How Much Does a Hedgehog Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

A hedgehog is a type of mammal known for the spines that cover its body as a form of a self defense mechanism. Hedgehogs can be domesticated pets but can also have other uses such as controlling pests and being used for medicinal uses.

Hedgehog by Peyman Zehtab Fard, on Flickr
Hedgehog” (CC BY 2.0) by  Peyman Zehtab Fard

How much do hedgehogs cost?

On average, a hedgehog used as a pet at home can cost anywhere from $100 to $375.  Be sure to check with local state and city laws to ensure that these animals are legal as some areas ban them as household pets.  The costs will depend on the gender, the colors, facial markings, the breeder, age and quality.  Non-licensed breeders will often be up to 50 to 60 percent cheaper than a licensed one.

Common breeds such as an Algerian Black, for example, can cost $250 to $350.  A Grey hedgehog can cost anywhere from $180 to $250, while a Cinnicot can cost anywhere from $180 to $250.  An African Pygmy can range anywhere from $50 to as much as $300.

The breeder PogStarHedgehogs.com, for instance, sells different types of hedgehogs ranging anywhere from $150 to $200.

Hedgehog ColorAverage Price
African Pygmy$70 to $200
Albino (white with reddish eyes)$150 to $325 (based on lineage and gender)
Algerian$175 to $275
Apricot$175 to $250
Black (very rare)$300 to $400
Champagne (blondish color)$175 to $250
Cinnamon (slightly lighter than salt and pepper)$100 to $200
Pinto (black and white)$150 to $250
Salt and Pepper (very common)$100 to $200
White (very rare)$300 to $400

Factors that affect the price

The age

Baby and breeding adults will often be pricier than hedgehogs that don’t fall within these groups.  According to heritage-pets.tripod.com, newly weaned babies, usually around 10 weeks old, will be more in demand since this is the best to purchase one if you plan on having one as a pet.  Since babies haven’t formed habits yet, it’s a great time for owners to develop its habits.

Gender

More often than not, the males will cost about 20 to 30 percent less than females due to the fact breeders often sell more males than females.  Breeders will keep the females for breeding purposes and will often keep them for years.

Color

As seen in our table above, hedgehogs come in a variety of colors, so the rarer the color is, the more you’re going to pay.

Location and the time of year

In some geographical location, hedgehogs may be extremely easy to find; however, this may not be the case in some areas.  The same can be said about the seasons.  The same website we mentioned earlier — heritage-pets — said hedgehogs will be readily available in the spring, but during the cooler months, there may not be as many available.

What is going to be included in the adoption price?

Most breeders should include a health certificate and a smaller crate if it has to be shipped.  A small starter kit may also be included, which may contain food, toys, and even a cage.  This will all depend on the seller’s policy.

What are the extra costs?

A cage that is larger than two to four square feet in size will be recommended so that the hedgehog can roam freely.  These type of cages can cost anywhere from $30 to $150, depending on the size of the cage.  Experts recommend the cage is well ventilated and made of either wire or plastic.  A carrier cage is recommended if you plan on traveling or moving it to another location while cleaning out its cage.

Other accessories for the cage are required such as a wheel for exercise and/or a box for a small shelter where they can sleep.  They will also require a litter box similar to cats to use the bathroom.  A hiding box should cost about $10 to $15, while an exercise wheel can be closer to $20 to $30.

A food budget of at least $10 to $20 per month should be set aside to feed one.  Hedgehogs generally feed on dry kibble cat food.  Food and water bowls will be necessary when starting out.

Hedgehog bedding, such as cloth or a fleece, will be recommended as a substrate.

If a hedgehog is purchased out of state or it requires shipping, a travel fee may apply.  Shipping an animal through an airline can cost up to $200.  A crate will also be required and this can add to the travel expenses as well.

Factor in other recurring costs such as visiting the vet.  Visiting, even if no other tests are done, can start at $50 and go up from there.

Tips to know:

There are four distinct categories that can determine the color of the hedgehog, and many can exhibit a variety of colors with distinct patterns.  Different types of hedgehogs can include color markings such as brown, white, chocolate and albino.

To ensure that the hedgehog is healthy, be sure to look into the eyes and ensure that there is no discharge as well as make sure that they are round and have a beady appearance.  It’s also important to note that the belly should be soft.

Since these animals are rather good climbers, it’s best to note that the edges of the cage should be at least 12 inches high.

If you don’t want to buy every item one by one, you may want to consider buying a startup kit for a hedgehog.  In these kits, they will include everything that you need to have your hedgehog survive:  a cage, food, water bottle, toys and more.  Plan on spending $50 to $200 for a kit alone.

Aside from cat food, hedgehogs love to feed on food such as fruit and vegetables.  Be sure to throw that into their diet each day.

When choosing a breeder, see who the hedgehog parents are.  Are they pedigrees?  Are they clear of any syndromes such as wobbly hedgehog syndrome?  It’s also best to look into their breeding ethics and make sure they are licensed with the USDA.

Most name brand pet stores such as Petsmart and Petco often don’t sell hedgehogs.  To buy one, you will usually need to find a breeder online, through classified ads or by contacting a local rescue group that specializes in these animals.  Hedgehog Headquarters says it can be hard to find these animals for sale because breeders will have to be regulated/licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture, and since most breeders or pet stores don’t want to hassle with this, they won’t bother selling exotic animals, which a hedgehog is classified as.  The website also notes these animals can be hard to raise since they require a lot of commitment.

How long does a hedgehog live?  The average pet, if well taken care of, can live two to five years.

Hedgehog vs porcupine – what’s the difference?

Hedgehogs will be much smaller in size, ranging about five to 12 inches in length and weighing about one to three pounds.  Porcupines, on the other hand, can grow 25 to 35 inches in length, weighing 12 to 35 pounds.

There are 17 hedgehog species that originate from Europe, Africa and Asia.  As for porcupines, there are 29 species that originate from the same countries as a hedgehog, plus South and North America.

Hedgehogs are commonly found in forest and meadows, where porcupines will be found in temperate, tropical forests, deserts and grasslands.

Even though both have a spiny covering, they will defend themselves in different ways.  For example, the hedgehog will have short, thick spines permanently attached to the skin and will be flat, causing no harm.  The porcupine, on the other hand, will be more aggressive when defending itself, using its exterior for protection.  Their quills will raise when threatened, and if something they deem a threat gets too close, the quills can dislodge, sticking into the nearby predator.

How can I save money?

There are breeders that can allow hedgehog adoption and you may want to consider this option to save money.   Websites such as HedgehogCentral.com lists reputable breeders that offer hedgehogs for adoption.

Pet stores can often be cheaper than a breeder.  If you purchase through a pet store, though, just make sure that you know the history of the hedgehog and the breeder that supplied them.  It’s also helpful to have them provide you with some sort of guarantee.

Check online classified ads to see if any owners are getting rid of their hedgehog.  If so, you may find they are willing to get rid of all the supplies along with the hedgehog as well, saving you a few hundred dollars or so.


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