Hedgehog Recommendations
Essential Tips for a Happy Hedgehog Home
Housing Setup
Home & Roost Hutches
I use 4-foot and 6-foot hutches from Home & Roost for housing African Pygmy Hedgehogs. These hutches offer a range of benefits:
- Affordable and durable construction
- Excellent ventilation for airflow and hygiene
- Built-in darker areas to mimic natural hiding spaces
- Secure locks to keep your hedgehog safe
However, it’s important to note that these hutches are not insulated for additional heating. Therefore, they are only suitable for indoor environments that maintain a stable ambient temperature of at least 21°C. If your home is prone to cooler temperatures, a different setup with controlled heating may be required to ensure your hedgehog’s wellbeing.
Benefits of Using Vivariums for African Pygmy Hedgehogs
Vivariums are an excellent housing option for African Pygmy Hedgehogs due to their practical and aesthetic advantages:
- Superior heat retention: Fully enclosed design helps maintain a stable, controlled temperature—essential for the hedgehog’s wellbeing.
- Containment: Prevents bedding scatter and contains any spills, keeping the surrounding area clean.
- Space efficiency: Compact and stackable, ideal for maximizing available space in the home.
- Ventilation: Modern vivariums include ventilation grills or panels to ensure fresh airflow without compromising warmth.
- Security: Lockable sliding doors or lids provide a secure environment.
- Aesthetic appeal: Sleek design blends well with household décor while offering full visibility of the animal.
For households needing consistent warmth and easy maintenance, vivariums offer a reliable and hygienic alternative to open hutches.
Hedgehog panel setup
Benefits of Plastic Panel Cages for African Pygmy Hedgehogs
Plastic panel cages, such as modular grid or coroplast enclosures (commonly used for small animals), offer several advantages for housing African Pygmy Hedgehogs:
- Smooth plastic surfaces are non-porous, making them easy to wipe down and disinfect. Reduces the risk of bacterial build-up and mould, which can be harmful to hedgehogs.
- Panels are lightweight and easy to assemble, disassemble, or expand. Modular systems allow for customised layouts depending on available space.
- Transparent or semi-transparent sides improve visibility of the animal. Large access doors or open tops allow for easy handling and interaction.
- Smooth plastic edges prevent injury. Enclosed base keeps bedding, droppings, and food debris contained.
- Closed structure helps to retain warmth better than open wire cages. Ideal for maintaining a consistent temperature, which is critical for hedgehog health.
- Generally more affordable than wooden vivariums or custom enclosures. Easy to replace individual panels if damaged.
Fleece liners (soft and reusable)
Benefits of Fleece Liners for African Pygmy Hedgehogs
Fleece liners are a popular bedding choice for African Pygmy Hedgehogs due to their comfort, hygiene, and practicality. Here are the key reasons they are considered beneficial:
- Fleece is non-abrasive, making it ideal for hedgehogs’ sensitive feet. Prevents foot injuries such as sore hocks or abrasions, common with rougher substrates.
- Unlike wood shavings, fleece does not produce dust, reducing the risk of respiratory irritation. Safer for both hedgehogs and owners with allergies.
- Washable and environmentally friendly compared to disposable bedding. Long-term cost savings as fleece liners can be reused for months with proper care.
- When paired with an absorbent layer underneath, fleece draws moisture away from the surface. Keeps the top layer dry and comfortable for the hedgehog.
- Solid waste can be spot-cleaned daily, and the liner can be machine-washed weekly. Helps maintain a hygienic and odour-free environment.
- Unlike loose substrates, fleece presents low ingestion risk, which can otherwise lead to intestinal blockages.
- When used with hideouts and tunnels, fleece creates a snug, burrow-like space that mimics natural behaviours.
