We bought ours an an exotic pet store in Las Vegas. She loves to eat meal worms and other bugs dead or alive. There is a bag processed pellet food available but she doesn’t care for it.

As far as smell she doesn’t have an odor like the ferrets we used to own she loves to play on the hamster wheel and baths in the kitchen sink. I agree that you should hold them every day or they will become skittish.

Ours isn’t litter box trained but I suppose it is possible.

I love hedgehogs. They make great pets. But with any new addition - the more research you do the better you know if it's a fit for your family.

I haven't heard of anyone being allergic. But they do have fuzzy bellies - so I suppose it's possible. No scent like a ferret. I had six hedgehogs at one time and never noticed a smell on them. A reputable breeder would be your best bet for purchasing one. I follow a Facebook page "Hedgehog 411". They are out of Ohio - but share lots of great info and sell hedgehogs as well.

I kept mine in open wire cages with a plastic tray bottom. I used pine shavings for their flooring. It was easy to clean. I fed mine the packaged food from the store.

Yes - interact with your hedgehog. Otherwise they will be skittish and shy and a bundle of spines all the time. They are very curious and friendly if you get them out and hold them and let them wander around.

It's an excellent pet if it fits your time and maintenance schedule. If not, you end up with a skittish critter that needs fed and has a cage that needs cleaned.

Best of luck. Please let us know what you decide :)

There is about 8 zillion different kind of dogs and cats, most of which are available for adoption. They have every personality imaginable. Maybe do what we've done for the last 40 years, adopt a feral or abandon cat. They need people & homes. Leave wild animals in the wild. We have a very low opinion of wild animal breeder, please don't enable them.

Doublesaj & Old Blue