every few weeks) and have their cages cleaned 1-2 times per week, there is no odor associated with owning a hedgehog. Avoiding foods with fish in them will also limit the smell of their poop.
Q: Should I leave my new hedgehog alone for a few days before I start taking him out for bonding?
A: Although this is sometimes suggested, we at Volcano View Hedgehogs believe that it is unnecessary to leave your new hedgehog alone for several days when you first bring him home. The transition to a new home can be stressful, and your baby might be timid and huffy in the beginning, but it is important to begin the process of bonding as soon as possible. Hedgehogs, especially young ones, can adapt very well to new things and will quickly get used to their new home and new family. Socialization is the most important thing for a new hedgehog, so we advise against postponing it.
Q: Should hedgehogs be kept away from loud noises? (i.e. TV, vacuum, music?)
A: No. Hedgehogs have fairly sensitive hearing and will often react to loud noises by raising their quills and huffing. This is a reflex reaction and will happen less as they are exposed to those noises repeatedly. There is no reason to avoid normal household sounds when handling your hedgehog, because they are an important part of socialization. A hedgehog that has experienced a variety of different noises will be less bothered by any new noises that they encounter, whereas a hedgehog that has been sheltered and kept in a very quiet environment will be more likely to be spooked by any little sound. Although it may be uncomfortable for a new hedgehog owner to see the initial reactions of their new pet to unfamiliar noises, it is much better in the long run for hedgehogs to not be sheltered from them.
At Volcano View Hedgehogs, we regularly have a radio playing inside the hedgehog room, and we take all of our hedgehogs out for socialization, which exposes them to the sounds of the TV, video games, dogs barking, vacuuming, and so on.
Q: Why is my hedgehog bald on the top of his head?
A: The "bald" strip on a hedgehog's head is called a "reverse mohawk". It's there so the quills in front can cross each other when the hedgehog rolls up into a ball.
