Types of Cages for Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs closely resemble and may be mistaken for porcupines, as both have quills that are used as a defense mechanism. While there are more than one species of hedgehog, it is the African pygmy (Atelerix albiventris) hedgehog that is most commonly kept and sold as a companion animal. When selecting a cage for a hedgehog, space ventilation, durability and safe pet containment are essential features necessary to providing a hedgehog with a comfortable living habitat.

  1. Ventilation

    • Place hedgehog habitats in well-lit rooms away from drafts and out of direct sunlight.

      Hedgehogs are solitary creatures that are happiest with at least four square feet of space. There are several types of cage designs that can comfortably accommodate their curious and shy personality. Ninety-six quart plastic tubs can be used for a hedgehog habitat, but to obtain good ventilation, additional holes should be drilled in the sides (between 1/2 and 5/8 of an inch in size). While glass aquariums can be used for a hedgehog habitat, they severely reduce the amount of clean air the hedgehog is exposed to. As a result, only a 20 gallon tank or larger is recommended to accommodate a single hedgehog.

    Flooring

    • Cages with bar spacing of 1/2 inch or less that have solid flooring, ramps and platforms are ideal, as they are easy to maintain, provide excellent ventilation and maximize habitat enrichment space. Small animal cages that have wire bottoms can be used; however, hedgehogs do not thrive on cages with wire bottoms. To prevent injury, place a carpet flooring down on top of the wire so that the carpet covers the entire surface area of the cage bottom, giving the hedgehog a solid floor to walk on. Carpet should be clean, dry and not able to tangle in the hedgehog's feet or quills.

    Cage Space

    • Guinea pig habitats and cages with bar spacing less than 1/2 inch are also ideal hedgehog cages because they are made from non-toxic materials, have solid flooring and provide excellent ventilation as well as a safe environment. However, small animal habitats made for hamsters simply do not provide enough space for a hedgehog to thrive. Many pet supply stores and outlets have a variety of small animal cages that will meet all of the requirements necessary to provide a safe home for a companion hedgehog.

    Considerations

    • Some hedgehogs may sleep in a loosely formed ball and only roll into a tight ball when scared.

      Hedgehogs spend their time in the wild searching for food such a snails, worms and insects, so finding habitat enrichment toys and hide-and-seek treats will stimulate the hedgehogs natural instinct to forage for food. Because hedgehogs are nocturnal, it is also necessary for a companion hedgehog to have a hideaway tube or sleeping house to sleep in during the day, a litter pan with non-toxic, natural litter and natural bedding such as aspen shavings or newspaper pellets. Fresh water, a fortified hedgehog diet and a weekly cage-cleaning regiment to keep bedding and litter clean are also essential in caring for a companion hedgehog.