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Hedgehogs — HedgehogsPygmy hedgehog care and wild hedgehogs in the garden.

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Articles

SPECIES GUIDEHedgehogs

African pygmy hedgehog care: what to know before you bring one homeA small, nocturnal insectivore that likes to be alone and needs warmth. The African pygmy hedgehog's cage, temperature, diet, getting it used to handling and vet checkups, based on veterinary sources.8 min read · Last checked: October 24, 2026Read →

WILDLIFEHedgehogs

A wild hedgehog in your garden: how to help it, and when it needs helpWater, not milk; a hedgehog gap, not a sealed fence; and a quick check before you mow or light a fire. What to do when you see a hedgehog that is injured or out in the open during the day, and the legal status of hedgehogs in Turkey.8 min read · Last checked: October 24, 2026Read →

BEHAVIORHedgehogs

Why do hedgehogs roll into a ball and raise their spines? Hissing, huffing and helping a new hedgehog settle inA hedgehog that raises its spines and rolls into a ball, hisses or huffs is telling you something. What these defensive behaviors mean, and what you can patiently do to help a new hedgehog trust you.7 min read · Last checked: October 24, 2026Read →

Temperature for African pygmy hedgehogs: why cold is dangerous and how warm the cage should beThe African pygmy hedgehog doesn't truly hibernate; the sluggish state it falls into in the cold is unhealthy. The right temperature according to the sources, heating, thermometers and what to do if you find your hedgehog sluggish.7 min read · Last checked: October 24, 2026Read →

Hedgehog cages and wheels: a large floor, a solid surface and a safe nestIn the wild, hedgehogs walk long distances every night. Cage size, flooring, bedding, the hide, why the wheel needs a solid surface, a cleaning routine and safe time outside the cage.7 min read · Last checked: October 24, 2026Read →

BEHAVIORHedgehogs

My hedgehog foams at the mouth and spreads it on its spines: what is self-anointing?When a hedgehog comes across a new smell or taste, it chews it, produces frothy saliva and spreads it over its spines. The reason for this strange behavior still isn't fully known; here are the possible explanations scientists have put forward, and when you should call your vet.6 min read · Last checked: October 24, 2026Read →

What do African pygmy hedgehogs eat? Feeding an insectivore and keeping its weight in checkA commercial diet suited to hedgehogs, gut-loaded insects, small and careful amounts of vegetables and fruit, and always fresh water. What the sources say not to give, how to keep your hedgehog from gaining weight and how to switch to a new food.7 min read · Last checked: October 24, 2026Read →

WILDLIFEHedgehogs

Hibernation in wild hedgehogs: how to set up a hedgehog house in your yard and what to watch for in winterA hibernating hedgehog isn't asleep; its body almost comes to a halt. How hibernation works, how to set up a simple or wooden hedgehog house in your yard, and what you need to know to avoid disturbing hedgehogs all winter.9 min read · Last checked: October 26, 2026Read →

BEHAVIORHedgehogs

Keep your hedgehog busy: safe toys, a digging corner and room to explore for pygmy hedgehogsFor an animal that covers miles every night in the wild, a wheel alone isn't enough. Foraging, digging, hiding, climbing and supervised roaming: a safe enrichment routine based on veterinary and animal welfare sources.7 min read · Last checked: October 26, 2026Read →

BEHAVIORHedgehogs

Getting your hedgehog used to handling: a step-by-step plan from day one to trustHedgehogs get used to being handled with patience, but it doesn't happen in a few days. From "hands-off" days and scent introductions to short evening sessions and the day you can stroke its spines: a handling plan based on veterinary and animal welfare sources.8 min read · Last checked: October 26, 2026Read →

Keeping a hedgehog clean: the wheel, cage items, nails and the question "does it need a bath?"Hedgehogs are messy animals, and they poop while running on their wheels. Cleaning the wheel every day, where to wash cage items, fabrics, when a bath is needed, nails and hygiene against Salmonella, based on veterinary and animal welfare sources.7 min read · Last checked: October 26, 2026Read →

BEHAVIORHedgehogs

Your hedgehog's night life: daytime sleep, the night shift, and light and noise at homeYour hedgehog sleeps during the day and starts its day as you sit down to dinner. What it does at night, how to protect its sleep, which room the cage should be in, the light schedule and noise, based on veterinary and animal welfare sources.7 min read · Last checked: October 26, 2026Read →

WILDLIFEHedgehogs

Hidden garden dangers for hedgehogs: compost heaps, sheds, holes, litter and dogsLawn mowers and bonfires are well-known dangers. But what about a compost heap, the space under a shed, an open drain, a kiddie pool full of rainwater, or your dog's evening trip outside? Lesser-known hazards, and how to time your garden chores around hedgehogs.9 min read · Last checked: October 28, 2026Read →

WILDLIFEHedgehogs

Hedgehog highways: cut a 13 cm gap in your fence and link up your gardensOne garden isn't enough for a hedgehog. How to make a 13 × 13 cm gap in a wooden fence, a brick wall or under a gate, how to talk to your neighbors and your building's management, and what to know so your pets don't get out and the gap stays open.8 min read · Last checked: October 28, 2026Read →

WILDLIFEHedgehogs

Is there a hedgehog in your garden? Tell by droppings, footprints, night-time noises and a footprint tunnelHedgehogs usually visit while you're asleep. How to recognize their droppings and footprints, what the snorting on spring and summer nights means, and how a homemade footprint tunnel and a night camera can help you get to know your garden visitor without disturbing it.8 min read · Last checked: October 28, 2026Read →

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Articles are for general information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Ask your vet about any decision for your pet.