So you're thinking about buying a hedgehog for the first time? Good work! You've taken the first step already. Research is a big part of the commitment it takes to own a hedgie. The most important thing you can do is learn as much as you possibly can before you make the decision officially whether or not a hedgehog is the right pet for you.

To begin, there are a few facts you should review and a few questions you have to ask yourself.

1. A hedgehog requires a steady temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit or above to remain healthy. 72 degrees is the minimum in the room the hedgie will be living in. Anything below that and the hedgehog can very easily become sick--and that means it can die. **It is important to note that, depending on the individual hedgehog, the requirement can even become 75-76 degrees minimum, as different hedgies have different needs.** If you are a warm-natured person and like your house cold/cool, then a hedgehog is probably not a good pet choice for you.

-- Are you willing and able to provide a year-round temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit or above?

2. Hedgehogs may be nocturnal animals, but they still require light to feel like everything is normal and that it is not hibernation season. This means that the cage cannot be placed in a dark closet or anything of the such. Hibernation is deadly to domestic hedgehogs, and lack of light (plus cold temperatures, hence the 72 degree rule) can cause the hedgie to think that the days are getting short so it's time to hole up for the winter. 12-14 hours of light per day--artificial is fine--in the area of the cage is necessary. (NOTE: Please do not place the cage in front of a window; it should never be in direct sunlight).

-- Can you provide suitable lighting for 12 hours per day year round?

3. You must provide appropriate fresh food and water (preferably filtered or bottled) for the hedgehog daily. (Appropriate food is described more in food choices, later.)

-- Can you provide fresh food and water?

4. Hedgies require routine bathing and nail trimming, as well as having a clean cage.

-- Can you take the time to keep the environment clean, and give the hedgie a bath regularly plus trim nails?

5. Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures and will not change their habits to suit your schedule. While you may wake them up to play some during the day, they will primarily do their eating/wheeling/normal-activities in the middle of the night. This makes location and lifestyle big factors in hedgehog ownership. If the quietest, warmest place in your home is your bedroom and you are a light sleeper, the wheeling a hedgie does (along with the rearranging of the cage that many like to do) might keep you awake at night. And if you're a down with the sun, up with the chickens type of person, chances are you might not get many opportunities to watch or spend time with your hedgehog. Also hedgehogs often do not do well in environments where cigarette smoke is common. If you are a smoker or there is someone who smokes near the hedgehog on a frequent basis, a hedgehog is probably not a good pet for you.

-- Is your lifestyle going to allow you the opportunities you need to spend time with your hedgie, take care of him/her, and observe/get-the-most-from his or her nightly habits? Basically, will the relationship be a healthy one for both of you?

6. Hedgehogs must be handled regularly to stay friendly and socialized. Even if the hedgie hisses and puffs at you, you will have to pick it up and handle it, otherwise it will never get used to you and will count on the fact that puffing up at you will get you to leave it alone. Picking the hedgie up and spending time with it for at least 30 minutes each day, even if that's letting it sleep on your lap while you watch TV, is necessary for bonding.

-- Are you willing to spend 30 minutes or more each day handling and bonding with your hedgie?

7. You WILL get poked at some point, even if you get a very laid-back hedgie. It is not extremely painful and the quills are not barbed so they will not stick in your skin, but it does take some getting used to.

-- Can you handle getting poked occasionally (or a lot if you have a grumpy hedgie)?

8. Not only will you get poked, odds are you will get peed on/pooped on at some point in time, especially with a new baby.

-- Can you handle getting peed/pooped on?

9. Hedgehogs are pretty hardy animals in general, which means you might only have to go to the vet for an annual checkup exam.  However, they can get sick occasionally and older hedgehogs often develop cancer. Once a hedgie starts showing signs of being sick, it's usually very ill because they hide signs of sickness very well. Also, depending on the bedding you use and a few other factors, hedgies can get mites at some point, too; the only way to treat this is a vet visit. Exotic pet veterinarians can be hard to find and costs can be expensive--but in many cases they are absolutely essential. It is not uncommon to see posts on discussion forums saying something like "NEED HELP! My hedgie is sick!! I can't afford a vet!!! What can I do?!" The outcome is usually not good for these hedgies.

-- Is there an exotic animal vet available in your area, and can you afford the cost of any potential vet bills that may arise?

10. Every hedgehog has an individual personality. Some are snugglers, some explorers, and some complete loners. While the majority of hedgehogs can be coaxed around to becoming used to you, some may remain quilly and grumpy and want almost nothing to do with you their whole lives. A hedgie is also not a cat or dog. It may never seek out your companionship or be waiting for you to come open the cage to play. (Some may seek you out, but the majority will not). Please read this thread in the Hedgehog Central forum. There are a few good posts on there about behavior and what to expect.

-- Can you accept that an unfriendly hedgie may never become friendly, and that you most likely will not get a hedgehog who waits for you to come play?

Recap:

- stable 72 degree environment required

- 12 hours per day of lighting year round

- daily fresh food and water are a must

- daily maintenance/care required

- hedgehogs are nocturnal and may keep you awake

- you should handle a hedgie at least 30 minutes each day

- you will get poked

- you will get pooped on and peed on

- you need to have a vet/be able to afford a vet

- some hedgies may never be friendly

Here is also a list that may provide some idea of what costs are involved with owning a hedgehog. Can you afford these costs?

Can you deal with/do all these things? Does a hedgie still sound like a good pet for you? If so, the next step is to find out if they are legal in your state. Check the list.