Hedgehogs are peaceful, calm creatures that, like any other animal, are not suitable as a companion for everyone. Before you contemplate on where to buy a hedgehog for your home, you should examine if you can satisfy all of his or her special demands.
What Is It Like to Be a Hedgehog Owner?
Hedgehogs are becoming increasingly popular as pets. They’re adorable, and they’re part of the rising trend of portable “pocket” pets that people like. However, the reality of pet ownership does not always match the dream.
What People Think It’s Like to Own a Hedgehog
Many visitors to Alligator Attraction notice our hedgehog Sonic and immediately want to adopt him. They’re so excited because they believe that owning a hedgehog will be:
- Enjoyable because they are so adorable and cuddly
- Simple due to the hedgehog’s tiny size
- Comparable to owning a hamster or guinea pig
- Ideal for a tiny place, such as an apartment
- Something to brag about to your friends and something that no one else has
Here are a few things to think about if you want to know about where to buy a hedgehog:
Hedgehogs must be handled with care.
For untrained carers, handling a nervous hedgehog can be difficult, if not harmful. A twitching hedgehog will curl into a ball, displaying its quills. The more hedgehogs are handled, the more relaxed they become. Hedgehogs that are infrequently touched can curl up for extended periods of time.
You must be very delicate while handling your hedgehog. Until your new buddy is more at comfortable, it’s better to wear a towel or a hefty pair of gloves. It is critical to be particularly gentle in this situation since the towel or gloves will prevent you from touching your pal.
Please wash your hands!
Because hedgehogs have been known to harbor salmonella germs, you should properly wash your hands after handling your hedgehog, its cage, or its bedding. Make sure you don’t contact your eyes or the area around your lips until you’ve cleansed your hands. Always keep an eye on your hedgehog around small children and other animals in the house.
Hedgehogs require exercise.
Hedgehogs like eating. Hedgehogs can easily grow overweight if they are kept in cages most of the time and have little opportunity to exercise. Hedgehogs should be allowed to exercise outside of their cages on a regular basis. Furthermore, their cages should include a plastic solid wall running wheel. Wire wheels might do them harm.
Hedgehogs sleep late at night.
Hedgehogs are naturally nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. This means that you could hear them running on their wheel or eating late at night. If you have trouble sleeping, a hedgehog may not be the best buddy for you. A hedgehog’s nocturnal schedule has the advantage of allowing them to sleep during the hours when your family members are at work.
Locating Veterinary Care
Because hedgehogs are still a relatively unusual companion animal, not all vets may be willing to treat your hedgehog. Before getting a hedgehog, find out how far you’ll have to drive for veterinary treatment.
If you are wondering about where to buy a hedgehog, visit us at Hedgy Life!