What To Look Out For When You Buy A Hedgehog
Many people have clear preferences with regards to gender when buying a dog or a cat, which may cause anyone who wants to buy a hedgehog to wonder whether they should opt for a male or female.
It is perfectly acceptable and even recommended to purchase only one. Hedgehogs are not that social and may even get aggressive towards each other, if two are kept together, especially if they are both male.
In general, male and female hedgehogs have similar temperaments. However, they can develop very different health problems. Male hedgehogs can contract urinary tract disease or get kidney stones. In the case of females, they can die while giving birth. Uterine cancer can also be a potential issue for the un-bred females.
When you will buy your hedgehog, it is recommended to get the veterinary records before. You should buy one that has a healthy weight. You can easily detect overweight hedgehogs since they tend to have fat rolls close to their legs. These ones can develop a variety of chronic illness. The very thin ones may be sickening.
When you handle the animal, you will be able to see its temperament. Missing quills, mucous around the nose or a dry or flaky skin are all signs of health issues. Quills on a healthy animal will be unbroken and shiny, although you should keep in mind that between the ages of 8 and 12 weeks, hedgehogs shed their baby quills for adult ones. New quills can be detected by the points protruding through the skin.
In general, the animal's nose should not discharge any substance, although it may be moist just like that of a dog. The ears should not reveal the presence of scabs or wax build-up. A healthy animal will have clean genital parts that are free from swellings. Reddening around the anus sometimes indicate recent diarrhoea problems. You can also suspect the presence of mites should there be any skin problems.
Healthy hedgehogs have bright and slightly protruded eyes. If you notice dull or sunken eyes that are leaking some liquid, it could be a sign of illness.
Another deciding factor should be its disposition towards humans. After all, you would want a pet that will interact with you and not spend all its time huffing in its cage. It is normal for a young hedgehog to ball briefly, with its spikes out, when being handled by a stranger. It should however relax after a while and feel comfortable enough to un-ball and explore its surroundings.
Finally when you buy a hedgehog, you also need to ask some questions to the breeder regarding the animal's diet and housing needs.
It is perfectly acceptable and even recommended to purchase only one. Hedgehogs are not that social and may even get aggressive towards each other, if two are kept together, especially if they are both male.
In general, male and female hedgehogs have similar temperaments. However, they can develop very different health problems. Male hedgehogs can contract urinary tract disease or get kidney stones. In the case of females, they can die while giving birth. Uterine cancer can also be a potential issue for the un-bred females.
When you will buy your hedgehog, it is recommended to get the veterinary records before. You should buy one that has a healthy weight. You can easily detect overweight hedgehogs since they tend to have fat rolls close to their legs. These ones can develop a variety of chronic illness. The very thin ones may be sickening.
When you handle the animal, you will be able to see its temperament. Missing quills, mucous around the nose or a dry or flaky skin are all signs of health issues. Quills on a healthy animal will be unbroken and shiny, although you should keep in mind that between the ages of 8 and 12 weeks, hedgehogs shed their baby quills for adult ones. New quills can be detected by the points protruding through the skin.
In general, the animal's nose should not discharge any substance, although it may be moist just like that of a dog. The ears should not reveal the presence of scabs or wax build-up. A healthy animal will have clean genital parts that are free from swellings. Reddening around the anus sometimes indicate recent diarrhoea problems. You can also suspect the presence of mites should there be any skin problems.
Healthy hedgehogs have bright and slightly protruded eyes. If you notice dull or sunken eyes that are leaking some liquid, it could be a sign of illness.
Another deciding factor should be its disposition towards humans. After all, you would want a pet that will interact with you and not spend all its time huffing in its cage. It is normal for a young hedgehog to ball briefly, with its spikes out, when being handled by a stranger. It should however relax after a while and feel comfortable enough to un-ball and explore its surroundings.
Finally when you buy a hedgehog, you also need to ask some questions to the breeder regarding the animal's diet and housing needs.
About the Author:
Alan Stables is a lover of animals, including hedgehogs as pets . Before you buy one, Alan advises that you contact hedgehogs breeders who are registered with your national hedgehog association.
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