Hedgehog Cost

Typical costs:

• Hedgehogs range in price from $125-$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 run $10-$20. 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^[1] 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^[2] in the United States. PetFinder.com^[3] lists pets for adoption.

1.  www.hedgehogwelfare.org/veterinarians.asp
2.  www.hedgehogcentral.com/breederusa.shtml
3.  www.petfinder.com

Check Out All Costs for Pets & Pet Care		How Much Does a Horse Cost?		How Much Does Cat Food Cost?		How Much Do Fish Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Staying cool during the summer extends to the car. How much is car air conditioning? Parks are opening and offering reservations. We cover camping gear. The hot summer weather has started. We cover the cost of central air conditioning. A BBQ grill could be handy to enjoy backyard activities during the summer months. Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Entertainer Paid: 250.00 I charge $150.00 for the first hour. It's 100.00 each additional hour. It really depends on cost of living, the skill level of the artist, and how much tax the balloon artist has to pay... [more] -AnthonyStone Balloon Twisting Cost Yeast infection Paid: 160.00 My 4 month old puppy had brown discharge and an odor coming from her ears. She was constantly scratching. Took her to her vet and explained; I know she has an infection in her ear... [more] -Pokémon trainer Pet Ear Infection Treatment Cost Retainer Paid: 20.00 I bought the warranty with my Invisalign through my orthodontist (do this... [more] -Braeden Retainers Cost Only paid remaining deductible Paid: 6500.00 My BCBS plan covered 100% of cost after deductible. My deductible was $8500 but I had already paid $2500 of that for previous medical procedures... [more] -Predatorhousepet Prosthetic Leg Cost Rewire whole house with all included Paid: 32909.00 Easy estimate for all of you, is stablish a category of houses. Cat 1: open wall, $13 per sqft Cat 2 Close walls, $16 per sqft and for cat 3, 2 story house, depending of age $18-$25 per sqft. Make your calculations... [more] -JG Electric Rewiring a House Cost Cost of care Paid: 0.00 Wow, some of these previous comments seriously concern me. We have a dentist carrying on about how much it cost for his entire education and the cost of building and supplying an entire office... [more] -Jason B Dental Implants Cost