Are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids/Toddlers? Pros & Cons

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Are hedgehogs good pets for kids?

Are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids? it’s a common findings of all. Yes, hedgehogs are typically a good choice for young children, as they can be handled and handled frequently. While hedgehogs are most active when they are awake, they are also excellent nappers and require no special care to ensure a good night’s sleep. Here we should provide the solutions of your question Are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids?

Pros of having a hedgehog as a pet for kids

There are several pros to having a hedgehog as a pet for kids:

Low Maintenance: Hedgehogs are relatively low-maintenance pets, which makes them ideal for children who are not yet ready to care for more demanding pets. They are independent and do not require daily walks or grooming.

Unique: Hedgehogs are unusual and intriguing creatures that can be entertaining and educational for kids. They are nocturnal animals, meaning they are active at night, which can be exciting for kids to observe.

Quiet: As hedgehogs are often quiet creatures, they are perfect pets for families who reside in apartments or other confined spaces. They don’t meow, bark, or make other obtrusive noises that might annoy the neighbours.

Tactile: Hedgehogs are tactile animals that like to be held and petted. As they learn how to take care of their pet, this can aid kids in developing empathy and responsibility.

Long lifespan: Hedgehogs have a relatively long lifespan, meaning children can enjoy their company for many years. A hedgehog can live up to 5-7 years with proper care.

However, it is important to note that hedgehogs are unsuitable for all families and require a specific diet and habitat.

No allergies: Hedgehogs are hypoallergenic, meaning they do not produce dander or shed fur like other animals, making them a good choice for families with allergies.

Easy to house: Hedgehogs are small and do not require much space, making them easy to house in a small apartment or a house with limited outdoor space.

Teach responsibility: Owning a hedgehog can teach children responsibility, as they must provide food, water, and a clean habitat for their pets. It can also teach them about animal behaviour, biology, and conservation.

Affectionate: Hedgehogs can be affectionate pets and can form a bond with their owners. They often recognise their owners’ scent and will come out to greet them when they approach their habitat.

Low-cost: Hedgehogs are relatively low-cost pets and do not require expensive equipment or veterinary care. However, it is important to note that they require a specific diet and habitat, which can add to the cost of ownership.

It is important to consider the pros and cons of owning a hedgehog before getting one as a pet. They are unique and fascinating animals that can provide a lot of joy and entertainment but also require proper care and attention.

Active and playful: Hedgehogs are active and playful animals that enjoy exploring and playing with toys. They are curious and can be trained to do simple tricks like running through tunnels or jumping over small obstacles.

Easy to train: Hedgehogs are intelligent creatures that can be taught to use a litter box and comply with simple instructions. They may become simpler to care for and more pleasurable to be around.

Low odour: Hedgehogs have a low odour compared to other pets, making them a good choice for families sensitive to smells. They do not require frequent bathing, and their habitats can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water.

Unique appearance: Hedgehogs have a unique and adorable appearance, with their spines and round faces. They are often considered cute and charming pets, which can appeal to children.

Quiet companionship: Hedgehogs are quiet companions that can provide children with a sense of comfort and security. They do not make loud noises or demand constant attention but can be comforting to have around in the home.

Cons of having a hedgehog as a pet for kids

While there are many advantages to owning a hedgehog as a pet, there are also some cons to consider, particularly regarding children owning them. Here are some potential drawbacks:

Fragile: Hedgehogs are small, fragile animals that can be easily injured if not handled correctly. Children must be supervised when handling them, as rough handling or dropping them can cause serious harm.

Prickly spines: Hedgehogs have spines on their back that can be sharp and prickly, which can be uncomfortable or painful if not handled properly. Children need to be taught how to hold them correctly to avoid getting poked by their spines.

Nocturnal: As nocturnal animals, hedgehogs are often active at night, which may not be convenient for children who want to interact with them during the day. This can make it difficult to bond with them, as they may not be awake when children are.

Special diet: Hedgehogs have a specialised diet that consists mainly of insects and high-protein cat food. This can be challenging and expensive, and picky eater kids might need help finding it enticing. Possible health problems:

Potential health issues: Hedgehogs are susceptible to obesity, lung infections, and dental difficulties. Some ailments may need specialist veterinarian care, which can be expensive.

Short lifespan: While hedgehogs can live up to 5-7 years with proper care, their lifespan is relatively short compared to other pets, which can be difficult for children who may become attached to them.

