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

There 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