The hedgehog is a small mammal belonging to the Erinaceinae Family. Currently there are 16 species, divided into five genera, which are distributed throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. These animals have become enormously popular in recent years as pets, however, we must know that they are nocturnal animals that feed mainly on insects.
Maybe you are wondering, Is it right to have a hedgehog as a pet? In this article on our site we will review the Spanish regulations on keeping of wild animals, the behavior of these animals and other fundamental aspects if you finally come to consider their ownership, such as care.
Is it legal to have a hedgehog in Spain?
We must know that it is not legal to have a hedgehog in Spain, nor any hybrid, of the following species included in the Spanish Catalog of Invasive Alien Species: the African pygmy hedgehog or white-bellied hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and long-eared hedgehog or Egyptian hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus)
Only those people who have declared their possession one year after the entry into force of the regulatory regulations may keep their animals. It is also required to sterilize and identify the animals, as well as to sign a responsible declaration. In addition, it is totally forbidden to release, commercialize, reproduce or transfer to any of the mentioned species. [1] [2]
But in addition, it is also prohibited to keep in captivity the endemic species and their hybrids that are not considered Invasive Alien Species: the hedgehog European (Erinaceus europaeus) and the Moorish hedgehog (Atelerix algirus).
Characteristics and behavior of the hedgehog
Hedgehogs are especially known for their spikes: hollow hairs full of keratin These are neither poisonous nor sharp (they still cause pain) and can be shed in youth or in times of stress. If threatened, they are capable of curling up on themselves forming a small ball of spikes, as it is their natural defense mechanism They show five fingers, with extremely well sharpened, which allow them to dig to get food on the ground, they eat mainly insects. They sniff endlessly.
Continuing with the characteristics of hedgehogs, we must know that they measure between 10 and 15 cm and that, at most, they can weigh 400 grams. They are nocturnal animals, specifically twilight, so they spend most of the day sleeping, hidden in their burrow, where they feel protected and safe. They experience a period of torpor, which varies depending on the climate and the resources available in the area. They can hibernate or stow.
They communicate with a wide range of sounds: from growls to screeches. They are very sensitive to sudden movements and sounds, because they destabilize them. It is then that they resort to their defense mechanism, showing their quills, while performing an accelerated "breath" until they feel that the danger disappears from around them.
They often perform a ritual or custom known as " anointing". When they perceive a new smell, they go to it, to nibble and smell the stimulus. They then smear their saliva on the object with their tongues. It is a typical behavior of the species that allows them to interact with the environment.
What is it like to have a pet hedgehog?
We will begin by emphasizing that the hedgehog is not a domestic animal, because unlike the dog or cat it has not lived closely with being human. This means that their possession in a domestic environment is incompatible with the needs and behaviors of the species, such as digging for insects.
Having a hedgehog as a pet, especially if we are not aware of the specific ethology of the species, favors the development of behavioral problems, such as stress, which in turn can cause the development of certain pathologies. Therefore, in addition to breaching the five freedoms of animal welfare, we would also be putting the welfare of the species at risk.
As we have already told you, the hedgehog is a solitary and crepuscular animal We should not expect a sociable, affectionate or active behavior from it during the day. On the contrary, it is an independent animal that spends most of the day sleeping. Already at sunset we can see how it comes out of its burrow in search of food and wanting to exercise. It will be essential to enrich the environment with various structures and objects, from tunnels to vegetation, to stimulate your senses and keep your muscles in shape.
You can try to get him used to your presence by offering him small worms, which he loves, or small portions of fruit and vegetables. Until the hedgehog is used to it, it should be handled with gloves, since its quills can be really painful. It is completely normal to see him holding rapid breaths, making small "sneezes" and moving his nose non-stop.
Although they can get used to the presence of people, most hedgehogs are not going to be social pets, in fact, in some cases these animals experience fear towards humans. You should be very clear about these points before adopting a hedgehog, since the numbers of abandonment of these animals are especially high and can be prevented through responsible adoption and ownership.
