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4 Things Every Pet Owner Must Know About Hedgehogs

By Robin Setser


Whether you know this animal from nature or even video games, hedgehogs are seen as one of the most popular exotic pets in the world. There is something charming about these spiny features that people can't help but keep them as beloved pets. Perhaps you're thinking about picking up one for yourself, too. With this information in mind, here are 4 interesting facts about hedgehogs for pet owners to know.

For those that would like to keep hedgehogs as pets, understand that not all areas allow this. Many states have unique guidelines associated with exotic pets. According to companies along the lines of Assisi Animal Health, residents of Maine, Georgia, Pennsylvania and New York City are just a few that can't legally keep hedgehogs. For those that may be unfamiliar with guidelines in their states, study up before heading to your local pet store.

One of the identifying factors of hedgehogs are, of course, the quills on their body. While they aren't terribly painful to the touch, they still serve as a defense mechanism for these animals to defend themselves. If a hedgehog feels threatened in a particular situation, they can curl up, their quills protruding upward. This allows them to defend themselves, which means that predators will be less likely to get to them.

The main reason why hedgehogs have the name they have is the fact that they are naturally drawn to garden hedges. Not only do these serve as fine habitats for them, but these areas are where they find their food. In these hedges, they can find worms, centipedes, and other such smaller creatures that they are known to consume. Those that enjoy gardening may find a few of these spiny creatures making themselves at home in their hedges.

Nocturnal animals include, but aren't limited to, owls, mice, kangaroos, and bats. What many people don't know, though, is that hedgehogs are included in this discussion as well. Yes, hedgehogs sleep throughout the day and once night falls, they are hard at work. This allows them to be active during periods when other creatures are asleep. Seeing as how they are great at smelling and hearing, but poor at seeing, nighttime activity makes perfect sense.




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By Robin Setser


Whether you know this animal from nature or even video games, hedgehogs are seen as one of the most popular exotic pets in the world. There is something charming about these spiny features that people can't help but keep them as beloved pets. Perhaps you're thinking about picking up one for yourself, too. With this information in mind, here are 4 interesting facts about hedgehogs for pet owners to know.

For those that would like to keep hedgehogs as pets, understand that not all areas allow this. Many states have unique guidelines associated with exotic pets. According to companies along the lines of Assisi Animal Health, residents of Maine, Georgia, Pennsylvania and New York City are just a few that can't legally keep hedgehogs. For those that may be unfamiliar with guidelines in their states, study up before heading to your local pet store.

One of the identifying factors of hedgehogs are, of course, the quills on their body. While they aren't terribly painful to the touch, they still serve as a defense mechanism for these animals to defend themselves. If a hedgehog feels threatened in a particular situation, they can curl up, their quills protruding upward. This allows them to defend themselves, which means that predators will be less likely to get to them.

The main reason why hedgehogs have the name they have is the fact that they are naturally drawn to garden hedges. Not only do these serve as fine habitats for them, but these areas are where they find their food. In these hedges, they can find worms, centipedes, and other such smaller creatures that they are known to consume. Those that enjoy gardening may find a few of these spiny creatures making themselves at home in their hedges.

Nocturnal animals include, but aren't limited to, owls, mice, kangaroos, and bats. What many people don't know, though, is that hedgehogs are included in this discussion as well. Yes, hedgehogs sleep throughout the day and once night falls, they are hard at work. This allows them to be active during periods when other creatures are asleep. Seeing as how they are great at smelling and hearing, but poor at seeing, nighttime activity makes perfect sense.




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