AboutLaura T. Expertise Any questions regarding housing, feeding, or other care for pet hedgehogs or whether a hedgehog would be a suitable pet for a particular person or family. Also able to answer most breeding questions and willing to suggest questions to ask a veterinarian if an animal requires veterinary care.
Experience I have had pet hedgehogs for the past eleven years and have seriously bred them, focusing on excellence in health and temperament, for the past nine years. During the entire time I have owned hedgehogs I have provided rescue services whenever needed. I have been involved with several nationwide hedgehog organizations and am one of the owners of a large social and advisory site for hedgehog owners. With the help of colleagues I developed a test for hedgehog temperament that has been used both nationally and internationally by hedgehog organizations, breeders, and fanciers.
Education/Credentials BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Have done extensive independent study on care of hedgehogs, including studying information on their lives in the wild and veterinary publications both on the internet and as recommended by our veterinarian.
Past/Present Clients Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Sedgwick County Zoo, Garden City Zoo
Question Where do you get a hedgehog? Thank you for your help! Lynsdey
Answer You can find a hedgehog several places. Some pet stores do carry them, and you can sometimes find a nice hedgehog at a pet store, but you definitely need to do your research and make sure the pet store stands behind their animals and is honest. Too many pet stores sell animals who are unfriendly or unhealthy then refuse to help the new owner when problems arise. Many of the animals in rescues are there because of this sort of problem. Do not believe a salesperson if they tell you the animal is only grouchy because you woke it up or some other reason. Any hedgehog with a decent temperament should relax within a few minutes of being woken up if not sooner. A healthy animal should be clean, have a nice quill coat and healthy brown poops that look much like a smaller version of what a dog or cat leaves. Even better is to search and find a breeder who sells direct to individuals. There are breeders all over the country and many of them are really nice people who enjoy helping new owners. I would suggest doing a search for hedgehog breeder on the Internet. Like with pet stores you need to ask lots of questions to make sure you are buying from someone knowledgeable who stands behind the health and temperament of their animals. Feel free to ask if you have any other questions!
