🚫 4 Mistakes New Hedgehog Owners Often Make (and How to Avoid Them)

🚫 4 Mistakes New Hedgehog Owners Often Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Bringing home a hedgehog is exciting—but let’s be real: it can also be a little overwhelming at first. There’s a lot to learn, and it’s easy to make a few missteps along the way (been there 🙋‍♀️). So today, I’m sharing 4 common mistakes I see a lot—and how you can avoid them for a happier, healthier hedgie.

1. ❌ Using the Wrong Bedding

Those fluffy cotton nesting materials or pine/cedar shavings? Big no. They can cause respiratory issues and even get wrapped around tiny limbs.

✅ What to do instead: Use paper-based bedding like Carefresh or go the reusable route with fleece liners. Bonus: fleece is easy to clean and super comfy for your hedgie.

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2. ❄️ Not Maintaining Proper Temperatures

Hedgehogs need warmth to stay healthy—temps below 72°F can lead to dangerous hibernation attempts.

✅ Keep it cozy: Ideal temps are between 75–80°F. Use a ceramic heat emitter (not a heat lamp!) and a thermostat to maintain consistency.

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3. 🙅‍♀️ Over-Handling Too Soon

We all want cuddles ASAP, but too much too soon can overwhelm a new hedgie. They need time to adjust to you, your scent, and their new surroundings.

✅ Go slow: Start with short sessions using a bonding bag or letting them rest on your lap with a blanket. Let them come to you in their own time!

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4. 🧸 Skipping Enrichment

A bored hedgehog is a stressed hedgehog. Just a wheel isn’t enough!

✅ Add variety: Dig boxes, tunnels, snuffle mats, toys that rattle or roll—all great options to keep your prickly pal mentally and physically engaged.

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✨ Final Thoughts:

Everyone starts somewhere, and mistakes are part of learning. What matters most is being open to adjusting and always putting your hedgie’s needs first. You’ve got this—and your hedgie will thank you in their own snuffly, grunty way. 💛

For more hedgehog care tips, fun stories, and updates, be sure to check out our website at Setareh Hedgehogs. Don't forget to follow along on Instagram @setarehhedgehogs to see more adorable hedgie moments. We can’t wait to share the quill-filled fun with you!