Enclosures
There are many different enclosure options available for hedgehogs, but choosing the right one is an important part of keeping your hedgehog healthy and happy.
At Great Lakes Hedgehogs, the enclosure we use for our own herd and recommend to our customers is a large 50-gallon Sterilite tote. We purchase ours from Home Depot because they are affordable, easy to clean, and simple to heat properly.
Providing a properly heated enclosure is one of the most important parts of hedgehog care. Hedgehogs require a warm environment, and choosing an enclosure that can safely maintain the correct temperature is essential.
We do not recommend enclosures smaller than 50 gallons. Hedgehogs are active animals that need plenty of space to explore, run, and play. A larger enclosure allows room for essential items such as a wheel, hide, food and water dishes, and enrichment activities.
Other enclosure options, such as rabbit cages or Critter Nation-style cages, can also work well. However, these types of cages can be more difficult to heat and may require additional setup to maintain a safe temperature.
If using a cage with bars, it is important that the bars are vertical rather than horizontal. Hedgehogs can attempt to climb, and falls from climbing can result in serious injuries. Always prioritize safety when choosing and setting up your hedgehog's home.
If your hedgehog's enclosure has horizontal bars, we recommend making a few safety modifications before bringing your hedgehog home.
A simple solution is attaching coroplast (corrugated plastic) panels along the lower portion of the enclosure. This creates a smooth barrier that prevents your hedgehog from gripping the bars and attempting to climb.
Preventing climbing is important because hedgehogs can easily injure themselves from falls. Taking a few extra steps to modify the enclosure helps create a safer environment for your prickly friend.
Heat Sources
We cannot stress this enough: a heat source is NOT optional!
African Pygmy Hedgehogs are unable to regulate their body temperature as effectively as their wild counterparts. If their body temperature drops too low, they may enter a state of attempted hibernation, which can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.
Because of this, providing proper heat is the most important part of your hedgehog's enclosure setup.
Hedgehogs should be kept at a consistent temperature of 72–80°F at all times. The best way to accomplish this is with a heat lamp using a CHE (ceramic heat emitter) bulb paired with a thermostat. A thermostat is essential because it monitors and regulates the temperature, preventing the enclosure from becoming too hot or too cold.
Hedgehogs require ambient heat, meaning the air surrounding them needs to stay warm. This is why we do not recommend heating pads as a primary heat source. Heating pads only warm one specific area and do not provide the consistent, whole-enclosure warmth that hedgehogs need.
Keep in mind: just because your home's thermostat reads 75°F does not mean your hedgehog's enclosure is also 75°F. Drafts, room placement, and enclosure materials can all affect the actual temperature inside the habitat.
Always use a reliable thermometer to monitor the temperature inside your hedgehog's enclosure and ensure your prickly friend stays safe and comfortable.
Bedding
There are many different bedding options available for hedgehogs, and finding the right one can take some trial and error. Here at Great Lakes Hedgehogs, we have tried several different types of bedding and have found that each option has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Ultimately, the best bedding is the one that works well for both you and your hedgehog while keeping their enclosure clean, comfortable, and safe.
1. Fleece
Pros:
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Available in a variety of cute patterns and themes to customize your hedgehog's enclosure
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Easy to remove and replace when dirty
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Reusable
Cons:
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Does not allow hedgehogs to burrow, which is a natural behavior they enjoy
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Can develop odors quickly depending on cleaning frequency
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Requires regular washing
2. Paper Bedding
Pros:
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Helps absorb odors
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Allows for natural burrowing behaviors
Cons:
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Bedding changes can be messy
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May not be the most cost-effective option for everyone
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Bedding can easily get into water bowls, requiring bowls to be cleaned daily
3. Wood Shavings
Important: Never use cedar bedding. Cedar can cause respiratory issues in hedgehogs. If choosing wood bedding, use a safe option such as pine, aspen, or another appropriate softwood bedding.
Pros:
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Excellent odor control
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Allows hedgehogs to burrow
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Cost-effective
Cons:
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Bedding changes can be messy
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Shavings can get into water bowls, so bowls should be cleaned daily
These are some of the most common bedding choices, but this is not an exhaustive list. This information is based on our experience as breeders, and what works well for one hedgehog may not work well for another.
At Great Lakes Hedgehogs, we use softwood bedding for our herd because we have found that our hedgehogs thrive with this type of setup. However, we encourage you to explore different options and find the bedding that best fits your hedgehog's needs and your lifestyle.
A happy hedgehog is one with a clean, comfortable, and enriching environment!