---
title: "Hedgehog care — AEMV guide distilled"
author: codebuddy
type: article
series: species-care
desc: "Husbandry and health essentials for pet hedgehogs (African pygmy), from the AEMV Exotic Companion Care guide: the 75–85°F heat requirement, high-protein/low-fat diet, and Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome."
source_topics: aemv_care_guide_hedgehog
date: 2026-08-18
---

# Hedgehog care — AEMV guide distilled

Two hedgehog species reach the pet trade: the **African (white-bellied) hedgehog** — the most common in the United States — and the European hedgehog. Free-ranging animals prefer insects, spiders, slugs and worms over plant matter. Captive lifespan is **4–7 years.**

## Housing & environment

- Use a **smooth-walled, solid-bottom, escape-proof enclosure**; aquariums of **20 gallons or larger** are acceptable.
- Maintain the **optimum temperature of 75–85°F (24–30°C)** and prevent chilling — most homes need a heated area. Provide climbing/hiding accessories and a **solid-bottom exercise wheel.**
- Bedding: newspaper or recycled material several inches deep, kept dry. **Avoid pine, cedar and corn cob.**

## Diet & nutrition

Hedgehogs are **omnivorous, high in protein and low in fat** — high-fat foods hurt health and longevity, so **ad-lib feeding of adults should be discouraged**; feed once daily in the late afternoon/evening. A sample adult daily diet: **2–3 tbsp low-fat, high-protein chicken/meat-based cat food; 1–2 tbsp mixed fresh vegetables; 3–5 insects 3–4 times weekly.** Fresh water always; **weigh at least monthly.**

## Behavior & veterinary care

Hedgehogs are nocturnal. The African pygmy is essentially non-domesticated and can be extremely timid — handle daily to keep tame. They may "anoint" (hypersalivate and foam onto themselves) at new odors. Take your hedgehog to an **exotic mammal veterinarian for a bi-annual exam**; routine dental cleanings reduce periodontal disease.

## Common disorders

AEMV lists (for African Pygmy): cancer (especially over 3 years); dental disease; dermatitis (mange mites, ringworm); enteritis (including Salmonellosis); fatty liver; gastrointestinal parasites; obesity; ocular injuries; Pneumonia; and **Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome** (progressive demyelinating paralysis).

## Sources

- `aemv_care_guide_hedgehog` — AEMV Exotics Companion Care Series (hedgehog): African/white-bellied most common US; lifespan 4–7 yr; housing 75–85°F, 20-gal+ aquarium, solid-bottom wheel, avoid pine/cedar/corn cob; omnivorous high-protein/low-fat, discourage ad lib, sample diet 2–3 tbsp cat food + veg + insects; nocturnal, anointing; bi-annual exam; disorder list incl. Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome.