Yes, you can buy a hedgehog at PetSmart! They are one of the few large pet stores that offers hedgehogs for sale. However, they are not always in stock, so you should make sure to call the store ahead of time to see if they have any available.
Depending on the store, you may be asked to provide valid identification in order to purchase a hedgehog. Additionally, hedgehogs can be purchased online from other reputable pet stores. It is important to research the source of your hedgehog to make sure it has been responsibly bred and is healthy.
Hedgehogs require a special diet and specific housing conditions, so be sure to take the time to research and prepare for your new pet before making the purchase.
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How much does a hedgehog cost?
The cost of a hedgehog varies, depending on the type and age of the hedgehog. Baby hedgehogs can cost anywhere from $100 to $200, while more mature hedgehogs may cost between $150 and $250. Additionally, more rare or specialty hedgehogs may cost $250 or more.
Furthermore, factors such as locality, shipping costs, and the expenses of purchasing a cage, food, and other supplies should also be taken into account when considering the cost of a hedgehog.
How do you get a hedgehog?
Getting a hedgehog is a big responsibility and should be a considered decision. The first step in getting a hedgehog is to do the proper research. Learn about the type of care needed to ensure a happy and healthy life for your pet and make sure that you are able to provide that care.
Determine what type of shelter you will need to provide, how much exercise and space they need, how much they eat, and how to make sure they stay warm. You should also check what type of products are available in your area so that you can ensure that your hedgehog will have the best possible care.
Next, you’ll need to find a reputable breeder. Look for those who have a good reputation and can provide you with references or testimonials from previous customers. If you decide to purchase from a pet store, make sure to ask a lot of questions and thoroughly inspect the place for cleanliness and the health of the animals.
Once you have found a breeder or store, determine what type of hedgehog you are interested in getting. Consider the size, color and personality of the animal and make sure that you are able to provide the proper care and housing for the type you choose.
It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with what type of food is best for your hedgehog. In the wild, they eat a variety of insects, fruits, and vegetables, and you should provide a similar diet in captivity.
Finally, once you have made the decision to get a hedgehog, be sure to make an appointment with a veterinarian who is familiar with the species. They can check the animal’s overall health, provide you with helpful advice, and get you off to a great start with your new pet.
What type of animals does PetSmart have?
PetSmart offers a wide variety of animals for purchase, ranging from small mammals like hamsters, gerbils, mice, and guinea pigs, to reptiles such as snakes, lizards, and amphibians like frogs and toads.
PetSmart also offers birds such as finches, canaries, parakeets, and conures. They also have pet supplies for cats and dogs, including food, toys, treats, litter, and more. PetSmart also provides a collection of fish, from tropical freshwater, colorful saltwater, and cool pond fish.
Lastly, PetSmart carries small animals such as hedgehogs, chinchillas, rabbits, ferrets, and rats, as well as supplies for them.
Is it OK to get a pet hedgehog?
It is OK to get a pet hedgehog, if you have done research and have the dedication to properly care for them. Before getting a hedgehog, you should familiarize yourself with the potential costs, special considerations for care, and the life expectancy of a pet hedgehog.
Hedgehogs require specialized diets, bedding, and environments. They can live up to four years and need daily enrichment and exercise, much like other household pets. They require routine health checks and often require specific veterinary care.
Additionally, hedgehogs can be prone to medical problems such as obesity, mouth issues, ear infections, and more.
Overall, it is possible to keep a hedgehog as a pet but having a hedgehog requires commitment and dedication to ensure they are well-cared for, and that they live a full and healthy life.
Do pet hedgehogs cuddle?
Yes, pet hedgehogs can cuddle. Hedgehogs are generally quite affectionate and have been known to snuggle and cuddle with their owners. While hedgehogs are considered solitary creatures, they are incredibly loyal to their owners and may find comfort in a cuddle when they feel scared or insecure.
If you have a pet hedgehog, you might see them snuggling up against you when you carry them, or when you sit near them. Hedgehogs will typically enjoy a gentle back or belly rub, or may even fall asleep in your lap or hands.
Like most other pet mammals, hedgehogs can develop a strong bond with humans. It is important to note, however, that pet hedgehogs require carefully monitored socialization early in their lives. Too much stimulation can be stressful to a hedgehog, so it is important to be gentle and approach them slowly to ensure they feel safe and secure.
Are hedgehogs easily hurt?
The answer to whether or not hedgehogs can be easily hurt depends on how you define “easily hurt. ” Hedgehogs’ quills can easily prick or scratch their predators or others they feel threatened by, but if properly cared for they are not easily hurt.
Their sharp quills are an incredibly effective defense mechanism, and as long as a hedgehog is not put into a situation where they feel threatened, they can typically stay safe.
Thus, it is important to make sure you handle your pet hedgehog properly, as even something as simple as holding them too tightly can harm them. It is recommended to not handle a hedgehog for a few days when an owner first adopts them in order to give them time to adjust to their new home and surroundings.
Furthermore, hedgehogs may injure themselves when exploring new areas, especially if those areas have rough surfaces. For example, they may scratch their noses or feet on rough carpets, glass or other sharp surfaces.
To prevent this type of injury, owners should always ensure that the area their hedgehog is playing in is suitably safe and without hazardous objects or surfaces.
Overall, hedgehogs can be prone to injury if they do not receive the proper care and if they are occasionally put into dangerous situations or left in areas filled with sharp objects or surfaces. However, with proper care and attention, hedgehogs are generally not easily hurt, and can make excellent and beloved pets.
Is it better to have 2 hedgehogs?
Whether or not it is better to have two hedgehogs really depends on the individual circumstances. Generally, having more than one hedgehog can provide companionship, mental stimulation, and may help hedgehogs to be less skittish.
