Do hedgehogs make good pets? The simple answer is “Yes!” But, as with any other question, the actual answer is usually a bit more complicated.

If you enjoy watching the antics of cute little mammals, you will definitely enjoy raising hedgehogs. They love to run and hide under blankets or pillows and can entertain onlookers for hours. Also, despite their spines, they are actually comfortable animals to hold. They quickly learn to enjoy being held by their owners.

If you are allergic to cats or dogs, a hedgehog might make a good pet. They do not spread dandruff and therefore do not trigger any type of allergic reaction. Although they shed their quills from time to time, they certainly don’t shed like cats and dogs do.

Hedgehogs are calm animals, so if you like peace and quiet, they may be the perfect pets for you. Listen closely and you will hear a snorting noise as a hedgehog breathes. When upset or scared, these small mammals may growl or chirp. But for the most part, they are nice, calm pets.

Are hedgehogs good pets for apartment dwellers? Because they are small, calm animals, they make perfect apartment pets. Of course, since they move around a lot, hedgehogs need a lot of room to roam. So you’ll need to make sure their cages offer plenty of floor space and be prepared to let them roam freely outside their cages on occasion.

Are hedgehogs good pets for people who like to handle insects? Hedgehogs love to eat beetles and caterpillars, so if you or your kids like to collect bugs, you’ll find a ready audience for your efforts in a pet hedgehog. You will find these insects in your garden or in pet stores. You should also feed your hedgehog dry cat or ferret food to ensure they get enough nutrition.

Speaking of children, are hedgehogs good pets for people with children? Certainly if the children are five or older. Children can be taught to handle these delicate little creatures with care. And the hedgehog will get used to the children the more time they spend with him. Kids can even learn to help clean the cage and feed the pet hedgehog. This will help them learn responsibilities as well as helping you.

Many people wonder if hedgehogs are difficult to care for. They are actually easy animals to care for. They don’t need much grooming and can often be trained to litter. That’s not always the case, but it’s definitely worth a try. All it takes is a little patience and persistence.

So if you’ve wondered, “Do hedgehogs make good pets?” you must consider all these other things. You may find that hedgehogs are the perfect pets for you.