Hedgehogs!

[maitre]

I'm on the verge of picking up a little hedgehog but would like to know more about them before I do. I've done the research, read the caresheets, now I want to know about peoples' experiences.

If anyone's kept/keeping a hedgehog, please share your experience!

 

[Memento]

My experience with them (assuming you're referring to African pygmies) is limited but memorable. When they were still legal where I live, we got one into the pet shop I used to work at. They coat their spines with saliva, and when I had to move it for cleaning, the saliva caused such a bad skin reaction that it required a trip to the doctor and almost two days off work. The critter had been sold by the time I returned, and was the first and last hedgehog I ever dealt with.

My reaction wasn't typical, but if you can, try and interact with one before buying to see if it causes any skin issues.

Also be warned that African pygmies in the pet trade have been clearly implicated as sources of human salmonellosis, and like many mammal pets can cause dermatophytosis (a skin infection caused by parasitic fungus), so be extra vigilant with hygiene. Our city banned them several years ago due to the number of health issues reported by keepers and pet shop staff.

 

[maitre]

My experience with them (assuming you're referring to African pygmies) is limited but memorable. When they were still legal where I live, we got one into the pet shop I used to work at. They coat their spines with saliva, and when I had to move it for cleaning, the saliva caused such a bad skin reaction that it required a trip to the doctor and almost two days off work. The critter had been sold by the time I returned, and was the first and last hedgehog I ever dealt with.

My reaction wasn't typical, but if you can, try and interact with one before buying to see if it causes any skin issues.

Also be warned that African pygmies in the pet trade have been clearly implicated as sources of human salmonellosis, and like many mammal pets can cause dermatophytosis (a skin infection caused by parasitic fungus), so be extra vigilant with hygiene. Our city banned them several years ago due to the number of health issues reported by keepers and pet shop staff.

Was it an allergic reaction you had? Or was it due to dematophytosis? I'm pretty sure I can deal with salmonella by washing my hands after handling the hedgehog but I was my hands after handling all my pets (other than my dog) so it's already a habit of mine.

I really want one of these guys because the price has dropped since I wanted one as a kid. When I was young, hedgehogs were $400 at the LPS!!! They're now ~$100 at a reputable breeder so they're much more affordable now.

 

[Teal]

I had a hedgehog. I had wanted one since I was really young, but I grew up in California where they are illegal. So one of the first things I did after I moved to Oregon was picked up a gorgeous little pinto female.

If you plan to handle it at all, you HAVE to handle then frequently and from an EARLY age. You will have a VERY tough time "taming" an older hedgie that hasn't been handled much. And they don't just curl into a ball if they don't want to be messed with.. they turn into a pulsating, HISSING, snarling bundle of spines lol

They are SMART.. my girl learned to come to her name.

They love to play with toys.. I had things for my girl to climb into, over, under, and cat toys with bells in them.

Anything else I am forgetting? lol

 

[Memento]

Was it an allergic reaction you had? Or was it due to dematophytosis?

The doc called it contact urticaria, so basically an allergic reaction from coming in contact with the saliva. Their saliva is used defensively as an irritant, so it would still be a good idea to test it out before you take the plunge, even if you aren't allergic.

 

[aracnophiliac]

Currently I keep Hedge Hogs (African pygmie)...I find them very unsocial animals the less peole that are around the quicker they warm up to one persoon...I also Find My Hedge Hog loves Bath Time....I find he needs to be bathed quite frequently...I find using a toooth bruch the most efficient way of procceding with bath time...His Favorite Treat is Soft Fruit....He enjoys it so much he grunts and foams at the mouth while eating it...Its soo adorable......Other then that I am not sure what kind of information that your looking for..If you have any questions Feel free to PM

 

[maitre]

I just wanted to know if people enjoyed caring for hedgehogs or if it was more of a PITA. I looked into sugar gliders a year ago but the general consensus was they are a REAL pain to deal with - very mean, bitey things.

I know hedgehogs need to be socialized as well but most animals do. I will only be purchasing one only from a breeder just so I have an idea of the family genetics and how they were raised. Many breeders in my area say they handle their hedgies on a daily basis from a young age so I'm hoping they will be easier to socialize.

Do hedgies smell? My family had rabbits when I was really young and they smelled so bad we had to keep them in the garage! I've kept hamsters before (teddy bear and dwarf) so would you guys say hedgehogs smell more or less than hamsters? I plan on doing weekly cleanings/bedding changes to minimize any unpleasant odour.

thanks for all the input guys!!!!

 

[maitre]

The doc called it contact urticaria, so basically an allergic reaction from coming in contact with the saliva. Their saliva is used defensively as an irritant, so it would still be a good idea to test it out before you take the plunge, even if you aren't allergic.

Oh wow. Okay I'm definitely going to try to handle some hedgies before making a purchase just to make sure I don't have this sensitivity to their saliva. I'm hoping the reptile expo I'm going to this sunday has some hedgies. There was a breeder present at the last expo I went to in September so I'm crossing my fingers.

 

[arachna-nono]

Oh wow. Okay I'm definitely going to try to handle some hedgies before making a purchase just to make sure I don't have this sensitivity to their saliva. I'm hoping the reptile expo I'm going to this sunday has some hedgies. There was a breeder present at the last expo I went to in September so I'm crossing my fingers.

I had hedgies for years, and also worked for one of the largest licensed breeders on the west coast many years ago. I LOVED my guys! I was more sensitive to some of them than others, but never enough to develop too bad of a problem. Itchiness of the hands for the day was about it. Once you learn HOW to handle a defensive one, it won't matter how well they know you. You'll be able to pick up any of them. I agree that purchasing a young one that has been handled lots will make for a much better first experience, though. Most of mine never balled up.... occasionally with a new first handler, but then their curiosity overran their defensiveness. Do your research, but from first-hand.... they're great!

 

[Lucille]

I'm interested in the saliva sensitivity issue. I have deposits on 2 baby hogs and they will be ready in a week or so. Great thread, I've read care sheets a lot but reading personal experiences helps.

I'm planning to use carefresh as a substrate, what have some of y'all used?

 

[maitre]

Hey guys, I've had my hedgie (Pokeball) for 1.5weeks now but it feels much longer than that! I have another thread with images of him so you can go check that out.

I have a lot of allergies. I'm quite sensitive (asthma) to animal dander depending on the species/breed and dust/crap in the air usually bugs me. I just want to give my account after keeping a hedgehog for my short period of time.

When I first handled my hedgie, my hands/arms would go red and itch. I would also see the dander because hedgies tend to have drier skin than other animals (don't worry, I gave him an oatmeal bath). I was scared the reaction was allergies but it turns out it wasn't - it was just irritation from the sharp quills. If you take a few hundred needles and slightly prick/scratch yourself with them, you're going to get irritation from that. The point of 'pricking' will slightly swell, it will itch, and it will go red. This is a natural histamine reaction from the body and it will happen to anyone (try it).

My hedgie was always a very friendly and curious one. When I first picked him up at the breeder, he unrolled almost right away. He readily falls asleep in my lap now (especially when I keep my hand on him to keep him warm) and he lets anyone hold him without protest. He used to be kinda nervous but I noticed from day to day, the time it takes for him to lower his quills is getting shorter and shorter. Nowadays, he seems less and less pricklier!

However, he has started his quilling process so he is a little extra sensitive to handling and I can sense that. He has started to raise his quills again more readily but, despite this, he still has a friendly demeaner and will let you GENTLY pet him if you show him you're not doing him harm.

 

[maitre]

Oh yeah, Pokeball licks my fingers all the time with no reaction from me!