Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's

We remind people again, unless experienced or partnered with a breeder who is a mentor, DO NOT try to breed your hedgehogs alone. You won't get rich and risk losing your mother and babies. Speak to a vet AND a Licensed breeder about this if you don't believe us. Raising healthy friendly hedgies is NOT easy and definitely not a fun activity for your kids.

Is a hedgehog the right pet for you? Please read through this brief information page and also try researching hedgehogs with your local veterinarian for more information on domestic African Pygmy Hedgehogs as a pet for you. Whenever you have a question don't try to solve it yourself, contact a licensed breeder or veterinarian for assistance.  We hope we don't discourage anyone from owning a hedgehog, they are FABULOUS little pets; we simply want to make new owners aware of what all is important to consider when deciding to make a hedgie part of your family!

Hedgehogs can live from 5 to 8 years.Our number one cause for rescues surrendered to us is that they had been purchased for a child's pet and the child no longer has interest in them. For this reason we do not recommend our pets to young children. 

It is Federal law that you can not have more than three breeding females at a time without a USDA License.

We will have an owner's guide that we have collaborated on with other breeders and veterinarians available for online purchase soon!

 Basic Hedgehog Care:

1) Supplies and Cages-

Cages should be at least 2.5' x 1.5' in size with high sides and good ventilation. We suggest large aquariums or plastic storage bins this size. The bedding used should be alpine or recycled paper. Do not use newspaper or cedar wood chips, the newspaper has dyes on it that may be harmful and the cedar is toxic to your pet. Use a water bottle that the hedgehog can reach. A shallow but heavy food dish is needed.  An exercise wheel is good for your pet's health, a plastic large wheel with metal base and bucket like wheel without rungs is safest. A fleece or plastic pet bed/ igloo can be added for your pet to sleep in as well. Clean cage and wheel weekly.

2) Diet- 

These animals are omnivores. Hedgehogs have a high protein diet. Store bought meal worms, crickets, small amounts of cottage cheese, and eggs can make good supplements to their daily diet. The basic food can be IAMS brand kitten chow dry cat food and a touch of canned small dog food such as Mighty Dog -or a packaged commercial food specially intended for Hedgehogs. A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables can be offered from time to time, if unsure about what is safe or not you should consult your veterinarian before feeding. Feedings should be once daily. Remember to keep food dishes clean and do not allow your hedgehog to become obese!

3) Environment-

Hedgehogs make great pets for people in apartments, students, or those who work long hours. They are nocturnal creatures who do best in quiet homes with few disturbances. Hedgehogs need to be in a warm environment between the mid 70's and low 80's in temperature, too cold and they can go in and out of a state of hibernation that can cause illness and even death. Hedgehogs tend to bond with only a few people and can be very shy around strangers.  YOUNG CHILDREN do not make good owners. Most of our rescued animals are surrendered by parents who learn too late that these animals do not suit young children, for this reason we will not allow our babies to go to children under the age of 14 years of age AND you must be at least 16 years of age to purchase a baby without a parent or guardian's consent from us or from PHAT Exotics.

Homes should have central air and heat; owners should be able to provide a clean and  smoke free environment to these animals. Make sure that you can legally own a hedgehog in your city and rental property (if renting) before you buy one! 

4) Play- 

Hedgehogs can use the bathtub as a great playground. Pull the drain closed and place several of their toys, wheel, etc. in the tub with the hedgehog, turn out the lights to simulate night time when they are active.  Be careful with toilet paper rolls as shown in the video below! Plastic exercise balls will work for hedgehogs as well but you must supervise this play time.

5) Bath Time- 

Use room temperature water and fill a sink or bathtub enough so that the hedgehog can touch the bottom safely. Use an old tooth brush and scrub feet, you can use a small bit of baby shampoo in the bath if you are careful to avoid the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. Rinse the hedgehog very well and pour about 2 Tsp. of vegetable, olive, or sunflower oil over their quills. Brush the oil in with the tooth brush. Bathe the hedgehog once a week when you clean the cage. Return the clean hedgehog to the clean cage when done.

If you ever have a problem or question about your pet we always answer our emails and do our best to assist other hedgie owners.  

Here is an additional Basic Care Guide from the Hedgehog Welfare Association, just click the logo:

If you are still interested in owning a baby hedgehog please proceed to our  'Hedgehogs Available' page! We have new litters on average 3 times a year. Color and sex are NOT guaranteed in pre-sales. We DO try to accommodate requests but it is more up to mother nature than us as of to how many girls vs. boys we get!