Complete Hedgehog Care Guide: Temperature, Diet & Handling

Hedgehogs are compact, clean animals well-suited to apartment living. Their distinctive quills and adorable curling behavior have made them increasingly popular in recent years. Temperature management is particularly important for their care.

Housing Requirements

Cage Selection - **Size**: 60x45cm or larger is ideal. Must accommodate a running wheel - **Material**: Plastic storage containers or glass tanks can work as alternatives - **Bedding**: Use paper chips or wood pellets (avoid softwood-based materials)

Essential Items - **Running wheel**: Large size, about 30cm diameter (nocturnal animals that run several kilometers nightly) - **Hide**: Wooden or ceramic house - **Water bottle**: Nozzle-type is most hygienic - **Food dish**: Ceramic is stable and practical

Temperature Management is Critical

Hedgehogs are extremely sensitive to cold, and will attempt to hibernate below 20 degrees C.

• Optimal temperature: 25-28 degrees C
• Minimum temperature: Strictly maintain above 20 degrees C
• Management: Use panel heaters or ceramic heat emitters
• Thermometer: Must install for real-time monitoring

Hibernation attempts can be life-threatening, so year-round temperature management is essential.

Diet Basics

Staple Food - **Hedgehog-specific food**: Choose varieties with 28-35% protein - **Portion**: About 1-2 tablespoons (roughly 10% of body weight) - **Feeding time**: As nocturnal animals, feed in the evening to nighttime

Supplementary Foods and Treats - **Insects**: Mealworms, crickets (live feed 2-3 times per week) - **Fruits and vegetables**: Apple, carrot in small amounts - **Avoid**: Grapes, onions, and avocado are toxic and strictly prohibited

Socialization and Handling

Hedgehogs are naturally wary and will initially raise their quills defensively.

1. First week, observe quietly: Let them acclimate to the environment
2. Hand-feed: Let them learn your scent
3. Gradually increase contact: Start with short handling sessions and slowly extend
4. Offer your hand: Begin by letting them sniff your hand

With patience, they'll eventually relax in your hands.

Benefits of Buying from Breeders

On Bri-Choku, you can purchase healthy hedgehogs from specialist breeders.

• Socialized individuals: Choose animals that have undergone socialization training
• Clear bloodline information: Know the parents' health status and temperament
• Care support: Get answers to detailed questions about temperature management