There are many different breeds of hogs but only two that are the main breeds you may be familiar with. Please keep in mind that hedgehogs are not legal in every state or country. Some states even require special permits to own a hedgehog. Please check if they are legal before inquiring to own one.
African Pygmy (domesticated and bred to be pets)
European (endangered species/wild animal/illegal to own)
As of 2019 African Pygmy (pet) hedgehogs are illegal to own in: California, Georgia, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Omaha Nebraska, New York City (The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island), Washington DC, and Australia
As of 2019, states that require permits to own: Arizona, Maine, New Jersey, Wyoming, Wisconsin
Hogs are solitary animals and should never be housed with another hog. There are some rare exceptions to this but we do not recommend housing any hogs together for their safety and wellbeing. Require minimum cage floor space of 2 ft. by 3 ft., although we recommend a minimum of 2 ft. by 4 ft. For a bioactive cage the minimum is 2 ft. by 4 ft.
Hogs require a cage temperature between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything below 70 degrees is too cold and can lead to your hog attempting hibernation (which can lead to death). Anything above 85 degrees can be considered too hot, although hogs can tolerate temperatures up to 90 (although it would not be comfortable and should be avoided).
Ceramic Lamp Socket/Dome (8.5" or larger)
100-150 Watt Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE bulb) that does not emit light
Thermostat with probe to regulate the temperature
Another safe option: Chicken brooder (ex: Brinsea)
Unsafe: heating pads, bulbs that emit light (colored heat bulbs or day/night bulbs)
Hogs are insectivores that need a primary diet of live (avoid freeze dried or canned) insects in order to consume chitin, which is a nutrient they need. In addition to this, domesticated hogs have a staple of cat kibble offered as well.
Primary insects: Dubia roaches, Superworms, Waxworms, Hornworms, Black Solider Fly Larvae (BSFL), Phoenix worms
Occasional insects (to be fed limited): Mealworms, Crickets, Silkworms, Butterworms
Safe Proteins (must be cooked and should be fed 5-6 times a week): beef, chicken, salmon, organ meats, chicken liver/kidney/heart, beef heart, eggs, frozen pinky (thawed).
Extra: Flax seed, Vitamin E, or coconut oil can be added to their kibble (never put oils directly on their skin)
Hedgehog Precision is the only safe hedgehog specific-marketed kibble
Cat kibble should be grain-free, protein of 30-35%, and fat between 10-15% and also depends on the weight of the hog. It's best to offer a variety of 3+ cat kibbles mixed together.
Kibble suggestions: Solid Gold, Taste of the Wild, Inception, the Honest Kitchen
Other safe foods (should be limited): Baby food, Freeze-dried raw treats (ex: Instinct), Hedgehog Precision Bug Blocks, wet/canned cat food
RARELY/NEVER feed any fruits or vegetables. They are hard on their stomachs to digest and should be avoided.
Unlimited fresh water in a bowl. Bowls encourage more hydration and are more natural for animals to drink out of.
Bedding Options: Anti-pill fleece or Unscented paper bedding
Litter Options: Aspen shavings, Kiln dried Pine pellets, paper pellets, kiln dried pine shavings
For bioactive cage use a mix of: coconut fiber substrate, coconut husk, eco potting soil (no added fertilizer), reptile sand (or play sand), sphagnum moss and partially decomposed leaves, excavator clay (optional)
Unsafe materials: cedar, clumping litter, calcium sand/silica
12-14 inch upright solid running wheel (such as a "bucket wheel," Carolina Storm, or Kaytee Comfort)
Dig box for burrowing opportunities
Sand bath (play sand or calcium free reptile sand, avoid dust)
PVC pipes for tunnels (4" or larger)
Safe toys: ping pong balls, crinkle balls, rubber duckies, toilet paper rolls, cat "mint" toy, plush toys,
Unsafe toys: wood toys, strings, feathers, ribbons, toys with holes, PVC/tunnels under 4" in diameter
Do not bathe your hog unless absolutely necessary. Overbathing can cause dry skin. If your hog needs it's feet cleaned, a warm foot bath with no soap is best and can be done as needed.
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