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Original poster

Please tell me all about having hedgehogs as pets

95 replies

PricklyJo · 14/05/2019 14:36

In a flat with a 5 and 9 year old?
Are rescues or domesticated APH better?
We all love animals but always discounted pets as we both work and wouldn’t be able to dedicate enough time to them. Also worried about the flat getting destroyed.

I like the idea of sweet cuddles at dusk and dawn (DP gets up early, we both go to bed late).

But im wondering if a wheel is really enough to keep it active and happy at night?
Could this work? Anything else we should know or consider? Is it really that hard to clean the cage daily?

OP posts:
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Baloonphobia · 14/05/2019 14:37

They're not pets. They're wild animals.

nqtomg · 14/05/2019 14:38

Seconded - they're wild animals, OP.

Prequelle · 14/05/2019 14:38

A hedgehog. Really. Why not a hamster?

Do you have access to a garden with your flat? For this hedgehog to get sunshine, run around on grass etc?

TheMarschallin · 14/05/2019 14:39

Hedgehogs should not be kept as pets.

Get a hamster

MrsTerryPratchett · 14/05/2019 14:40

10% of APH have a degenerative neurological condition because of shitty breeding.

They're cute but they're not a pet we should have.

Baloonphobia · 14/05/2019 14:40

And anyone willing to sell you one should be reported.

MissYeti · 14/05/2019 14:42

My brother was daft and bought a hedgehog. It was an African one so needed to be in a heated tank etc like a snake. They're also very susceptible to illness and his one must have been harbouring something cuz it died within a few months of him getting it. Vets bills are also horrendous cuz they're not regular pets.

Better off with a rabbit or something tbh

Prequelle · 14/05/2019 14:42

Apparently they are very very active at night and can travel very long distances. It isn't fair for that to be done on a bloody wheel :(

It would also be noisy in a flat. A hamster is noisy enough let alone a hedgehog going ten to dozen on his wheel

Flowersintherainandsun · 14/05/2019 14:44

They absolutely S T I N K .... honestly OP, definitely not meant for a home!

ItsInTheSpoon · 14/05/2019 14:45

I really, really hope this is not real.

Hedgehogs are wild animals and their numbers are sadly depleted.

If you really want a pet, please read up on how to look after it properly first. There’s plenty of good information available online.

LittleAndOften · 14/05/2019 14:47

We went to a fete where they had African pygmy hedgehogs. They looked cute until you got up close and they all had lice Sad

It's a no from me.

DonkeyHohtay · 14/05/2019 14:48

Another one saying that a hedgehog isn't a pet.

Or have you misspelled hamster?

sheepsheep · 14/05/2019 14:48

FFS. Do NOT get a hedgehog OR a rabbit. You live in a flat. Wise up.

Medievalist · 14/05/2019 14:51

Surely the op means hamster Confused?

Surely nobody would be so cruel as to keep a wild animal as a pet?

Surely nobody would expect to inflict 'sweet cuddles' on a hedgehog or a hamster?

Hopefully this is a (totally unfunny) joke.

Soubriquet · 14/05/2019 14:52

I’ve had an APH

One warning. They are expensive animals to keep.

You need a viv of at least 4 feet long. You need a heat lamp and stat. A large wheel that can cost at least £30 so not one you can get in the average pet store.

They smell. A lot

They poo a lot

They can be difficult to tame too.

They huff and pop and it can hurt if you aren’t used to handling them.

They are cranky around 9-12 weeks old as they are quilling and you will then find random quills around the house stabbing you.

You need to bathe them and clip their nails. Jobs the hogs do not like

They are a full time dedication and not a whim to buy

Medievalist · 14/05/2019 14:56

Jesus - it's a thing -

www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/the-african-pygmy-hedgehog.html

Is there no end to mankind's exploitation of the natural world ☹️

Soubriquet · 14/05/2019 14:57

This was Pantalaimon

He was a huffy boy but with a lot of perservence he did get tame

They need a live food diet, 3 different types of cat biscuits as well as meat, fruit and veg.

So something you need to really research

You also need to find an exotic vet who will deal with them as not everyone knows where to start

Please tell me all about having hedgehogs as pets
Please tell me all about having hedgehogs as pets
Please tell me all about having hedgehogs as pets
Baloonphobia · 14/05/2019 14:59

There really should be more regulation of the exotic 'pet' market. In Ireland there is none whatsoever. It's a disgrace.

fuckitywhat · 14/05/2019 15:00

Can I suggest rats. They are most active early morning and evening and they are WONDERFUL pets.

They do need cuddles every day and a very large cage and a lot of care.

If you want to know more I will happily post :)

Please tell me all about having hedgehogs as pets
LoafofSellotape · 14/05/2019 15:04

They poo everywhere and a LOT!

fuckitywhat · 14/05/2019 15:06

Also rats naturally poop in a litter tray, can do tricks and love snuggles.

There are lots in rescues :)

Sup3rCooper · 14/05/2019 15:10

I think some people are confusing the APH with one you'd find in your garden maybe

That said, I wouldn't. They take a lot of work

MrsTerryPratchett · 14/05/2019 15:11

I didn't. And they have genetic issues. And are an exotic pet so in Manaus ways worse than domestic hedgehogs.

MrsTerryPratchett · 14/05/2019 15:12

Many. Obviously.

Original poster
PricklyJo · 14/05/2019 15:13

www.homelesshogs.co.uk/about-adoption-process/4592083747

OP posts: