Whether you know this animal from nature or even video games, hedgehogs are seen as one of the most popular exotic pets in the world. There is something charming about these spiny features that people can't help but keep them as beloved pets. Perhaps you're thinking about picking up one for yourself, too. With this information in mind, here are 4 interesting facts about hedgehogs for pet owners to know.
When it comes to hedgehogs, particularly as pets, not all locations allow them. As a matter of fact, if you're a resident of a state such as Georgia, California or Maine, you won't be able to keep this animal as a pet. States have certain rules associated with exotic pets, which is why you should read up on your location's guidelines ahead of time. Authorities on pet care like Assisi Animal Health will tell you to do the same.
One of the most striking characteristics of hedgehogs are the quills on their backs. Not only does a single animal have approximately 5,000 individual spines, but these can be used for protection. If this animal feels threatened or intimidated, they curl up into a ball, the quills in question shooting up afterward. This provides the aforementioned protection that allows hedgehogs to stay safe in the wild.
The main reason why hedgehogs have the name they have is the fact that they are naturally drawn to garden hedges. Not only do these serve as fine habitats for them, but these areas are where they find their food. In these hedges, they can find worms, centipedes, and other such smaller creatures that they are known to consume. Those that enjoy gardening may find a few of these spiny creatures making themselves at home in their hedges.
Nocturnal animals include, but aren't limited to, owls, mice, kangaroos, and bats. What many people don't know, though, is that hedgehogs are included in this discussion as well. Yes, hedgehogs sleep throughout the day and once night falls, they are hard at work. This allows them to be active during periods when other creatures are asleep. Seeing as how they are great at smelling and hearing, but poor at seeing, nighttime activity makes perfect sense.
When it comes to hedgehogs, particularly as pets, not all locations allow them. As a matter of fact, if you're a resident of a state such as Georgia, California or Maine, you won't be able to keep this animal as a pet. States have certain rules associated with exotic pets, which is why you should read up on your location's guidelines ahead of time. Authorities on pet care like Assisi Animal Health will tell you to do the same.
One of the most striking characteristics of hedgehogs are the quills on their backs. Not only does a single animal have approximately 5,000 individual spines, but these can be used for protection. If this animal feels threatened or intimidated, they curl up into a ball, the quills in question shooting up afterward. This provides the aforementioned protection that allows hedgehogs to stay safe in the wild.
The main reason why hedgehogs have the name they have is the fact that they are naturally drawn to garden hedges. Not only do these serve as fine habitats for them, but these areas are where they find their food. In these hedges, they can find worms, centipedes, and other such smaller creatures that they are known to consume. Those that enjoy gardening may find a few of these spiny creatures making themselves at home in their hedges.
Nocturnal animals include, but aren't limited to, owls, mice, kangaroos, and bats. What many people don't know, though, is that hedgehogs are included in this discussion as well. Yes, hedgehogs sleep throughout the day and once night falls, they are hard at work. This allows them to be active during periods when other creatures are asleep. Seeing as how they are great at smelling and hearing, but poor at seeing, nighttime activity makes perfect sense.
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