Note: Fleece must be properly prepared before use—washed several times to enable wicking. Always ensure liners are free of loose threads to prevent limb entanglement.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/868182746/c-and-c-kavee-cage-ferplast-fleece-cage?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_e-pet_supplies&utm_custom1=k_Cj0KCQjwlrvBBhDnARIsAHEQgOTbOHZL0y8hOw4vs4os0M8_0LkRkKAnh7TU6ov8rI0yj5lYNI_YMWcaAsqIEALw_wcB_k&utm_content=go_21822300376_169452895856_717564634925_pla-314535281500_c__868182746engb_102858184&utm_custom2=21822300376&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21822300376&gbraid=0AAAAADutTMcolJ_E0c5AIbB0dw7vOOb-O&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlrvBBhDnARIsAHEQgOTbOHZL0y8hOw4vs4os0M8_0LkRkKAnh7TU6ov8rI0yj5lYNI_YMWcaAsqIEALw_wcB
Benefits of Paper-Based Bedding for African Pygmy Hedgehogs
Paper-based bedding is a widely recommended substrate for African Pygmy Hedgehogs due to its safety, absorbency, and overall comfort. Below are the primary advantages:
1. Highly Absorbent
Paper bedding can absorb 2–3 times its weight in moisture, keeping the enclosure dry and reducing odour.
Helps maintain a hygienic environment essential for hedgehog health.
2. Soft and Comfortable
Offers a soft surface for burrowing, nesting, and walking.
Gentle on feet, making it suitable for hedgehogs prone to foot injuries or recovering from illness.
3. Low Dust and Hypoallergenic
Most high-quality brands (e.g. Carefresh, Kaytee Clean & Cozy) are virtually dust-free.
Reduces the risk of respiratory irritation, both for the hedgehog and the owner.
4. Safe if Ingested Minimally
Unlike wood shavings, paper bedding is digestible in small amounts, posing a lower risk if accidentally ingested.
5. Encourages Natural Behaviour
Allows for burrowing and digging, helping to fulfil the hedgehog’s natural instincts.
Can be fluffed up to simulate a more natural environment.
6. Easy to Spot Clean
Waste is easy to remove daily due to its colour contrast and clumping ability.
Full bedding changes are recommended weekly to maintain hygiene.
Note: Avoid scented or inked paper products, as artificial fragrances and dyes can irritate a hedgehog’s skin and respiratory system.
Benefits of Organic Soil for Pet Hedgehogs
Organic soil, when used safely and appropriately, can provide a naturalistic and enriching environment for pet hedgehogs—particularly African Pygmy Hedgehogs. Here are the key advantages:
- Organic soil promotes digging, foraging, and burrowing, which are instinctive behaviours in wild hedgehogs. Helps reduce stress and boredom, contributing to mental stimulation.
- True organic soils are free from pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilisers, reducing the risk of skin irritation or toxic ingestion. Ensures a non-toxic environment for a sensitive exotic pet.
- Can help regulate humidity levels in the enclosure, which may be beneficial in preventing overly dry skin or respiratory issues. However, must be monitored to avoid excessive dampness.
- Loamy organic soil provides a soft substrate that supports burrowing without damaging feet or nails.
- Soil is ideal for play bins or supervised digging areas, allowing hedgehogs to explore in a natural setting without making it the primary substrate (which could be harder to keep clean in a full enclosure).
⚠️ Important Considerations:
- Only use sterilised organic topsoil—no added compost, manure, or wood chips.
- Avoid soils with perlite, vermiculite, or bark fragments, which can pose ingestion or impaction risks.
- Replace regularly to avoid the build-up of bacteria or mould.
Litter tray wooden cat pellets
Benefits of Wooden Cat Pellets in a Litter Tray for African Pygmy Hedgehogs
Wooden cat pellets (also known as compressed wood litter) are a popular and effective litter tray option for hedgehogs due to their safety, absorbency, and cleanliness. Below are the primary benefits:
- Compressed wood pellets absorb moisture efficiently, breaking down into sawdust when wet. Helps keep the litter tray dry and odour-free, improving hygiene in the enclosure.
- The natural scent of wood provides mild deodorising without artificial fragrances. Helps control waste-related smells without irritating the hedgehog’s sensitive respiratory system.
- High-quality wooden pellets are virtually dust-free, reducing the risk of respiratory irritation or allergic reactions. Safer than loose sawdust or clumping clay litters.
- Typically made from untreated, kiln-dried softwood (often pine or spruce), they are free from harmful additives. If ingested in small amounts, the risk of internal blockage is low due to their firm structure.