Illegal in some areas: Hedgehogs are illegal to own in some areas, such as California, Georgia, and Hawaii. It’s important to check your local laws and regulations before considering getting a hedgehog as a pet.

While hedgehogs can make good pets for some families, they may not be suitable for all households, especially those with young children who need help understanding how to handle them properly or who may lose interest in caring for them over time. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Hibernation: Hedgehogs can enter a state of hibernation if they are kept in an environment that is too cold. This can be dangerous for their health, and they may require specialized care to bring them out of hibernation.

Habitat requirements: Hedgehogs require a specific habitat that includes a warm, dry area to sleep, an exercise wheel, and a hiding place. Setting up and maintaining this habitat can be time-consuming and costly.

Limited interaction: While hedgehogs can be affectionate pets, they may not be as interactive as other pets, such as dogs or cats. They may not enjoy being held or cuddled and prefer to explore independently.

Noisy wheel: Hedgehogs require an exercise wheel, which can be noisy if it is not well-maintained or in a bedroom. This can disturb children’s sleep and may require some adjustments to the habitat.

Not as trainable: While hedgehogs can use a litter box and respond to basic commands, they may not be as trainable as other pets, such as dogs. This can make it difficult to bond with them or engage in more complex interactions.

Not a cuddly pet: Hedgehogs are not known for being cuddly and may not enjoy being held or petted. Children looking for a pet to snuggle with may be disappointed with a hedgehog’s more independent nature.

Potential for biting: Hedgehogs may bite if they feel threatened or scared, which can be painful and potentially dangerous for children. Children must be taught how to handle them correctly to avoid being bitten.

Difficult to find a reputable breeder: It can be difficult to find a reputable breeder of hedgehogs, which can make it more challenging to find a healthy and well-socialized pet. This can also add to the cost of ownership if you need to travel long distances to find a reputable breeder.

Why are hedgehogs good pets for kids?

Hedgehogs can make good pets dog for kids or toddlers. They are tiny, simple to take care of, and love to play as well as call for extremely little space. They are also fascinating to see and also can be taught to do techniques. They can also be taught to do tricks, which makes them fun and entertaining pets for kids. Hedgehogs are friendly, gentle, quiet, and adorable. They are also inexpensive to keep.

Reasons why hedgehogs make a good pet?

Some consider hedgehogs good pets because they are small and easy to care for. Hedgehogs are also considered to be relatively low-maintenance pets. There are other reasons as well to consider hedgehogs as a pet. Also, you should know that they are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids.

Hedgehogs do not damage the bedding in your home, nor do they destroy the carpeting or flooring underneath your home.

Do not jump up on people and bite them.

They don’t require the same type of exercise as other pets, so they are often not barking or jumping around during the day.

Don’t leave hair everywhere; they don’t stink up the house with their scent.

They are also quite amusing to watch and enjoy.

Relatively low maintenance. Like dogs, they require daily exercise and plenty of food.

Although hedgehogs are not guarded animals, they will not come to you and cuddle on the couch as a cat would.

So, hedgehogs can be considered pets in some ways but have unique needs and requirements. You will find these facts fascinating, too.

Some folks want to adopt a hedgehog, then go out and buy all the supplies and food for their new pet. Some people freak out about hedgehogs, completely freak out, and regret their decision. If you’re on the fence about whether or not you want a hedgehog as a pet, here are a few things to consider.

Hedgehogs only require a little attention and care.

A very intelligent, docile animal that requires human interaction to be happy.

You will not find hedgehogs at shelters or rescues.

Do hedgehogs love their owners?

This inquiry has no conclusive solution, as each hedgehog has its character. However, numerous hedgehogs bond highly with their proprietors and can be very caring. Are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids? They may also be very protective of their owners, even approaching them at night if they hear strange noises.

One person reports: “It saddens me that some hedgehogs are not allowed to show their love and affection. They should be in hoglets rather than a hedgehog’s pouch (a.k.a. cradle). In my opinion, the mother of all creatures should be free and active rather than tucked away inside some strange-smelling box.

The only way to ensure a hedgehog feels comfortable is to give it the choice of environment.” These opinions are from people who care for their hedgehogs.

And people who want to know, are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids? Many want to keep the experience of owning a hedgehog private, so they expect quick action, and acquiring a hedgehog will be regarded as a success.

