They have tiny pinpoints and roll into balls when they are scared. Possessing a hedgehog as a pet will need you to provide them with unique necessities, like housing and food. Learn more about hedgehog treats and toys.

The cage:
You must get a cage big enough for your pet to move freely, but ensure the walls are high enough to stop them from fleeing. Many people usually accommodate their pets in a smooth-sided cage or glass aquarium. Ensure the aquarium has a minimum capacity of thirty gallons. Do not buy a cage with wire bottoms since your hedgehog could easily cut its feet in the wire.

Your pet will require a big cage as they need more space to move around, as they are very playful animals and very active when not sleeping. If you have more than one hedgehog as a pet, do not house them in one cage. They like to be in solitary surroundings, and if you house them together, they can indulge in fights for food and space.

Their climatic requirements:
Hedgehogs are very susceptible to extreme temperatures. In chilled temperatures, a hedgehog's body chills down, and your pet becomes less active and can fall sick if the low temperature persists for several hours. There is also the risk of the pet getting heatstroke if the temperature rises above 85ºF. The ideal temperature for your hedgehog is in the range of 70º to 85ºF.

How to maintain the cage:
Being nocturnal, hedgehogs do not need bright light. Your hedgehog will be more comfortable in a hiding spot that presents isolation and protection from the light. You can cover the cage with cardboard or wooden boxes, cloth bags, PVC tubing, plastic logs, or little plastic huts.

While some hedgehogs kept as pets utilize litter trays, the majority urinate at random. Given that hedgehogs prefer to dig around and move things around in their cage, food and water dishes need to be very substantial.

Toys:
Hedgehogs, in general, do not play with toys, unlike other pets. If you intend to buy toys for the cage, make sure to get one that runs on a wheel. The best hedgehog running wheel is one of the most important products you need to purchase. A good wheel will improve their health, happiness, and overall well-being. However, please note some hedgehog wheels can cause injury to the backs, legs, and feet. To avoid that, buy a good wheel of 10.5″ or 12″ diameter.

Bedding material:
Newspapers, recycled pelleted or absorbable material, and wood shavings made of aspen or untreated pine are sufficient materials for bedding. Don't go for corncob bedding since it quickly becomes stale when wet. Avoid giving your hedgehog any dusty or cedar shavings as that can scrape its eyes and respiratory system.

Conclusion:
Clean all daily uneaten food, pee, and excrement from the cage to keep it fresh. Scrub the cage with soap and water at least once a week.