How to Buy a Hedgehog

Co-authored by Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN

Last Updated: October 24, 2022 Approved

Buying a hedgehog for a pet can be daunting if you don't know what to look for. These exotic pets are rare and sometimes illegal, so the first challenge is to find a reputable breeder. Even when you do, you'll have to be careful to select a healthy hedgehog with a great personality. Choose carefully, however, and you'll have a unique and loveable pet to treasure.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Finding a Breeder

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Check if hedgehogs are legal in your area. Hedgehogs are considered exotic pets and are illegal in some locations. In others, the sale of hedgehogs is heavily regulated and it may be difficult to find a seller.^{[1]
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- To learn about which states are illegal, go to: http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/illegal.shtml and speak to your veterinarian or contact your state veterinary board.
2
Find potential sellers. Since hedgehogs are rare pets, don’t be surprised if you have to travel a distance to find someone who sells them. Your nearest options may include pet stores, individuals, and full-fledged breeders. Professional breeders are the preferred option.^{[2]
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- If you know anyone that has a pet hedgehog, ask them where they bought it to get some ideas.
- You can also search for something like “Hedgehogs for sale in South Carolina.”
- Be wary of buying a hedgehog from a pet store. If you are interested in one, be sure to ask the store where they got the hedgehogs from and try to check their sources if possible.
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3
Look for a USDA licensed breeder, if you are in the United States. The sale of hedgehogs and other exotic pets is regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in that country. Not all breeders seek official license from the USDA, but this certification is a sign of a quality, reputable one.
- Professional breeders may also belong to organizations such as the Hedgehog Breeders Alliance, the Hedgehog Welfare Society, or the International Hedgehog Association.
4
Be wary of buying hedgehogs from non-professional breeders. Individuals selling hedgehogs from their backyard may have bred or raised the animals in poor conditions, and they may have health problems. Ask to see the breeding site and both parents to make sure they’re healthy and happy before you agree to buy a hedgehog.
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Be prepared for a wait. Unlike buying some pets, you may not be able to get a hedgehog immediately, even if you find a seller. Hedgehogs are typically pregnant for 30-40 days before giving birth to around 3-5 babies.^{[3]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Selecting a Hedgehog

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Buy a hedgehog when it is 6-12 weeks old. Hedgehogs that are too young won’t be ready to live on their own. On the other hand, it might be harder to get an older hedgehog used to you and a new home.^{[5]
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2
Play with the hedgehog. Like kittens or puppies, individual hedgehogs will have distinct personalities, some playful and active, some calm. Look for one that has the personality you’re looking for and pick it up.^{[6]
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- Young hedgehogs won’t be as prickly, and you can easily pick them up.
- The hedgehog may quickly curl up into a ball when you pick it up. This is a natural defense mechanism. If this happens, be calm and patient while it relaxes and adjusts to being held in your hands.
- Healthy hedgehogs will normally uncurl themselves fairly quickly and investigate your hand.
- If the hedgehog clicks, hops, or jumps, put it back in its cage and let it settle down and become more relaxed. These signs indicate that the hedgehog is scared and/or stressed, and it may attack.
3
Avoid choosing a female that has been housed with a male. Good breeders will have separated young hedgehogs by gender. If males and females are housed together, they may quickly mate. When female hedgehogs become pregnant too early, this can cause a number of health problems.^{[7]
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- Accidentally buying a pregnant female can also leave you with a litter of hedgehog babies before too long.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Checking the Hedgehog’s Health

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Ask for certification that the animal is healthy. Reputable breeders will have veterinary records on the parents and proof of vet checks on the babies. They should also be able to give you information about any illnesses or issues that the hedgehog has had, and inform you about any vaccines the hedgehog might be required to get in your area.^{[8]
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- If the seller seems shifty or unwilling to share details about the animal’s health, buy elsewhere.
2
Look at the hedgehog’s eyes. They should be round, bright, and fully open. There should not be any sign of discharge from or crustiness around the eyes, as this can indicate an illness.^{[9]
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Check the animal’s nose. A healthy hedgehog will have a dry, clean nose. A wet, runny, or crusty nose is a sign that the animal is not well.^{[10]
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Take a look at the hedgehog's skin. While hedgehogs’ backs are covered on spines, you’ll still be able to see some of their skin as they move around. Be wary if you see any bumps, sores, or other odd spots.^{[11]
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- If the hedgehog rolls over, you can also see its fur-covered belly. The fur should be soft, smooth, and free of any mats or tangles. There should not be any missing patches of fur or areas where the fur is thinned out.
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Make sure the hedgehog is well proportioned. A healthy hedgehog will eat well. The animal’s body should be plump, with no loose skin. It should not be so fat, however, that it cannot roll into a ball.^{[12]
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6
Watch how the hedgehog walks. African hedgehogs, a variety commonly sold as pets, are at risk of a neurodegenerative condition known as Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS). Before purchasing a hedgehog, watch it walk. If it wobbles, limps or winces, the hedgehog is not likely to be healthy, and should not be sold.
- Hedgehogs with WHS will suffer a number of health problems, and likely die at a young age.
- Reputable dealers will not knowingly sell hedgehogs affected by WHS.

Expert Q&A

Question

How much does it cost to buy a hedgehog?

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Expert Answer

Hedgehogs can be, at the low end, under $100, and at the top end, over $200.
Question

Do pet hedgehogs hurt?

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Expert Answer

No, they don't. That is a common misconception. They are quite benign. Of course being poked by a hedgehog doesn't feel great, but it's easy to avoid.
Question

What states is it illegal to own a hedgehog in?

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Expert Answer

It is illegal to own a hedgehog in the following states: Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Georgia, Arizona, and Maine.