Generally speaking hedgehogs are very easy keepers. They require food, water and a nice place to live just like any critter. But there are a few special concerns to keep in mind. Before getting a hedgehog make sure you are able to provide the following:

A warm temperature year round. Hedgehogs can not survive if the temp. falls below 70 degrees Farenheit. Ideally you should keep the room your hedgehog is in at 72-78 degrees.

A high quality adult cat food. Not hedgehog food! Most commercial hedgehogs are remarkably inappropriate for an insectivore. The first three ingredients listed on the label should be meat products. The protein level should be around 30% and the fat content should be around 20% but not much higher.

Non-cedar bedding is a must. Some hedgehog's can be litter trained, some can't. If you are going to use a bedding material use either kiln-dried pine or aspen.

Mites happen. If your hedgehog gets mites will you be financially able to take it to the vet? Treating mites is going to cost about $100 to $150, maybe more, depending on you area.

Are you aware that hedgehogs will occasionally have to go to the vet and due to the nature of exotics it may be hard to find a knowledge one? Are you able to, not only afford the purchase price of your new pet, but also it's vet bills?

Hedgehog's do best in solid surface cages. Modified Rubbermaid containers make very inexpensive and easy to clean cages!! I have used and do not recommend the following : aquariums, ferret cages and home made second stories.

Best of all - PLAYTIME! Do you have time to play with your hedgehog on a regular basis? Hedgehogs are very friendly if handled regularly. If you just plan to keep your hedgie in it's cage all the time, you'd probably be better off with a different animal. You don't do your hedgehog any favors by leaving it alone.

Seperate homes for seperate hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are not social. They will not enjoy a room mate. (Occasional exceptions may be made for female hedgehogs, especially sisters.) Two male hedgehogs will try to kill each other if put in the same cage.

The lifespan of a hedgehog can be anywhere from 3 to 10 years. Expect your hedgehog to live to be four but be prepared to provide a home for up to ten years if you get so lucky.

This is not the be all and end all to hedgehog information available online. I'm not attempting to re-invent the wheel, just to provide some basics. So if you'd like some more indept information try out my links page.