Pet hedgehogs are quiet, gentle companions that do best with a consistently warm room, a high protein diet, and a large wheel to run on at night. An African pygmy hedgehog usually lives 4 to 7 years, and the quality of daily care makes a real difference to how many of those years you get. This guide covers the essentials of pet hedgehog care, from food and temperature to housing and handling.
Hello, Tammy here. I spend my days at the pottery wheel, but a surprising number of the animal lovers I meet through my studio share their homes with hedgehogs. Over the years their stories have taught me a lot about these prickly little characters, so I wanted to gather the essentials in one place.
Do hedgehogs make good pets?
Yes, for the right person. Hedgehogs are solitary, nocturnal, and quiet, which makes them lovely companions for calm households and for people who are out during the day. They are not cuddly in the way a cat or dog is, but a hedgehog that is handled gently and often will relax its quills, sniff around your hands, and even fall asleep on your lap.
They are not ideal for young children, mainly because they wake up in the evening and need patient, careful handling. Also check your local rules first: pet hedgehogs are restricted in some places, so it is worth confirming they are legal where you live.
How long do hedgehogs live?
African pygmy hedgehogs, the most common pet species, live about 4 to 7 years on average. With an excellent diet, correct temperature, plenty of exercise, and regular checkups with an exotics vet, some reach 8 or 9. In the wild, hedgehogs often manage only 3 or 4 years, so a well-kept pet hedgehog genuinely gets a longer, safer life.
The three factors that matter most for lifespan are diet, warmth, and exercise. Obesity is the most common health problem in pet hedgehogs, and it shortens lives quietly.
What do pet hedgehogs eat?
Hedgehogs are insectivores, so they need a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. A good routine looks like this:
- A base of high quality hedgehog food or a high protein, low fat dry cat food
- Insects such as mealworms or crickets a few times a week, as treats rather than the main meal
- Small amounts of cooked unseasoned chicken, egg, or safe fruits and vegetables occasionally
- Fresh water every day
Avoid milk, bread, grapes, raisins, avocado, and anything salty or seasoned. Measured portions matter more than most owners expect, because hedgehogs will happily eat themselves round.
What temperature do hedgehogs need?
This is the most overlooked part of pet hedgehog care. African pygmy hedgehogs need their environment kept at roughly 23 to 27 degrees Celsius (about 74 to 80 Fahrenheit). If they get too cold, they can slip into a dangerous state called pseudo-hibernation, where they become wobbly, cold to the touch, and lethargic. Unlike wild European hedgehogs, pet hedgehogs cannot survive true hibernation, so this is an emergency: warm them slowly against your skin and call an exotics vet.
A ceramic heat emitter or a heating pad under part of the enclosure, paired with a thermometer you actually check, keeps this risk away.
What does a hedgehog cage need?
Bigger is better. A smooth-sided enclosure of at least 4 square feet gives room to roam, and paper-based bedding is safer than wood shavings. The one item that is truly not optional is a solid-surface exercise wheel, at least 28 cm across. Hedgehogs can run several kilometres a night on their wheels, and that exercise is what keeps their hearts and waistlines healthy. Add a hide to sleep in, and let your hedgehog out for supervised floor time and handling each evening.
One thing I have learned from hedgehog owners is how deep the bond with these small animals runs. That is partly why, alongside my cat and dog urns, I also make hand-painted hedgehog urns and custom sculptures in my studio, each one painted to match a particular little face and its markings. Small pets are never small losses, and they deserve remembering just as beautifully. You can read more about how I work on our story page.
FAQ: quick answers about pet hedgehogs
Do hedgehogs like to be held?
Many learn to enjoy it. Handle your hedgehog gently every evening from a young age, let it smell you first, and it will gradually stop balling up and start exploring you instead.
Are hedgehogs good pets for beginners?
They can be, if you are prepared for the heating requirements, the nocturnal schedule, and finding a vet who treats exotic pets before you bring one home.
Can two hedgehogs live together?
No, they are solitary by nature and should be housed alone. They genuinely prefer it that way.
Why is my hedgehog losing quills?
Young hedgehogs go through quilling, which is normal. Heavy quill loss in adults, flaky skin, or bald patches can signal mites and deserves a vet visit.
If you share your home with a hedgehog, I hope these little ones get every one of their good years. And if you are caring for other small companions too, you might like my guide on how long hamsters live. Should you ever need a gentle way to remember a small friend, I am always happy to talk through how custom orders work, or answer anything on our FAQ page.