Are hedgehogs good pets?

Are hedgehogs good pets with are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids? also is a common question for pet lovers. Before raising a pet, you need to know a lot about that pet. Make sure all information about your selected pets. Today we will discuss hedgehogs. Many people think hedgehogs are good pets. To know more about pets please read the article to increase your confidence. Also know are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids?

Pet hedgehogs

Pet hedgehogs are actually very interesting animals. They are related to both African porcupines and European hedgehogs. This means that they have quills like the former but hibernate in winter like the latter.

The scientific name for a hedgehog is “porcupine”, meaning ‘spiny pig’. The animal’s ability to roll itself into a ball can help it protect itself from predators most of the time at least. However, this doesn’t work against cars. Be careful on roads with these prickly friends around. Now the questions are hedgehogs good pets? Also the questions are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids?

Hedgehogs also have litters between 4-6 babies at a time. The largest litter ever recorded was 15 little hoglets born to one mother in England back in 1990. Somebody wants to know are hedgehogs good pets for kids?

Hedgehogs were introduced to New Zealand in the 1800s for hunters. Who wanted a better way to hunt sparrows and other birds? They soon became an introduced species. And unfortunately spread very quickly with little-to-no natural predators. Until the 1990’s when they discovered cats.

In fact, hedgehogs make great pets. However, they do require special care because of their unique features. I hope that after reading this article. You will have a better understanding of these interesting creatures. And your confusion, are hedgehogs good pets to solve.

Why hedgehogs are good pets

Most pet lovers have a question: are hedgehogs good pets for kids? Hedgehogs are the only members of the suborder Erinaceomorpha. These creatures can make domestic pets. But they’re very specific. And not every hedgehog is good for a beginner (and even intermediate) hedgehog owner. Here’s what you need to know before you go out and buy one. Are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids?

If your goal is to own an exotic pet that will be less expensive than a cat or dog. Then look into hedgehogs. But do it carefully because their care requirements are so specific. That if you don’t meet them, your pet could die. Also, where you live might restrict how many you can keep. Because different states have different rules about keeping these animals as pets. Before you get a hedgehog as a pet. Be aware that they are nocturnal for the most part. This means that if you want to play with one during the day. You’re going to have to get up very early or stay up very late. They will let you know when they want attention though. Because they’ll start making yelping noises. Are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids?

Decide as Exotic Pet

If you do decide to get a hedgehog as your exotic pet. Make sure it comes from a reputable breeder. And not someone who’s trying to sell them at flea markets or in parking lots. You should also make sure that it’s healthy by checking its eyes, nose. And general conditions before paying for it. Also, ask about their diet. Because this is an important thing to consider when getting a hedgehog for a pet. It’s an animal that doesn’t eat much. So you’ll want to be sure that it isn’t just eating food because you haven’t eaten in three days. Hope you understand that are hedgehogs good pets for kids ?

What are hedgehogs good for

If your state allows it, you might want to think about buying two hedgehogs at once. Are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids? If one dies, then you’ll still have another one around while you’re waiting for the other to give birth. And if they do reproduce while living together. Hopefully, their offspring will become pets. Instead of being released into the wild or sold as food. However, make sure that both are healthy before bringing them home together. Because even if they get along when the female is pregnant. Sometimes things can change after she gives birth and has to take care of her offspring. Are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids?

The last thing that you need to consider before getting a hedgehog as your pet is the cost of its food. These animals are insectivores. This means they eat insects along with some vegetation, but they don’t eat much. They will only need about one-third of cups of food per week. And their main diet should be crickets or mealworms. That has been bought from a pet shop specializing in exotic pets. So if having an exotic pet appeals to you but you’re not sure if a hedgehog is for you. Please confirm what it takes to take care of. Are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids?

Hedgehogs pet care

The first thing you need to do to keep up with your hedgehog’s diet is to weigh him once a week in grams on a digital scale. This task will be a little more difficult. If your hedgehog is not tame yet. So it might take some time for you to figure out how much he actually weighs when he curls up into a ball. The reason you need to keep track of his weight is. So that you can make sure he gets enough food as well as the correct amount of food throughout the day. Are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids?

