Hedgehogs are incredibly solitary animals and appreciate constant companionship. In the wild, Hedgehogs are mostly on their own. Therfore, they are used to stay without any company.
As a general rule, Hedgehogs should be kept alone. Being solitary animals, they do not enjoy the company of other animals, even other Hedgehogs. If kept together with another animal, then there are high chances that they will show signs of aggression and territorial behavior.
It is never a good idea to keep another pet with a Hedgehog at your house, regardless of how large it is. This will only increase the chances of fighting among them.
If you feel your Hedgehog is bored, then there is still a lot you can do to improve your Hedgehog’s living conditions. You can make a huge difference in their quality of life simply by spending time socializing with them.
Are Hedgehogs Happier In Pairs?
Hedgehogs are better off alone. They live a happy life when they are left alone.
Hedgehogs are solitary animals. However, they can live in a pair or even small groups if they do not have a choice.
Hedgehogs that live in pairs or groups fight now and then, due to which they need to be kept separately into individual cages.
Even in the wild, Hedgehogs are pretty territorial. As a result, they have evolved to protect what is theirs from other Hedgehogs at any cost.
Although you might have heard of or seen people keep their pet Hedgehog in pairs, that is not always a good idea. Therefore, the best option is to house your Hedgehogs separately.
Do Hedgehogs Get Bored?
Hedgehogs do not get bored that easily. As long as you have provided your pet with adequate toys and mental stimulation, he will not get bored.
A few engaging toys and some pleasure time outside the cage is an amazing way to make sure that your Hedgehog does not get bored.
You need to make sure you socialize with them every day and make your Hedgehog part of your daily life. You can help your Hedgehog maintain happiness by seeing to both their social and physical needs.
Try to keep your Hedgehog out of their enclosure for at least 1-2 hours a day to make sure they can get enough exercise.
Also, it’s always good to switch things up in your Hedgehog’s environment. This can be done every few months to give them new areas to explore in their home.
Tips To Keep Your Hedgehog Engaged!
You must provide your Hedgehogs with both physical and mental stimulators to keep them happy and occupied.
In addition, they need some boredom breakers to lead a healthy life.
It is not difficult to provide your Hedgehogs with what they want. Below are some of the best boredom breakers or the primary ways to offer your Hedgehogs mental and physical stimulation:
- Allow Them To Play With Some Waste Paper
- Wicker Basket Makes An Excellent Choice
- Music Works Wonder Sometimes
- Mirrors Are An Amazing Distraction
- Add Some Hiding Space In Their Cage
- Play Pen For Yor Hedgehog
- Let Your Hedgehogs Find Their Treats
- Plan A Photo Shoot With Your Hedgehogs
- Toilet Roll Tubes Are Great Fun
- Add Some Exercise Toys In Your Hedgehog’s Cage
- Upgrade Your Hedgehog’s Cage
- Increase Your Hedgehog’s Floor Time
- Spend Time With Your Hedgehog Teaching Them a Few Tricks
Do Hedgehogs Get Attached To People?
Hedgehogs are solicary animals that do not require the company of another Hedgehog. However, that does not mean human companionship does not mean anything.
Even a small amount of interaction every other day can make a big difference in the life of a Hedgehog. Therefore, it is important to give adequate attention to your Hedgehog each day.
Human companionship even helps the Hedgehogs to live a happy life. However, it does put a lot more responsibilty on us, as the caretakers.
It is important for you to make sure that that a part of your daily routine includes spending time with your pet Hedgehog.
If you sttart to trat your Hedgehog more like a companion pet, instead of a caged pet, then it will be relatively easy to integrate your pet in your daily life.
Can I Leave My Hedgehog Alone?
You should not leave your Hedgehogs alone for more than 24 hours. They can run into several problems if left unattended for too long.
You should take some measures if you leave your Hedgehogs alone. You should know what problems they can run into if they are left alone.
Here are some of the problems that Hedgehogs often run into when left alone:
- Your Hedgehog Might Run Out Of Food And Water
- Your Hedgehog Might Escape
- Your Hedgehog Might End Up Hurting Himself
- Unmaintained Cage Can Invite Flies And Several Diseases
- A Leak In Your Hedgehog’s Water Bottle
How Long Can A Hedgehog Go Alone?
It would be best if you tried to keep the time that your Hedgehog is left alone to a minimum.
Although you may think that your pet is well-adjusted, he may become distressed if they are left home alone for an extended period.
If you have a baby Hedgehog, then do not leave them unattended for any more than 2-3 hours each day.
If you have an adult Hedgehog, do not leave them unattended for any more than 8-10 hours a day.
Lastly, if you have an elderly Hedgehog, then do not leave them unattended for any more than 14-16 hours each day.
Can Hedgehogs Bond With Other Household Pets?
Hedgehogs are not so great socializers. They are solitary animals. They prefer their own company, and do not like to share their territory with any other animals.
Hedgehogs do not like being around other house pets such as cats, guinea pigs, birds, and even well-behaved dogs.
However, if you still plan to keep another pet with your Hedgehog, house them separately and supervise them to make sure they won’t hurt each other.
Therefore, the best idea is to keep your Hedgehog away from your other household pets.
