Essential Supplies for Pet Hedgehogs
African Pygmy Hedgehogs have very specific needs, particularly when it comes to temperature. Setting up their environment correctly before they come home is the most important step in ensuring their health and safety. This checklist covers all the essential items you will need.
The Hedgehog Shopping Checklist
| Category | Item | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Cage | A large, smooth-bottomed cage with good ventilation is required. A 105-quart bin cage or a large wire cage with a solid, covered floor (like a C&C cage) are excellent choices. Avoid multi-level wire cages to prevent falls. [1] |
| Bedding | Soft, absorbent bedding is best. Fleece liners are a popular, reusable option. Paper-based bedding like Carefresh is also good, but avoid dusty wood shavings. | |
| Heating (Crucial) | Heat Source | A Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) with a dome lamp is the safest and most effective way to heat the cage. [2] |
| Thermostat | A thermostat is non-negotiable. It must be used with the CHE to regulate the temperature and prevent overheating. The probe should be placed near the hedgehog's sleeping area. | |
| Thermometers | Two digital thermometers are needed to monitor the temperature on both the warm and cool sides of the cage. The ambient temperature must be kept between 74-80°F (23-27°C) at all times. | |
| Food & Water | Food | A high-quality, dry cat food with high protein (30-35%) and low fat (10-15%) is the standard diet. Look for a chicken-based formula. Many breeders also use a mix of several high-quality cat foods. [3] |
| Water & Food Bowls | Heavy, shallow ceramic bowls are best for both food and water. Water bottles are not recommended as they can damage teeth and are difficult to clean. | |
| Enrichment | Exercise Wheel | A large, solid-surface wheel is a must for these active animals. A 12-inch "bucket wheel" is the gold standard. Avoid wire or mesh wheels, which can cause serious foot injuries. [4] |
| Hideout | A snug, dark place to sleep is essential. A plastic igloo, a fleece snuggle sack, or a wooden hideout are all good options. | |
| Toys | Simple toys like toilet paper tubes (cut lengthwise), small cat balls, and crinkle toys provide good stimulation. | |
| Health & Safety | Travel Carrier | A small, secure carrier for vet visits. |
| Kitchen Scale | A digital kitchen scale is needed for regular weight checks, which is a key indicator of health. |
References
[1] Chewy. (2026). Hedgehog Care Sheet. https://www.chewy.com/education/small-pet/hedgehog/hedgehog-care-sheet
[2] Exotic Nutrition. (2025). Supply Checklist Before Taking Your New Hedgehog Home. https://exoticnutrition.com/blogs/blog/supply-checklist-before-taking-your-new-hedgehog-home
[3] Hedgehog Welfare Society. (n.d.). Supplies needed for hedgehogs. https://www.hedgehogwelfare.org/Supplies_needed_for_hedgehogs.pdf
[4] Little Critter Crew. (n.d.). Hedgehog Care Guide. https://littlecrittercrew.org/hedgehog-care-guide/