- Many hedgehogs will choose to use a litter tray if it contains a distinct substrate, such as wooden pellets, that is different from their main bedding. This helps isolate waste, making spot-cleaning easier and reducing overall mess in the enclosure.
- Widely available and affordable. Biodegradable—can often be composted or disposed of with minimal environmental impact.
⚠️ Important Use Notes:
- Only use non-clumping, unscented, and chemical-free wooden pellets.
- Change the litter daily or every 2 days to maintain hygiene.
- Avoid using in the main bedding area—only in a dedicated litter tray.
Hides and nesting – Benefits of Guinea Pig Hides for Pet Hedgehogs
The hoghouse on etsy do great hides for hedgehogs aswell as normal guinea pig hides on kavee. Guinea pig hides are well-suited for African Pygmy Hedgehogs due to their size, comfort, and ability to meet the hedgehog’s natural need for security and privacy. While originally designed for guinea pigs, these hides translate well to hedgehog husbandry for the following reasons:
- Hedgehogs are prey animals and instinctively seek out dark, enclosed spaces to feel secure.
- Hides replicate natural burrows or dens, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Most guinea pig hides are appropriately sized for adult hedgehogs, offering enough room to turn around while still feeling snug therefore you do not need a hedgehog specific hide.
- Supports resting, nesting, and hiding—key behaviours for physical and psychological wellbeing.
- Can be filled with fleece, shredded paper, or soft bedding to simulate nesting conditions.
- Most plastic or fabric g hides are machine-washable or wipeable, promoting hygiene and odour control.
- Guinea pig hides are a lot more common to find in your average pet store than a specific hedgehog wide which works the same.
- Fabric foraging strips are beneficial for enrichment, natural behaviours, comfort, and safety.
⚠️ Important Use Notes:
- Ensure there are no small gaps, sharp edges, or loose threads that could trap a hedgehog’s limbs or quills.
- Fabric hides should be inspected regularly for wear and tear and replaced if damaged.
The hoghouse hide
Kavee guinea pig hide
The hoghouse foraging strips.
Why a Large Plastic Wheel Is Essential for Pet Hedgehogs
Carolina storm bucket wheel on etsy or giant rat wheel pets at home. A large plastic exercise wheel is a critical part of any African Pygmy Hedgehog’s enclosure. It supports both physical and mental health while meeting their natural instinct to roam. Here’s why it is necessary—and why plastic is preferred:
1. Supports Essential Daily Exercise
- Hedgehogs are naturally active and roam several miles per night in the wild.
- A properly sized wheel provides a safe, enclosed space for them to burn energy, which helps prevent obesity, muscle atrophy, and related health issues.
2. Must Be Large to Protect Spine and Posture
- Hedgehogs require a minimum wheel diameter of 12 inches (30 cm) to run with a straight back.
- Smaller wheels force the spine to arch unnaturally, leading to chronic back pain or spinal injury.
3. Plastic Design = Safe and Hygienic
- Solid plastic running surfaces prevent foot injuries and nail snags, unlike wire or mesh wheels.
- Plastic wheels are easier to clean, preventing the build-up of faeces or urine that could lead to bacterial infections.
4. Quiet and Low-Impact
- High-quality plastic wheels (e.g. Carolina Storm Wheel, Silent Runner) are quiet, making them ideal for a nocturnal animal active during the night.
- Reduces noise disturbance for both hedgehog and owner.
5. Encourages Natural Behaviour
- Promotes exploration and self-regulation, contributing to better mood and sleep cycles.
- Also helps reduce stress and behavioural issues in solitary, enclosure-kept pets.
⚠️ Important Notes:
- Avoid wheels with wire rungs or open grids, which pose serious risks of foot entrapment, injury, or amputation.
- Clean the wheel daily or every other day, as hedgehogs often defecate while running.
- Ensure the wheel has a stable, enclosed base and does not tip or rattle.
Carolina storm bucket wheel
Giant rat wheel
Feeding & Hydration
Ceramic bowls are good for hedgehogs as they are easy to clean and generally heavier than plastic bowls making it less likely to tip over.
These are some kibble recommendations