A New Addition To The “Small Enough To Fit In Your Purse” Pets

HedgehogThere is a new trend-setting pet on the rise, and it isnt a pup for your hobo bag. While it isn’t the coziest little critter, it’s still cute. Allow me to introduce you to the hedgehog. Sure, most people probably conger up some mental image of a cross-breed of Sonic and a porcupine, but hedgies are a growing fad.

Think you might make a good hedge-mama? There are a few things you might want to know before you start picking out tiny little outfits (or leashes, or whatever.)

The basics: Hedgehogs are rumored to be great pets, they require no walks, live happily without a companion, and don’t need constant attention. While their prickly exteriors do not look very cuddly, their spikes feel more like a toothbrush than thousands of needles. Their life expectancy is anywhere from 3 to 8 years. The little critters prefer a warmer climate, that means if your place falls below 75-80 degrees your hedgie will get cold, (easily fixed by puting a heating pad under half the cage.)

Speaking of cage, since they are climbers as well as cuties the recommended habitat is a large clear Rubbermaid tub, with some air holes of course -not too big, they can crawl through anything as big as their head. Also, they are nocturnal, which is an ideal pet for students and professionals who spend their days out of the house. As for food, they are a relatively simple thing to feed, meal worms (gross) and/or cat food.

Now the real question: what kind of price can you put on these darling little hedgies? About $150, plus living expenses – food, room and board, and vet visits as needed.

Ready to be the first hedgehog parent on your block? Here are some more resources to help you find one and become the perfect proud momma:

www.hedgehogcentral.com

www.animalnetwork.com

www.hedgies.com

5 Comments on "A New Addition To The “Small Enough To Fit In Your Purse” Pets"

  1. Laura says:
    Mon, 21st Apr 20085:13 pm 

    Yea… I took care of a hedgie for a while. Then I gave it back reallllly fast. It snorts likes a cat coughing up a furball when you touch it or try to bathe it. Not my type.

  2. Sophie says:
    Mon, 21st Apr 20085:43 pm 

    Wow, I thought I was still drunk from Saturday when I was looking at that picture. None of the pictures on here are animated, but then its all switched up with a hedgehog!? Crazy. haha But I still love College Candy. : )

  3. b says:
    Mon, 21st Apr 20089:32 pm 

    i always thought they were so cute, ha.

    i wanted one when i was little so i could name him sonic.

    so ~original

  4. Olua - Washington College says:
    Tue, 22nd Apr 200810:38 am 

    I had a friend who had to give hedgies way because the head of campus life found out she had one (we’re not allowed to have animals on campus). As for me, meh, I’ll stick with rats. Significantly shorter lifespan, but you can give them scritchies.

    And, whoah, that picture freaked me out.

Tell us what you're thinking...




COVER STORY

Your St. Patty’s Day Survival Guide Your St. Patty’s Day Survival Guide

St. Patrick’s Day is a college student’s dream come true.  Well, I... 

Discount for Being Thin? Discount for Being Thin?

We are constantly surrounded by the epic American battle to lose weight. It’s all... 

Prom: No Lesbians Allowed Prom: No Lesbians Allowed

We all remember our senior proms.  Probably the most hyped up event of our lives... 

Read More Posts From This Category

HAHA

Single. And Impatient Single. And Impatient

Call me, dammit! OK, remember that boy I was confused about earlier this year? Yeah,... 

Duke It Out: Sexting Duke It Out: Sexting

[It's pretty obvious that the average CollegeCandy reader has some very strong opinions.... 

Sexy Time: Rules of the Rebound Sexy Time: Rules of the Rebound

You think breakups are hard? Try rebound sex. That little activity is more difficult... 

Read More Posts From This Category
Ask A Dude: Is He Hiding Something?

Ask A Dude: Is He Hiding Something?

Dear Dude, I have a new boyfriend and things are awesome, but there’s a problem. Let me preface this by saying I tend to be the problem in my relationships because even though I’ve never been cheated on or truly hurt, I still have a problem trusting guys for some reason.