However, hedgehogs are solitary animals and they may not thrive in a cage with another hedgehog. They may fight or even become frantically territorial. If you do choose to have two hedgehogs, make sure they are of the same gender and introduce them to each other gradually, with supervised interactions in order to ensure that the pair can get along.
Additionally, ensure that the cage has enough room for two (minimum 8-10 square feet per hedgehog) and provide plenty of hiding spots and nesting areas in case one needs to escape from the other.
Are hedgehogs expensive to keep?
Yes, hedgehogs can be expensive to keep as pets. As exotic animals, hedgehogs require specialized care and housing, which can drive up the cost. Depending on the species and age you get, they can range anywhere from $100 to $400.
This cost doesn’t even include their care supplies, food, and vet expenses. In addition to purchasing the hedgehog, you will also have to buy a cage, bedding, toys, food, water bowl, and other accessories.
Depending on the type of cage, bedding, and other supplies, these can add up to an additional $100-$300. Finally, you must consider the costs associated with regular vet check-ups and preventative treatments, which can range anywhere from $100-$300 as well.
All in all, the costs to buy and care for a hedgehog can add up to quite a bit.
Are hedgehogs a good pet to have?
Hedgehogs can make great pets for the right kind of person. They’re small, cute, and fairly low-maintenance animals compared to other pets. They are also relatively inexpensive to purchase and care for.
While hedgehogs can be skittish and defensive when first handled, they can become quite outgoing and friendly when they become socialized. Hedgehogs require a safe and comfortable habitat, and they need to be well-fed and allowed to exercise.
If a hedgehog’s needs are met, they can be a fun and entertaining pet. They can also provide companionship to those who tend to them. Having said that, it’s important to note that hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, meaning they can be quite active and vocal during the night.
If potential pet owners aren’t willing or able to occasionaly deal with some nighttime noise, then a hedgehog may not be the right choice. Additionally, hedgehogs require specialized veterinary care, as not every vet has experience with them.
Therefore, it’s important for prospective owners to first do their research and make sure they are comfortable with the level of dedication needed to properly care for a hedgehog before committing to one.
Do hedgehogs bond with humans?
Yes, some species of hedgehogs have been known to bond with humans if given enough time and patience. African Pygmy Hedgehogs are considered to be among the most social of all the hedgehog species, making them particularly good candidates for bonding with humans.
Hedgehogs require a lot of time and patience to develop a trusting bond with humans. They need to become accustomed to regular handling and they must be allowed to interact and explore in order to truly bond.
Positive reinforcement paired with a lot of patience will help a hedgehog become comfortable and secure in its environment, eventually leading to a bond between the hedgehog and the human keeper. There are many resources and tips online that can help people create a successful bond with their hedgehog.
Do hedgehogs use litter boxes?
No, hedgehogs generally do not use litter boxes. Hedgehogs are not considered to be amenable to litter box training, as they are wild animals and may not understand what a litter box is used for. Additionally, hedgehogs prefer to dig, which is not ideal for litter box use.
As such, it is generally not recommended to put a litter box in the enclosure of a hedgehog. There are some elements that may be added to the enclosure to help keep it clean such as fleece bedding and hay, which can be disposed of regularly.
Additionally, some owners may provide paper towels or training pads that can be changed regularly. Ultimately, it is important to keep a hedgehog enclosure clean, but it is not necessary to use a litter box.
How often should I hold my hedgehog?
The frequency with which you should handle your hedgehog should depend largely on the individual animal’s temperament and comfort level with handling. Some hedgehogs may enjoy daily handling, while others may be more reluctant.
Experimentation and observation are key to identifying your hedgehog’s preferences. Start initially by picking up your hedgehog gently and slowly and offering it a treat, such as a sunflower seed. Place it back in its enclosure after a few minutes and repeat the process for several days to help the hedgehog become acclimated to being handled.
As the hedgehog gains confidence, the amount of time each session can be gradually increased.
When handling your hedgehog, it’s important to remember that your pet may use defensive tactics like rolling into a ball or even biting if it feels threatened. If your hedgehog balls up, allow it time to uncurl, and if it bites, calmly place it back in its enclosure and allow it to calm down.
Patience and consistency are critical components in the handling process, and by taking the time to build a trusting bond with your hedgehog, you can look forward to many enjoyable handling sessions in the future.
Do hedgehogs prefer wet or dry food?
Hedgehogs prefer wet food that is easy to digest and better for them than dry food. Wet food, such as wet cat food, can provide essential nutrients that your pet may not get from dry food. Wet cat food also helps hedgehogs retain hydration, which is especially important for hedgehogs living in a dry climate, as they are prone to dehydration.
However, this doesn’t mean that your hedgehog should only eat wet food; they should be given a balanced diet that includes both wet and dry food. Dry food is generally easier to access, less expensive, and can also provide nutrients, but since dry food is harder to digest and less effective in providing hydration, hedgehogs should be given wet food regularly.
How hard are hedgehogs to take care of?
Hedgehogs can be relatively easy to take care of as pets, but they do require a good amount of dedication, attention, and effort from their owners. For starters, hedgehogs need cages that are secure, clean, and escape-proof, with plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied.
In terms of nutrition, they should be fed a diet of cat food, specifically a mix of commercial dry kibble and wet canned food, supplemented with small amounts of fresh vegetables, fruits, and occasional insects.
In terms of health care, they will need regular check-ups at the vet—at least once a year—and regular preventive treatments like worming and flea treatments. They will also need regular grooming, and if kept outside, they should be checked for fleas and ticks at least once a month as well.
Beyond that, hedgehogs require daily exercise and social interactions, as well as regular cleaning of their enclosures. All of these factors can make keeping a hedgehog somewhat challenging, but with the right dedication and commitment, it can be a rewarding experience.
