Can you keep a wild hedgehog as a pet?

Answer 1

No - it's illegal most places to keep wild animals as pets. Not to mention, it's highly dangerous for you and will most likely kill the hedgehog due to stress.

A wild animal can never be a pet because they are not domesticated.

Answer 2

The African White Bellied Hedgehog (African Pygmy) is a domesticated species. They make great pets they are properly bred, socialized, and cared for throughout their lives. However, a fault in any of the three above can lead to a very ill-tempered animal that does not make a good pet. Be sure to DO YOUR RESEARCH and find a reputable breeder (part of the hedgehog breeders alliance, offers health/WHS guarantees, socializes their hogs from 3 weeks of age onward EVERY SINGLE DAY and INDIVIDUALLY).

Negative points to consider -

• They require a lot of attention and care.
• They must have regulated temperatures around 75-80 degrees. If this is not provided, they will fall into "hibernation", which is fatal to them.
• They must be constantly socialized (that means every day for at least 15 minutes)
• If they get sick, it can be extremely expensive.
• They require monthly bathing, and toenail trimming - which can be a time consuming task when your hedgehog is particularly grumpy or just doesn't like bathtime.
• If they bite, it is painful (though a well socialized hedgehog rarely bites).
• Your hands will be sensitive to their quills when you begin to handle them.

Positive points to consider -

• They are usually hardy little creatures, but fall prone to dental problems, cancer, and WHS. Well cared for and bred, they typically live long and healthy lives.
• They may not show affection as your dog or cat does, but they do know who you are and show trust by sleeping on you, running to you and hiding, etc
• They typically do not bite unless you smell tasty, if you are not properly handling them, or if they have not been properly socialized.(scented soaps, food smells, etc can smell tasty) However, some animals do bite because they are ill-tempered, scared, or grumpy.
• They are a very rewarding animal to work with - gaining their trust is a task but is well worth the effort.

All other hedgehog species are not domesticated and should not be captured/kept as pets.

Answer 3

Personally i love hedgehogs as pets, but if you are someone who has little time and not a lot of house space, do not have patients, or are afraid of getting bitten or poked hedgehogs aren't good pets for you. But if you have about 2 hours in your day to give to your heggie, have lots of space and love then yes theses are great animals for you.

Answer 4

Check the laws in your area to see if it is legal to confine wild animals; my guess is that this is against the law in most countries. Just because a a wild animal is caged or restrained does not make it a pet. A hedgehog is not domesticated; it is not used to or desirous of human interaction, and, if approached, it would have a natural tendency to flee, fight or roll up in a protective ball. Some pet stores, at least in the United States, sell African pygmy hedgehogs that have been at least partially domesticated. Such an animal would make a far better "pal" than a wild creature that would suffer in confinement and likely die before its time. Besides, not everyone can provide an acceptable home for a wild hedgehog. You would have to properly research its diet, behaviors, needs, and housing. So, bottom line: While you may be able to keep a hedgehog captive legally in some areas, this is not a practical or humane decision.

Answer 5

in some places you can but in oters rules are strict or are iligal