Hedgehogs can make wonderful pets for patient, gentle owners. They are quiet, relatively low-odor, and thrive with consistent handling. While they may be shy at first, regular interaction helps them become confident and social.

Hedgehogs can do well with older, calm children who understand how to handle small animals gently. We recommend supervision and teaching proper handling techniques.

It's important to note that similar to reptiles and many other domesticated animals, hedgehogs can carry salmonella. For this reason, hedgehogs are not recommended for families with children under five years of age, seniors, or those with compromised immune systems. Please make sure you practice the following CDC recommended steps to keep your family healthy:

• Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching, feeding, or caring for a hedgehog or cleaning it’s enclosure.

• Do not kiss, snuggle or eat and drink around your hedgehog. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth. Do not allow hedgehogs to roam freely in areas where food is prepared or stored, such as kitchens or dining tables.

• Clean and wash enclosures, toys, and supplies outside of your house when possible. Do not clean these items in the kitchen or any place where food is prepared, served, or stored.

You can read more about Salmonella & Hedgehogs here.

Yes. Hedgehogs require a consistent temperature between 75–80°F. A ceramic heat emitter or space heater with a thermostat are essential to prevent hibernation attempts, which can be fatal to your prickly baby.

Your hedgehog will need a secure enclosure, as they are excellent climbers and can easily escape from open-topped cages. A safe home should provide at least 4-5 square feet of floor space and should not have multiple levels, which can pose a risk of falls. They have poor depth perception!

Many owners prefer tub-style habitats, as they are easy to access, clean, and provide a safe environment for your hedgehog. We also like custom C&C cages (10” walls and a lid).

We are always happy to guide our owners in choosing the right type of housing to ensure their hedgehog is safe, happy, and healthy.

At The Prickle Patch, we feed our hedgehogs a base of 2–3 high-quality cat foods mixed with dried black soldier fly larvae, providing both nutrition and variety. This is supplemented with live insects and other safe treats to keep meals interesting and balanced.

It’s highly recommended to continue feeding your hedgehog the same diet they received from the breeder during the transition to their new home, as sudden changes can cause digestive upset. Your baby will go home with a small bag of our food to support this transition.

Yes. Hedgehogs are most active in the evening and at night. They typically sleep during the day.

Young hedgehogs may explore the world with little “test nibblings,” especially when they’re curious about a new scent or texture, but with proper socialization and gentle handling, true biting is uncommon. You may also notice a behavior called anointing, where your hedgehog encounters a new or strong smell, licks or chews it, then produces foamy saliva and carefully spreads it over their quills — almost like they’re creating their own scent coat. This odd but normal behavior is part of how hedgehogs interact with new smells and is not a sign of aggression.

Check out this video of a hedgehog anointing!