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Hedgehogs can make great pets, but it'll take some time

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So darned cute, but they'll take some socialization time. (Courtesy photo)

Hedgehogs are becoming increasingly common pets nowadays. For many people, hedgehogs offer something different from dogs and cats but aren't so exotic that they're impossible to care for or ridiculously expensive to own. Hedgehogs make excellent pets, but, as with any animal, they do require a little bit of knowledge to care for them properly.

One thing to consider before bringing home a hedgehog is that, while their day-to-day care may not be overly expensive, the initial cost to purchase one and any vet care will rack up a bit of a bill. On average, hedgehogs typically cost between $150 and $300. Hedgehogs don't require regular vaccines, but annual vet visits or always recommended. As with any pet, it's always best to establish a relationship with a vet office prior to requiring their services. Most vets do not treat exotic animals, so finding a vet for your hedgehog may take time and the office may even be some distance from your home.

Internet pictures of pet hedgehogs always show them happily laying on their backs in someone's hands with their bellies and feet in their air and cute expressions on their faces. While hedgehogs can be cuddly, socializing your hedgehog to that point will take a lot of time and patience. In general, hedgehogs are slow to warm up to people as they are naturally shy. Most hedgehogs will not choose to seek out people for attention or affection; however, with a lot of time, your hedgehog can learn to recognize you and may, in fact, come to you.

Plan to spend a lot of time every day handling your hedgehog in order to socialize him. On top of that, remember that hedgehogs are prickly, so careful handling is a must. If you're too nervous to handle your hedgehog because you're worried about his prickly spines, your hedgehog will never become socialized and will spend his life tucked into a ball. Unlike porcupines, though, hedgehogs do not shoot their quills. Their need for a lot of socialization and their prickly exterior make them better suited to be pets for adults, although kids can definitely learn to handle them properly and assist in their daily care.

While hedgehogs are very small animals, they should still have a large cage in which to live. Multi-level cages are especially great as they provide your pet with even more space to explore and exercise. Hedgehogs are generally pretty clean animals that, as long as you clean their cage regularly, should not have an odor (like ferrets and smaller rodents, like mice). Much like having a reptile in your home, hedgehogs require a constant warm environment between 74 and 80 degrees. Expect to have to utilize some form of heating device to keep the cage at a consistent temperature.

While special food designed for hedgehogs is available, it's important to remember that not all foods are created equal. Just because a food is labelled as being for hedgehogs does not mean it is a good choice. Many of the special foods available do not provide hedgehogs with enough nutrients and aren't sufficient enough to be their main diet. Many hedgehog owners and breeders suggest using dry cat food as the base of their diet with fruits and vegetables being offered as occasional treats. Do some research and talk to your vet about the best diet for your hedgehog.

If you're thinking of adding a hedgehog to your home, spend some time researching them and make sure you are educated about their care and handling. Despite living in cages, hedgehogs are not animals you can put in the corner and leave on their own for several days. They will require a high level of handling and patience to socialize them that many pet owners may not be willing to do. If you are ready for that commitment, though, they make excellent pets that can learn to recognize you and even bond with you.

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cockatoo, a cat, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.orgdevassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322.

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