Basic hedgehog care
Below we will make a general review of the basic care of a hedgehog, in this way you will know what it requires in its day to day to stay he althy and have an optimal state of well-being.
The hedgehog's cage
The space for the hedgehog should be as large as possible. In this sense, it is important not to skimp and offer a spacious and comfortable environment, of a minimum of 175 x 70 x 50 cm It is unlikely that you will find specific cages for these animals, so you should buy any wire cage that meets the desired characteristics. The ideal is that it has several levels and that the bars do not exceed two centimeters between each other.
We will place a nest so that it can hide, a substrate at the base of the cage for greater hygiene and other enrichment elements (preferably natural), such as catwalks, logs or grasses, which we can find in animal product stores or veterinary clinics. We should completely avoid placing cloth or a hamster wheel.
They require a temperature of between 25 ºC and 27 ºC so in winter it is essential to have individual heating for it, in otherwise it could winter. Likewise, they prefer low-light environments. They do not require regular baths, but it is important to disinfect their environment two to three times a week to prevent illness.
Hedgehog feeding
The hedgehogs should be fed at the time of greatest activity, that is, at dusk and dawn We will search the market specific food for the species and, in the case of not finding it in our locality, we must go to a specialized veterinarian for advice. Insectivorous food for mammals, low in fat, is generally offered.
It is highly recommended that insects, fruits and vegetables be present in the hedgehog's diet.
Coexistence with other animals
The hedgehog is a solitary animal, which is also greatly affected by loud noises and movements. For all these reasons, it is not advisable to adopt a hedgehog if we have other animals at home, as it is very likely that their stress levels will skyrocket on a daily basis.
Hedgehog diseases
He alth is an important aspect that must be taken into account by all those who wish to have a hedgehog as a pet. In addition to knowing the most common diseases in hedgehogs, it is very important to make regular visits to a veterinarian specialized in exotic animals every 6 or 12 months to offer a adequate preventive medicine, detect and prevent any pathology promptly.
The most common diseases in hedgehogs are:
- Dry skin: Especially in cold climates, the skin of hedgehogs can become dry and cracked, even losing some quills. It will be essential to keep your dermis hydrated with the products prescribed by the specialist in the veterinary consultation.
- Parasites: Parasite infestations can develop for a variety of reasons, including direct contact outdoors, transmission from other pets or poor hygiene. There are many deworming products, the vet will prescribe the most suitable one.
- Diarrhea: we can notice that our hedgehog has green, yellow, red or black diarrhoea. It may be due to the presence of parasites, a poor diet or poisoning. We will offer him a lot of water to avoid dehydration and we will go to the vet to find a diagnosis and thus start an effective treatment.
- Obesity: it is a very serious and frequent problem in domestic hedgehogs. It will be essential to review the nutritional needs of the species and the appropriate contribution according to the age of the individual. In case of doubt we will consult with the specialist.
- Resfriado: it is a common problem, especially in those domestic hedgehogs that live in a country with a different climate than that required by the individual. We must modify the ambient temperature taking into account the specific needs of the species.
- Entangled hair on legs: This is a very common problem in domestic hedgehogs. Human hairs get tangled on their legs, causing circulation problems that can even cause necrosis and subsequent limb loss. We must be very careful and check your body daily.
In the event of any other abnormal symptom not mentioned, we advise you to go to a specialized veterinarian. Let us remember that these animals are especially sensitive, therefore, we should not hesitate to seek professional help to treat any he alth problem. The life expectancy of hedgehogs is around 8 years maximum.
Where can I adopt a hedgehog?
If you want to have a hedgehog as a pet, it is very likely that you will search the Internet for various options to adopt one of these animals
- Contact an exotic animal shelter and see if they have hedgehogs up for adoption. Many people adopt hedgehogs without knowing how their behavior is and, after learning about it, they abandon them. Shelters and shelters for exotic animals are undoubtedly the best place to adopt a hedgehog. You may have to wait a while before receiving it.
- Avoid acquiring any hedgehog of the species mentioned in this article, going to non-professional breeders or accepting a hedgehog without the corresponding he alth and origin certificate.
