When it comes to exotic pets, it's safe to say that hedgehogs are among the most common. For many people, this is the ideal pet choice. For others, the appeal may be lost. After all, hedgehogs are not exactly the most typical pet, especially when compared to cats, dogs, and goldfish. For future pet owners that may be particularly intrigued by hedgehogs, the following 4 tidbits are worth keeping in mind.
When it comes to hedgehogs, particularly as pets, not all locations allow them. As a matter of fact, if you're a resident of a state such as Georgia, California or Maine, you won't be able to keep this animal as a pet. States have certain rules associated with exotic pets, which is why you should read up on your location's guidelines ahead of time. Authorities on pet care like Assisi Animal Health will tell you to do the same.
One of the most striking characteristics of hedgehogs are the quills on their backs. Not only does a single animal have approximately 5,000 individual spines, but these can be used for protection. If this animal feels threatened or intimidated, they curl up into a ball, the quills in question shooting up afterward. This provides the aforementioned protection that allows hedgehogs to stay safe in the wild.
The reason why these animals are called "hedgehogs" is the fact that they are mostly found in garden hedges. For hedgehogs, these areas are ideal for finding shelter and food alike. Speaking of food, hedgehogs are known for consuming worms, centipedes, and other smaller creatures. In any event, if you have hedges on your lawn that you maintain, take a closer look inside of them. There's a possibility that a hedgehog or two made them their habitat.
Many people don't know that the hedgehog is a nocturnal animal, too. They will sleep all day, only being active at night. This isn't an uncommon ritual, as other animals are active during the evening while other creatures sleep. Raccoons, bats, and owls are some of the most prominent examples of nocturnal creatures. Hedgehogs have acute smelling and hearing, but poor eyesight, so this lifestyle is perfect for them.
When it comes to hedgehogs, particularly as pets, not all locations allow them. As a matter of fact, if you're a resident of a state such as Georgia, California or Maine, you won't be able to keep this animal as a pet. States have certain rules associated with exotic pets, which is why you should read up on your location's guidelines ahead of time. Authorities on pet care like Assisi Animal Health will tell you to do the same.
One of the most striking characteristics of hedgehogs are the quills on their backs. Not only does a single animal have approximately 5,000 individual spines, but these can be used for protection. If this animal feels threatened or intimidated, they curl up into a ball, the quills in question shooting up afterward. This provides the aforementioned protection that allows hedgehogs to stay safe in the wild.
The reason why these animals are called "hedgehogs" is the fact that they are mostly found in garden hedges. For hedgehogs, these areas are ideal for finding shelter and food alike. Speaking of food, hedgehogs are known for consuming worms, centipedes, and other smaller creatures. In any event, if you have hedges on your lawn that you maintain, take a closer look inside of them. There's a possibility that a hedgehog or two made them their habitat.
Many people don't know that the hedgehog is a nocturnal animal, too. They will sleep all day, only being active at night. This isn't an uncommon ritual, as other animals are active during the evening while other creatures sleep. Raccoons, bats, and owls are some of the most prominent examples of nocturnal creatures. Hedgehogs have acute smelling and hearing, but poor eyesight, so this lifestyle is perfect for them.
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