Are Hedgehogs Good Pets For Kids

My 3 children would agree that they are something different fun and entertaining.

Are hedgehogs good pets for kids. Overall hedgehogs are relatively inexpensive to maintain as pets. Most north american pet hedgehogs typically called african pygmy hedgehogs were bredfrom african species and are considered domesticated. Hedgehogs are quiet animals and don t make a lot of noise unlike other pets such as your dog. If you re allergic to pet dander the hedgehog is the right pet for you as hedgehogs have no dander.

However the spines aren t barbed like the quills of a porcupine and the hedgehog ball appears cute or humorous to human eyes. Naturally curious hedgehogs often become tame and seem to enjoy being handled by. The dream every momma has is for her child s pet to be odorless. For younger kids they can make excellent pets with some guidance and understanding the importance of proper handwashing to prevent salmonella.

Hedgehogs are not hamsters or guinea pigs. They have quills that hurt when they poke you. However generally speaking i would not recommend hedgehogs as pets for children. Hedgehogs are a group of old world spiny mammals.

As a hedgehog breeder my opinion is a firm no as negative points hedgehogs are exotic pets that have a lot of care requirements they are more expensive than say a rat hamster or bunny would be. Kids aged 10 12 years and up that can understand rules know the importance of handling the hedgehog properly and can dedicate themselves to protecting the well being of their pet. Wild hedgehogs have been living in africa forever but only in recent years have they been kept as pets. The african pygmy hedgehog is the most common domesticated hedgehog.

Other pets are quite smelly and need constant cleaning but that is not the case with hedgehogs. In my opinion i do think hedgehogs make wonderful pets. Some pets learn to respect the hedgehog but some dogs and ferrets treat them as prey. Still hedgehogs are quieter than most pets and rarely make any noise.

With a hedgehog you can t go wrong. These little animals can make terrific companions when housed and fed appropriately and their popularity appears to be increasing. When they feel threatened they roll into a tight ball with the spines sticking out. Younger children should probably not handle hedgehogs at all.

They might be okay for some older kids or teenagers but i would still recommend going with another type of pet. It s best to exercise caution around younger children or pets. Hedgehogs can be purchased for varying prices depending on where you live. Just like having a hamster as a pet for kids most of the cost will be upfront in purchasing the hedgehog and living arrangement.