Friday, March 9, 2018

Hedgehogs: 4 Tidbits For Every Pet Owner To Be Aware Of

By Robin Setser


When it comes to exotic pets, it's safe to say that hedgehogs are among the most common. For many people, this is the ideal pet choice. For others, the appeal may be lost. After all, hedgehogs are not exactly the most typical pet, especially when compared to cats, dogs, and goldfish. For future pet owners that may be particularly intrigued by hedgehogs, the following 4 tidbits are worth keeping in mind.

One of the most interesting facts about hedgehogs - and companies like Assisi Animal Health will stress this as well - is that they aren't legal in all areas of the world. New York City, Pennsylvania and Hawaii are just a few areas where these spiny creatures can't be kept as pets. What this means is that you should inquire about your region's rules regarding hedgehogs. Needless to say, this will save you time and effort in the long term.

Hedgehogs are most commonly identified by their quills, which are nothing short of recognizable. Have you ever seen one of these animals curl up into a ball, with the quills sticking up? The reason for this is protection. If they feel intimidated or threatened, they utilize this defense mechanism to protect themselves. With about 5,000 individual spines to account for, it's easy to see that hedgehogs are adept at defending themselves if need be.

The reason why these animals are called "hedgehogs" is the fact that they are mostly found in garden hedges. For hedgehogs, these areas are ideal for finding shelter and food alike. Speaking of food, hedgehogs are known for consuming worms, centipedes, and other smaller creatures. In any event, if you have hedges on your lawn that you maintain, take a closer look inside of them. There's a possibility that a hedgehog or two made them their habitat.

When you think about nocturnal animals, which are active during the night and sleep throughout the day, you would immediately think of raccoons, owls, and bats. However, hedgehogs function this way as well. It's natural for them to work hard when the sky is dark, seeing as how their poor eyesight pales in comparison to their sharp senses of hearing and smell. Many people aren't aware of this fact about the spiny creatures in question, which makes it worth drawing attention to.




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