Are hedgehogs good pets? The simple answer is “Yes!” But, as with any other question, the actual answer is often a bit more complicated.
If you enjoy watching the antics of cute little mammals, you will definitely enjoy raising hedgehogs. They love to run and hide under blankets or pillows and can entertain viewers for hours. Also, despite their spines, they are actually comfortable animals to hold. They quickly learn to enjoy being held by their owners.
If you are allergic to cats or dogs, a hedgehog might be a good pet. They do not spread dandruff and therefore do not trigger any type of allergic reaction. Although they do shed their quills from time to time, they certainly don’t shed like cats and dogs do.
Hedgehogs are calm animals, so if you like peace and quiet, they may be the perfect pets for you. Listen closely and you’ll hear a snorting noise when a hedgehog breathes. When upset or frightened, these small mammals may growl or chirp. But for the most part, they are nice, calm pets.
Are hedgehogs good pets for apartment dwellers? Because they are small, quiet animals, they make perfect apartment pets. Of course, since they move around a lot, hedgehogs need a lot of room to roam. Therefore, you will need to ensure that their cages offer plenty of floor space and be prepared to let them roam freely outside of their cages on occasion.
Are hedgehogs good pets for people who like to handle insects? Hedgehogs love to eat beetles and caterpillars, so if you or your children like to collect insects, you’ll find a ready audience for your efforts in a pet hedgehog. You will find these insects in your garden or at pet stores. You should also feed your hedgehog dry cat or ferret food to ensure they get enough nutrition.
Speaking of children, are hedgehogs good pets for people with children? Certainly, if the children are five years old or older. Children can be taught to handle these delicate little creatures with care. And the hedgehog will get used to children the more time they spend with him. Children can even learn to help clean the cage and feed the pet hedgehog. That will help them learn responsibilities as well as helping you.
Many people wonder if hedgehogs are difficult to care for. They are actually easy animals to care for. They don’t need much grooming and can often be litter trained. That’s not always the case, but it’s definitely worth a try. All it takes is a little patience and persistence.
So if you’ve been wondering, “Do hedgehogs make good pets?” you must consider all these other things. You may find that hedgehogs are the perfect pets for you.
