No matter where you choose to buy your new hedgehog, whether it’s a pet store, animal shelter, rescue center, or breeder, there are certain questions you MUST ask to select the best hedgehog. If the person you’re buying your hedgehog from can’t answer these questions, there’s always a chance you’ll end up with a hedgehog with social or medical problems. However, always keep in mind that asking questions is part of the process of selecting the best hedgie. At the end of the day, a lot of great and lovable pets have been bought from questionable sources, so don’t despair if any of your sources don’t live up to the hype.
If you’re buying from a breeder, the first question to ask is, “Are you licensed by the USDA?” All hedgehog breeders in the United States are required by law to be licensed. Anyone who breeds cannot be completely trusted and is not licensed when it comes to the claims they make.
The second question you should ask yourself is: “Where did this hedgehog come from?” Pet stores will usually be honest and say they don’t know, or in many cases will claim that the hedgehog came from a “local breeder.” This is rarely the case. Many pet stores buy from mass wholesalers who do not breed carefully for good hedgehog social traits. If the owner knows the history of the hedgehog, listen to important details like who the hedgehog’s parents were, what characteristics this hedgehog was bred for, or in the case of rescues, was this hedgehog removed from a neglectful or abusive home? ?
The third question to ask yourself when selecting a new hedgehog is, “How old is this hedgehog?” Ideally, you want to select a hedgehog that has had a full 6 weeks to nurse with its mother. Receiving proper nutrition during key formative periods is vital to making sure a hedgie’s body develops to the best of its ability. Also, always use common sense. If a hedgie looks much younger than the owner claims, trust your instincts.
Next, you’ll want to ask about the source’s health guarantees. If the hedgehog gets sick within a short period of time after purchase (an average of 6 months), is there a replacement guarantee? A similar question that can also be asked is “What if the hedgehog and I don’t work together?” Pet stores will have a posted return policy, make sure you are familiar with the details. Breeders will often return the hedgehog with reasonable advance notice, but most will not issue refunds.
