Hedgehogs make great pets for many people, and they can live in cages in the home. However, it is important that the cages meet the size requirements so that they are safe, healthy, and happy.
People often want to know how much space hedgehogs need because they sleep throughout the day. Although hedgehogs are nocturnal, they need an appropriate amount of space because they are very active during the night.
Continue reading to learn all about hedgehogs and how much space they require.
What Size Cage Does a Hedgehog Need?
When you choose a cage for a hedgehog, it should be at least six square feet. This is two feet by three feet, and this is the minimum that will allow them to move around safely and comfortably.
In addition, it should have walls that are tall enough to prevent them from escaping. Some people choose an aquarium or other cage with smooth sides because hedgehogs can climb the walls of wire cages.
You should stay away from cages with a wire floor because the hedgehog can injure its foot, and if you choose wire walls, make sure that the space is smaller than one inch between the bars. Otherwise, the hedgehog will be able to escape.
Although these are the minimum cage requirements, you should buy the largest cage you can. Hedgehogs are active and they enjoy exploring, digging, climbing, and more.
You can also let hedgehogs explore in a room that is safe for them. This will allow them to get the exercise and stimulation that they need so that they remain healthy and happy.
Do Hedgehogs Need a Cage?
If you keep a hedgehog as a pet, it is important to have a cage. Cages keep hedgehogs safe, and it is easier to maintain the optimal temperature for them.
In addition, it is easier to clean up after the hedgehog by changing the bedding. You can let your hedgehog out of the cage to exercise, but it will be safe during the day in a cage.
Hedgehogs do need the temperature maintained between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is easier to do this when you have a cage. You can add a heat lamp if necessary to make sure that they stay warm enough.
Another option is to have a heat mat pad for them, which is also called a ceramic heat emitter. This way, they will be warm enough and stay healthy.
Should You Get a Cage with More Than One Level?
You should not get a multi-level cage for your hedgehog because they have poor eyesight, and they can easily fall from the higher level. Hedgehogs love to climb, and they may fall off the ramps or the shelf on the top.
When your hedgehog is in its cage, it should be one level with plenty of room for it to move around and explore. They may enjoy climbing, but it isn’t good for them because they are better at climbing up than down.
It is important to make sure that you choose a cage that is one level and has plenty of room for your hedgehog. It should be a minimum of two feet by three feet, but it can be as large as you want it to be.
Can You Keep a Hedgehog in a Glass Tank?
You can keep a hedgehog in a glass tank, but you need to make sure that it has good ventilation and that the tank doesn’t get too hot for the hedgehog. Hedgehogs need to have the temperature between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and they can overheat if it goes above this range.
If you choose a glass tank for your hedgehog, you need to make sure that it is large enough. The minimum size is still two feet by three feet, and since tanks are measured in terms of gallons, you need to make the conversion.
You need at least a 75 gallon tank for a hedgehog, as smaller tanks don’t provide enough space. You should also make sure that it is tall enough that the hedgehog can’t reach the top.
Hedgehogs are good at climbing, so a tank with short walls will allow it to escape. You can get a screen top for the glass tank to make sure that the hedgehog has enough ventilation.
Can a Hedgehog Live in a Vivarium or an Aquarium?
As long as you get a vivarium or an aquarium that is large enough for the hedgehog, it can live in one. They need to have good ventilation, and you need to be able to control the temperature to keep it in the ideal range.
Vivariums are popular for hedgehogs because they come in different finishes, and it is easy to add a ceramic heat emitter with less risk of fire than a plastic cage. However, you need to make sure that it is set up properly to provide the space a hedgehog needs.
The Best Way to Set up a Hedgehog Cage
When you set up your hedgehog cage, the first thing you need to do is choose an ideal space for it. It is important to keep it away from drafts, and you need spots inside where the hedgehog can sleep and hide during the day.
You should have food and water bowls for the hedgehog, and you may want to include a litter tray. The first thing to note is that the hedgehog needs the temperature to be between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so you may need a heat source such as a heat lamp or a heating mat.
If you choose a heat lamp, be careful if the cage is plastic. You will need to make sure that it doesn’t get too hot because it can cause a fire.
Most people include an exercise wheel for their hedgehog to use at night. You can find one that is silent, and make sure that it has solid surfaces rather than wire.
If you get wire, the hedgehog can get its feet stuck, which can be dangerous. Make sure that you are prepared to clean the wheel because the hedgehog will likely poop on it.
The best bowls for food and water are ceramic because they are heavier and more difficult for the hedgehog to knock over. This is important because the cage can get damp, and you don’t want your hedgehog eating off the ground.
You can also choose a water bottle on the side of the cage, but it is important to make sure that your hedgehog is drinking from it, as it will become dehydrated if it goes without water.
Some people include a litter tray to encourage the hedgehog to use this space to go to the bathroom. You need a large cage to do this, or the litter tray will take up a lot of space.
You will also want bedding, and you can get some toys for your hedgehog. You can place little cardboard boxes inside for the hedgehog to hide in.
Does a Hedgehog Cage Need a Top?
A hedgehog cage does need a top. You can get a metal grill, which allows ventilation and is still sturdy enough to prevent the hedgehog from escaping.
If you have a cage that has 22-inch-tall walls that are made of glass or another slippery material, you may not need a top because it won’t be able to climb the walls. No matter what cage you have, the top should provide plenty of ventilation.
Best Locations for a Hedgehog Cage
The most important thing is that you place the hedgehog cage in a part of the house that is warm and free of any drafts. Cold drafts can lower the temperature of the cage and reduce it below the 72-degree minimum they need.
Choose a spot that has consistent temperatures throughout the day and night. Hedgehogs will sleep throughout the day, so they prefer a location that is not in a busy location.
What Should You Put in the Hedgehog Cage?
Your hedgehog needs a space that is at least two feet by three feet, but you can make it as large as you want. When it is larger, you can include more items for the hedgehog to enjoy.
You need the minimum of two ceramic bowls for food and water, a heat source, and a place to hide and sleep. You should also include an exercise wheel and possibly a litter tray.
Some people get sleeping pouches so that the hedgehog can feel safe while it is sleeping. You can also make tunnels and ramps with very slight angles.
Hedgehogs are curious and love to explore, so you can include things for it to do during the night when it is awake.
Final Thoughts
Hedgehogs need a minimum of six square feet of living space, which is around two feet by three feet. You should never go smaller than this, but you can make it as big as you like.
It is important to make sure that they can’t climb out of the cage, and it should be well ventilated. You also need to make sure that it can maintain temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems and over 10 years of experience working in IT. I have a wife and two children and love taking them to the zoo to see all the animals. I grew up with dogs and fish and now have two dogs and two cats. I’ve also played guitar for almost 20 years and love writing music, although it’s hard to find the time these days.