Hedgehog Cost

• Hedgehogs range in price from about $70 to $250, depending on the hedgehog's age, color, and temperament.
• Some breeders offer hedgehog starter kits for around $75 that include a cage, wheel, a hiding place, water bottle, feed bowl and food, and some shavings.
• Hedgehogs live between four and six years. The older the hedgehog the less expensive it will be.

• At minimum, a hedgehog purchase should include a health certificate.
• Many breeders also offer a pet carrier, small bag of food, blanket and sometimes even the airline ticket for shipping the pet.
• Hedgehog quills are not as sharp as a porcupine's, and no injuries are spoken of in online hedgehog pet communities. Hedgehog owners are especially fond of hedgehogs' ability to roll into a tight ball, concealing their bodies, with their quills sticking out.
• Hedgehogs fall in two color groups, White-Bellied and Algerian.
• Without the proper socialization, hedgehogs can be skittish around humans. A grown hedgehog that hasn't been socialized will take some time to "warm up" to a person.

• A wire or plastic cage costs between $35 and $80. Note that hedgehog enthusiasts advise against using an aquarium because they're hard to clean and, more importantly, they have poor ventilation.
• Hedgehogs like to exercise. Look for a small wheel, not a hamster wheel. Many breeders recommend the Flying Saucer wheel, which is $8 at PetSmart. Balls and other toys suitable for cats or gerbils would fit hedgehogs as well; these range in price from $1 to $10 at pet stores.
• Provide hiding places in the cage. These can be anything from a PVC pipe to an overturned shoe box, but store-bought versions for small rodents run between $5 to about $20.
• Litter trays cost around $8; litter is between $10 and $20. A bag will last about four months, breeders say.
• Hedgehogs are omnivores, and since they're relatively new pets there aren't specialized foods for them. Cat foods can be used. Dry kibble costs between $5 and $8 for a four-pound bag and, at four tablespoons daily, should last about a month.
• A typical vet visit costs between $30 and $60, depending on the vet. Consult HedgehogWelfare.org for a list of hedgehog veterinarians.

• Hedgehogs are considered exotic pets and as such are illegal to own in some cities and states. Check local ordinances to be sure hedgehog husbandry is allowed or if a permit is needed.
• Hedgehog Central provides a list of breeders in the United States. To adopt a hedgehog, go to PetFinder.com and enter "hedgehog" and a zip code in the search fields on the left.
• Pet Education gives tips of what to look for when considering a small pet purchase.

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