Hedgehogs should eat about 70-90 grams per day. If your hedgehog weighs in at 450 grams. Then divide 450 by 24 hours and you will get 18,75. This means that this hedgehog needs about 18 and a half grams of food per hour for each hour he is awake. Assuming he sleeps 10 hours out of the day. That means that you would only feed him 1/4 cup worth of dry cat or dog food. It depends on what type your hedgehog prefers every 8 hours. As far as frequency goes, I feed my hedgehogs every 8 hours around the clock. This way they can’t ever get too hungry and they won’t feel a need to hoard their food either. Are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids?

Hedgehogs Food & Diet

For a basic diet, hedgehogs can use Hartz brand cat food which is 18% protein and 5% fat for this particular example. If you have an overweight hedgehog who needs to lose some weight. You will need to decrease the amount of food that he eats per day by about 20%. So if your 450-gram hedgehog needs 1/2 cup worth of dry food in his bowl at all times. But you know that he is getting too chubby. Then simply give him only 1/4 cup worth of dry food once every 12 hours or every 8 hours. Like I mentioned in the paragraph above are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids?

I know this may seem like it would be too little food to give your hedgehog. But if you take into consideration that hedgehogs are supposed to eat about 90 grams worth of food each day. Then 1/4 cup is actually quite a large amount for them. Also, keep in mind that hedgehogs should not be overweight. Because they find themselves with an overabundance of fat reserves on their body. Which can lead to many diseases down the road such as diabetes and heart disease, among others.

A great way to make sure you are feeding your hedgehog correctly is by taking him out of his cage. At least once per day so he can run around free-range while you watch him. Are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids?

Can you have a hedgehog as a pet in the UK?

Are you thinking about getting a pet hedgehog? Awesome! Hedgehogs make great pets, they are low-maintenance and super cute. However, there are some things you should be aware of. Before taking on this new responsibility. So read carefully before making your decision. And think are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids?

These creatures were once wild animals roaming the English countryside. But as the popularity of keeping them as pets grew. More and more people started breeding them for that purpose. This has helped decrease the amount of poaching going on in England. However, it unfortunately also meant that. Many owners do not know how to properly care for these amazing beasts.

If you want to bring a little prickly friend into your life then this article is for you. We have outlined everything so that you can decide if a hedgehog is the right pet for you. And we have also included some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your new friend lives a long and happy life.

Are Hedgehogs Legal To Own As Pets In The Uk?

Yes, however, there are some exceptions. So before you go out and buy one it is important that you understand what these are. You may find this surprising. But hedgehogs can actually be illegal in some places. Such as California (USA) because they pose an environmental threat. This means it is up to each state to decide whether owning a hedgehog is legal or not. There are other states where it will depend on whether your local city allows them, eg: Virginia Beach in Hampton Roads only allows keeping reptiles. Are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids?

There are also exceptions in the UK where hedgehogs are banned. So before you go out and buy one check with your local authorities to make sure they are actually legal in your area. When you have decided that a hedgehog is legal to own in your area. Then you will need to get permission from whoever owns the property. if it’s not your home because some landlords do not allow animals on their premises.

Opinion

As of writing this article, hedgehogs are legal throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland although each country has different rules about how many hedgies you can keep at one time. In England for instance there is no limit on how many you can keep whereas Scotland only allows you to keep up to 3. So if you plan on getting more than three hedgehogs. Then it would be best to look into getting a pet license because right now that is the only way to legally have more.

You can find out exactly what these rules are for each country here, however. If you are reading this article from outside of the UK it is important to check with your own countries laws first. Are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids?

What Age Hedgehog Can I Get?

Usually, breeders will not sell hedgehogs under 8 weeks old. Because they are still very vulnerable at that age. And need time to grow stronger before being taken away from their mother. If you want one as a pet. Then the best idea is usually to get them at around 6 weeks old. Any younger than that and will still be too young/vulnerable. Are Hedgehogs Good Pets for Kids?

Do Different Colors Count As Separate Hedgehogs?

Yes, each different color/pattern is classed as a separate species. So if you wanted to for instance get an albino. White hedgehogs would count as two because they are different species. This is up to you. Whether you want more than one of the same species. Or if you want several. It is not usually advised to mix different species together.

Finally

We’ve tried to give you some ideas about this pet. To satisfy your confusion are hedgehogs good pets for kids? Hopefully, it will be convenient for you to make a decision now. We kindly request you to let us know what you think of our post and if you have any further comments on Hedgehog.