Are pet hedgehogs legal UK?

Are African pygmy hedgehogs currently legal to own in the UK? Unfortunately, It’s currently legal to own an African pygmy hedgehog as a pet, however under the Animal Welfare Act, owners must be able to meet the animal’s full welfare needs, which includes allowing the animal full opportunity to display normal behaviour.

How much does it cost to own a hedgehog?

Typical costs: Hedgehogs range in price from $125-$250, depending on the hedgehog’s age, color, and temperament. Some breeders offer hedgehog starter kits for around $75 that include a cage, wheel, a hiding place, water bottle, feed bowl and food, and some shavings.

Is it cruel to have a hedgehog as a pet?

So, is it cruel to keep a hedgehog as a pet? There is no harm in deciding to keep a pet hedgehog, as long as you love and care for it as you would any other pet. Many people decide to keep African Pygmy hedgehogs as pets, and they need more care and maintenance than other pets.

Do hedgehogs bite you?

Hedgehogs can bite you, but very rarely will that happen. This usually happens when they are young and think your fingers are going to feed them (if they have been fed via a syringe as they had no mother). They are strong enough to dig their teeth in to your flesh, however, they very rarely bite.

Are hedgehogs cuddly?

Hedgehogs got their name from the way they search for food in hedges and snort. The simple fact is, humans love hedgehogs. Despite not being as “cuddly” as cats or dogs thanks to the spines, or quills, that cover their backs, these animals have always held a special place in our hearts.

Do hedgehogs like to be held?

Caretakers note that it takes a lot of time and effort to get a hedgehog to tolerate being held. Like porcupines, hedgehogs have sharp, prickly quills that they use to fend off predators. When they feel anxious or threatened, these spikes stand up in all directions, making the animals difficult to handle.

Why you shouldn’t get a hedgehog?

Some regions have banned the practice of keeping hedgehogs, as some carry the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease. They can also transmit salmonella bacteria as well as viral and fungal diseases, and their sharp spines can puncture skin and cause infections.

Do hedgehogs like tummy rubs?

Being belly up and exposed goes against all their survival instincts, so it is pretty unusual to have belly rubs accepted right away. Hedgehogs are not nearly as far removed from wild animals as dogs or cats so these instincts are still strong.

Where can you buy a baby Hedgehog?

The most common places that you can buy a baby hedgehog are as follows: An online advertising source like Craigslist. A local privately-owned pet store. A reptile and exotic animal convention. An online breeder.

How do you raise a hedgehog?

Hedgehogs need a dry, safe place to raise young and hibernate, and a box is the perfect habitat. Ideally, cover it with plastic sheeting and a layer of leaves and make an entrance tunnel (around 12cm x 12cm and 40cm long) to prevent predators getting in. Site it under a north-facing hedge, out of the way.

What is the lifespan of a hedgehog?

Hedgehogs have a relatively long lifespan for their size. Larger species of hedgehogs live 4–7 years in the wild (some have been recorded up to 16 years), and smaller species live 2–4 years (4–7 in captivity), compared to a mouse at 2 years and a large rat at 3–5 years.

Are hedgehogs high maintenance?

-High maintenance. Hedgehogs are fairly high maintenance. Their cages need to be cleaned out on a regular basis, they need to have special food, they need to be kept at the right temperature, they need to go to an exotic pet vet, etc.