Hedgehogs are curious creatures that love to explore their surroundings. No wonder many owners want to let their pet hedgehog free-roam the house. However, pet hedgehogs usually live in a cage. Does that mean free roaming isn’t safe for them?
Free roaming is a great way for a hedgehog to explore and get some exercise. However, a hedgehog could easily get into trouble in a big house. For this reason, it is important to hedgehog-proof your home before letting your pet roam free and to put it back in its cage when you can’t watch it closely.
With some planning and preparation, you can give your pet the secure environment it needs to thrive.
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Can Hedgehogs Be Free Roamed All the Time?
Hedgehogs cannot be free-roamed all the time like a dog or a cat would be. Free roaming should only occur under supervision. Hedgehogs need an enclosed space to call their own, somewhere they feel safe. A cage provides them with the security they crave.
Hedgehogs are small and love to hide. This can lead them into danger, such as getting stuck trying to squeeze into small spaces. Their small size also means they risk being stepped on.
In addition, hedgehogs are susceptible to predators such as dogs and cats. Even the most well-meaning pet can unintentionally hurt or kill a hedgehog.
Young children could accidentally injure a pet hedgehog while playing. Worse yet, they could get hurt themselves.
Hedgehogs are also prone to defecate and urinate when running around. This behavior is instinctual and normal for them. If a hedgehog is allowed to roam freely in a house, it will likely leave behind a trail of poop and pee everywhere it goes.
Finally, African pygmy hedgehogs originate from warm climates. As a result, they must have access to a heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter to survive. Without a constant source of warmth, African pygmy hedgehogs go into hibernation and die.
A hedgehog left unattended can get into all sorts of trouble. However, supervised playtime outside the cage can be beneficial for them.
How to Hedgehog-Proof Your Home for Supervised Playtime?
In the wild, hedgehogs roam for miles each night, and while pet hedgehogs may not have quite as much ground to cover, they still require regular exercise. Free roaming gives your hedgehog plenty of room to explore and exercise, helping to prevent obesity and boredom.
As hedgehogs are curious by nature, it is important to make sure that your chosen space is safe for them to explore.
1. Choose One Room to Hedgehog-Proof
One of the most important things to remember is not to overdo the hedgehog-proofing. While taking measures to prevent your hedgehog from escaping or getting into mischief is important, you don’t want to take on more than you can handle. Free roaming should be limited to one room or area of the house.
When choosing a room for your hedgehog, there are several factors to consider.
First, the room should have minimal doors and windows. Doors can allow your pet to escape, and windows may let in harsh lighting that hedgehogs strongly dislike.
Second, the room should be easy to clean. Avoid carpeted areas, as it will be much harder to clean when your hedgehog treats the carpets like its personal toilet.
Third, select a temperature-controlled room. The ideal room temperature for a hedgehog is between 70° – 85°F. The floors should not be too cold either.
2. Eliminate Potential Risks
Before you let your hedgehog roam free in a new room, it’s important to take some time to prepare the space.
Start by giving the floor a good cleaning. This will help to remove any potential hazards, such as small pieces of food that could make your hedgehog sick. You don’t want to use anything toxic that could harm your hedgehog, so stick to gentle cleaners and be sure to rinse well.
Once the floor is clean, look around the room and remove any hazards. This could include loose wires, small objects that could be swallowed, or anything else that could pose a danger.
Also, seal off any potentially dangerous hiding places, such as small openings under furniture. Fill in any gaps in the space, as hedgehogs can squish themselves into surprisingly small places.
Taking these precautions will help create a safe environment for your hedgehog to play in and give you peace of mind while exploring.
3. Always Keep an Eye On Your Hedgehog During Playtime
All cage-free play should be monitored, and you should always keep an eye on your hedgehog. It’s far too simple for them to outwit even us humans and get caught in a corner or cranny that you somehow overlooked or forgot about. Don’t allow the fun to turn into tragedy: always supervise cage-free play.
While free roaming is safe for hedgehogs inside your house when you prepare beforehand, you should not let your hedgehog free roam outside. Cars, predators, and harsh weather can all threaten these small animals. Instead, hedgehogs should be kept in a playpen when they are taken outside. This will provide them with a safe space to explore while enjoying the fresh air.
Alternatives to Free-Roaming
If you’re uncomfortable letting your hedgehog roam freely around your house, there’s no need to worry. A playpen is a great solution for keeping your hedgehog contained while still allowing it to exercise and explore.
Setting up a playpen lets your hog roam freely without worrying about them getting into mischief. Add some toys and accessories, and your hedgehog will have a blast. Your hog will also appreciate the extra space to explore.
Also, avoid using hamster balls, harnesses, or leashes, as these can be dangerous for hedgehogs.
With a little effort and preparation, you can create a safe and fun environment for your hedgehog.
To Remember
Even if you allow your hedgehog to roam free occasionally, providing them with their own cage is essential. Their own quiet, safe space is essential for their physical and emotional well-being.
Free roaming allows hedgehogs to explore their environment and get the exercise they need. However, before you let your hedgehog play anywhere outside its cage, you should hedgehog-proof the whole area of the house that you intend to let them explore. Hedgehog-proofing your home allows you to have stress-free playtime with your small pet.
A playpen is a great way to give your small pet some exercise while keeping them safe. Exercise balls, harnesses, and leashes may seem like good options, but they can be dangerous for hedgehogs. A playpen gives your hedgehog plenty of space to run around without the risk of escape or injury.