Petaddon
Guides and gear for exotic and small pets
Hedgehogs make good pets for patient adults who want a quiet, low-odor animal and enjoy watching more than cuddling. They suit night owls, people in small homes and owners who can keep a room warm year-round. They are a poor fit for young children, anyone who wants a pet that seeks affection, and homes in the few places where they are illegal.
The pet hedgehog is the African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), also called the four-toed hedgehog. Hedgehogs are insectivores, not rodents, and their care differs from a hamster’s in some important ways.
| African pygmy hedgehog | Quick facts |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | About 4 to 6 years, sometimes longer |
| Size | Roughly 5 to 8 inches long, under 1.5 lb |
| Activity | Nocturnal: most active from late evening |
| Temperament | Shy and solitary; tames with daily handling |
| Room temperature | 70 to 85°F (21 to 29°C) |
| Diet | Commercial hedgehog or insectivore food plus insects |
| Price | About $250 to $500 from a breeder |
| Yearly costs | About $220 to $420 before vet bills |
| Legal status (US) | Illegal in California, Georgia, Hawaii, New York City and Washington, D.C.; permits in some states |
Planning a budget? Our pet cost calculator shows what a hedgehog costs to set up, keep each year and care for over its life, with prices you can adjust.
Sources: VCA Animal Hospitals, Hamor Hollow cost guide, Domesticated hedgehog.
Contents
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Hedgehog pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quiet, with little body odor when the cage is kept clean | Nocturnal: active while you sleep, and the wheel can be noisy |
| Small and suited to apartments | Shy; many never enjoy cuddling |
| Happy living alone, no companion needed | Needs a warm room (70 to 85°F) all year |
| Fascinating to watch, with real personality | Exotic vet care costs more and is harder to find |
| Low daily time once set up | Can carry Salmonella; not ideal with young children |
| Long-lived for a small pet (4 to 6 years) | Illegal or permit-only in some states and cities |
Why hedgehogs can make good pets
Low odor
Hedgehogs have little body odor of their own. Smell comes from a dirty cage or wheel, so spot-clean daily and change bedding weekly. More in do hedgehogs smell?
Small space, simple routine
A large solid-floor cage, a solid-surface wheel, a hide, safe bedding and food and water bowls cover the basics. See our guide to hedgehog bedding for what to use and what to avoid.
Independent
Hedgehogs are solitary and happy alone, so you need only one. They do not need constant attention, though daily handling keeps them tame.
Entertaining
Each hedgehog has its own personality. Watching one explore, forage and run on its wheel in the evening is a big part of the appeal.
Why a hedgehog might not suit you
They are not naturally cuddly
A new hedgehog usually huffs, pops its quills and rolls into a ball when picked up. Most settle with patient daily handling, but some stay shy for life. If you want an affectionate lap pet, choose a different animal.
They need warmth
African pygmy hedgehogs do best at 70 to 85°F. Below about 60°F they slow down, and a chilled hedgehog can slip into a hibernation attempt, which can be fatal (VCA). Most owners use a thermostat-controlled ceramic heat emitter in cooler homes.
Health problems and vet costs
Skin mites, dental disease, obesity and cancer are common, and wobbly hedgehog syndrome, a progressive neurological disease, affects some lines. VCA recommends a vet exam at least once a year, and you need a vet who treats exotics.
Salmonella risk
Hedgehogs can carry Salmonella in their droppings while looking healthy. The CDC linked a 2019 multistate outbreak to pet hedgehogs and advises owners to wash hands after handling, skip kissing or snuggling them, and keep them out of the kitchen (CDC). Homes with children under 5, adults over 65 or anyone with a weak immune system may want a different pet.
Legal limits
Pet hedgehogs are illegal in California, Georgia, Hawaii, New York City and Washington, D.C. New Jersey and Wyoming require permits, Wisconsin requires an import permit, and Pennsylvania bans bringing hedgehogs into the state (summary of state rules). Laws change, so check with your state wildlife agency before you buy.
African pygmy hedgehog: state laws at a glance
Hedgehogs are legal in most states. Cities and counties can still ban them, so check local rules too.
Banned as a pet California, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii
Permit or license required New Jersey, Wyoming
Restricted Pennsylvania, Wisconsin
What do pet hedgehogs eat?
Feed a commercial hedgehog or insectivore food as the base, plus live or dried insects such as mealworms in moderation and small amounts of cooked lean meat, vegetables and fruit. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, so skip milk. Watch portions: obesity is common, and a hedgehog that can no longer roll into a ball is overweight. Full guide: what do pet hedgehogs eat?
Do hedgehogs bite?
Sometimes. Most bites come from a hedgehog that smells food on your hands, is scared, or is exploring with its mouth. Wash your hands before handling and keep sessions short and calm while it learns to trust you.
Do hedgehog quills hurt?
A relaxed hedgehog lays its quills flat and feels like a stiff brush. A frightened one raises them, and they prickle without breaking the skin. Scoop from underneath with both hands, or use a fleece blanket until it relaxes.
Are hedgehogs cuddly?
Not usually. A well-socialized hedgehog may fall asleep in your lap or under your shirt, but it tolerates handling more than it seeks it.
Hedgehog FAQs
How long do pet hedgehogs live?
About 4 to 6 years, and some live longer. See pet hedgehog lifespan.
How much does a pet hedgehog cost?
About $250 to $500 to buy from a breeder, plus setup supplies and roughly $220 to $420 a year in food and bedding before vet care.
Are hedgehogs good pets for kids?
Not for young children. Hedgehogs are easily stressed by noise and rough handling, and the Salmonella risk is highest for children under 5. Older, calm children can help care for one with adult supervision.
Are hedgehogs hypoallergenic?
No pet is fully allergy-free. Hedgehogs do not shed fur, but some people react to their quills, saliva or bedding.
Can two hedgehogs live together?
Usually not. Adults, especially males, fight, and a male and female will breed. Keep one per cage.
