Hedgehogs, they're not just for video games

United States
January 17, 2011 2:16pm CST
Hedgehogs, considered exotic animals, are unique pets. I discovered them as pets from a former co-worker, who recruited me for hedgehog-sitting when he and his fiancee were out of town. Along the way, I got very attached to the little critter, though I had no intention of going out and buying one. In fact, I was very hesitant about owning a hedgehog, since their lifespans are very short. But fate had other plans for me, since my co-worker's hedgehog wound up having a small litter. They were able to keep two of the three babies. One, a female, could be kept in the same pen as the mother. One male had a new pen of his own. Since they can be territorial, they couldn't keep the second male hedgehog in the same pen, and didn't have enough room in their small apartment for another pen. So, I found myself the proud owner of a hedgehog. I named the little guy "The Dread Pirate Roberts" and called him Bob for short. (As you can see, I'm terrible at naming pets!) Bob's presence created some confusion for my two indoor cats, who weren't sure what to think of him. His size and shape made them think "food!", but his spines and huffiness scared them. Eventually, they adjusted to him, and came to view him as entertainment. They'd watch him in his cage as if he were a television. They could sit there and watch him for ages as he ran on his wheel or rearranged his pen (pushing the food and water dishes around, trying to move his little house). Do any readers here have a hedgehog or other exotic pet? I'd love to hear about your hedgehog or exotic experiences, including how you first discovered them as pets, and what their personalities are like.
2 responses
• United States
18 Jan 11
I have been wanting a hedgehog for a while, I think they are so cute and neat animals. I have never had an exotic pet but I do hope to have one some day.
• United States
22 Jan 11
I think hedgehogs are nearly perfect pets. They're small (portable!), so they don't take up an extreme amount of room. They can be quite sociable when raised right, and they're low maintenance. The big thing is to make sure your local vet is willing to treat hedgehogs, so you'll have coverage in case of any problems. I was very fortunate that Bob stayed incredibly healthy. I guess it was all the exercise he got rearranging things.
• United States
8 Feb 11
really, I had a friend tell me that there not a very fun pet because they don't really play much. But I still think there very cute.
@lisa0502 (1724)
• Canada
23 Jan 11
I have owned a hedgehog. He was so cool to have. They are a very dirty animal if you do not clean them enough. Mine liked to have his baths. It was one of his favorite times. The only issue we had with him is that our dog scared the quills out of him. The dog jumped up on the couch beside his tank and it scared him. We of course had to take him to the vet to make sure he was okay and he was. But cleaning his tank afterwards was a chore. I got pricked by his quills so much it was not funny.
• United States
24 Jan 11
Bob hated bath time, but I loved it. He was so funny in the water, trying to climb out of the sink. He'd huff and carry on as I bathed him with a soft-bristled toothbrush. I know some hedgehogs love baths, though. I've seen some videos on youtube of a few of them swimming and floating on their backs. So cute!