Are you interested in raising caged hedgehogs alongside domesticated rabbits? Or do you already have both animals at home? Either way, curiosity about the outcome of rearing the two pets side by side is normal.

This article answers the question “Can Hedgehogs Live With Rabbits?” by revealing the nuances of raising both pets at home and the likelihood of achieving successful results. We also look into potential pitfalls to watch out for to ensure a high chance of success.

Can Hedgehogs Live With Rabbits?

Hedgehogs can live with rabbits in one house under their owner’s supervision. However, they cannot share an enclosure since each has different housing needs. Putting hedgehogs and rabbits in the same cage may result in health problems for both small-sized pets.

The temptation to raise hedgehogs and rabbits simultaneously can be high, especially since both animals are of a similar physical size. They both have mild temperaments and are fairly non-aggressive compared with other pets.

However, Hedgehogs and rabbits are different in numerous ways including physical appearance and other aspects of their lives. Getting as much information about their biology and care needs could come in handy before making the decision to raise both.

Similarities Between Hedgehogs and Rabbits

As previously stated, it can make sense for hedgehogs and rabbits to be raised together in the same space. Here are a few similarities between both animals.

Gentle Mannered

Hedgehogs and rabbits are both mild-mannered creatures that could literally not hurt a fly under normal circumstances. They are non-aggressive and try to mind their own business. Putting both animals in the same space may be possible because the probability of physical altercations could be next to zero.

It takes a lot to annoy both hedgehogs and rabbits and even anger sets in, they communicate their displeasure via loud sounds rather than physical aggression. Both can be fairly cunning and could try to escape when given the chance but that is about as naughty as they get.

However, human supervision is still important when raising hedgehogs and rabbits together in the same household. Neglecting to pay attention to them can lead to surprises because they are still animals and lack the rationalization powers of humans.

Prey Animals

Hedgehogs and rabbits are both common prey to larger animals in the wild thanks to their diminutive size and gentle temperaments. Their similar physical size means neither is likely to appear too imposing to the other and this could mean harmony when both are raised in the same household.

Unlike other pet pairings where one may be significantly larger than the other, the probability of discovering hedgehogs attacking rabbits or vice versa is extremely low. Neither is likely to view the other as some sort of adversary that needs to be gotten out of the way.

Each animal is likely to want to focus on its own life without much regard for the other. Luckily, they do not share the same diets because rabbits are herbivores that rely on plant diets while hedgehogs prefer dry or wet cat food with fruits and vegetables as supplements.

The probability of competing over food is also non-existent because hedgehogs do not have much interest in the rabbit’s diet and vice versa.

Independent Creatures

One of the biggest similarities between hedgehogs and rabbits is their mutual independence. Both animals enjoy their own space and feel uncomfortable in the company of others.

Hedgehogs have been unfairly tagged as grumpy because they do not enjoy sharing cages with other hedgehogs regardless of the circumstances. The presence of an additional hedgehog in the same cage can trigger anxiety due to a feeling of getting intimidated.

Rabbits share similar traits in the independence spectrum because they’d rather live alone without the presence of others in their hutches. It is not uncommon for rabbits to feel threatened when another rabbit is brought into the hutch, especially after reaching adulthood.

Since rabbits are extremely territorial, it is only a matter of time before signs of aggression like biting and kicking become apparent. However, they are likely to display this level of aggression against other rabbits instead of hedgehogs.

Attempts at kicking a hedgehog in the same space with its powerful back legs could lead to poking by the hedgehog’s sharp quills which can serve as a deterrent for the rabbit to back off permanently. Trampling accidents may be real since hedgehogs are quite small compared to rabbits resulting in injuries for both animals.

Keeping both in separate confined environments could be the best way forward for an owner that wants an incident-free co-existence.

Differences Between Hedgehogs and Rabbits

Hedgehogs and rabbits have several differences ranging from physical traits to diet as well as space and temperature needs. Shall we delve into a few vital information required for anyone that plans to raise both pets?

Cages vs Hutches

Hedgehogs live in cages or enclosures that are placed indoors due to the tendency to hibernate when exposed to cold temperatures. The indoor cages protect hedgehogs from the year-round temperature fluctuations outdoors.

Hedgehogs thrive in temperatures ranging from 75 F to 80 F. Exposure to extreme heat during the summer can force hedgehogs into estivation, a form of hibernation that occurs when temperatures soar to unbearable levels.

Hibernation occurs when the temperature in hedgehog’s cages plummet to extreme levels during winter and other chilly periods. Hedgehogs go into the torpor state to conserve energy and resources even though it is unnecessary in captivity where access to food and water supply is consistent.

Additional heat from hot water bottles wrapped in towels, heat lamps, and heat pads can guarantee warmth during winter to prevent hedgehogs from initiating hibernation.

Rabbits on the hand, enjoy living in hutches that are kept outdoors which makes them unsuitable for hedgehogs because the temperature fluctuations could be harmful. Rabbits thrive in temperatures ranging from 50 F to 68 F and placing them in indoor cages can be problematic, especially during the summer.

The varying temperature requirements for both animals means they require different cages to be able to enjoy meaningful lives.

Nocturnal vs Crepuscular

Another problematic area that may cause trouble when hedgehogs and rabbits are housed together is that while hedgehogs are nocturnal beings, rabbits are crepuscular. Nocturnal animals spend the whole day sleeping and become active at night.

Crepuscular animals on the other hand are active during the low-light conditions available from dusk to dawn. While rabbits spend the majority of the daytime sleeping, they are relatively early risers compared to hedgehogs.

Their small physical footprints make hedgehogs and rabbits easy targets for physically larger predators. Foraging for food and water in the wild during the daytime could put them at significant risk of predatory attacks. It makes sense that they both go out in search for food and other essentials under the cover of darkness to provide increased chances of survival.

Rabbits also typically go to bed at dawn while hedgehogs may stay active until an hour or two later. The hours of physical activity can vary although there may be some overlapping periods when they are both asleep.

The result is sleep disturbances in hedgehogs and rabbits at different times within a 24-hour cycle leading to bad moods from stress buildup.

High vs Low Light Sensitivity

Hedgehogs are extremely sensitive to light and require 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness to enjoy good sleep. Exposure to light 24-hours a day can interfere with their sleep schedule resulting in reduced sleep quality.

Rabbits are less sensitive to light and the fact that their hutches are located outdoors means they enjoy whatever nature has to offer without being too bothered. Rabbits have no problems sleeping in the bright daytime lights for as long as necessary.

Small vs Larger Space

Hedgehogs thrive in cages that can accommodate their required bells and whistles including food bowls, toys, water bottles, hideouts and running wheels. Additionally, they require at least 4 square feet of roaming area to meet their fitness needs even in the absence of running wheels.

Rabbits typically require hutches that offer 12 square feet of floor space for roaming after accommodating their required accessories. Hedgehog cages are often smaller than rabbit cages due to their varying needs.

Standard rabbit cages are 5 times larger than hedgehog cages and this is another reason why housing both animals in the same cage is not feasible. Also, rabbits poop just as much as hedgehogs and putting both in one cage may lead to poop everywhere.

The probability of both animals making physical contact with each other’s cages can be high resulting in an increased risk of diseases and infections.

Omnivores vs Herbivores

Hedgehogs are omnivores that live on insects, vertebrates, and other forms of animal proteins but rabbit diets are are restricted to plants including grass and leaves in the wild. In domesticated settings, hedgehogs rely on dry or wet cat food formulated to suit their nutritional needs and teeth structure.

Rabbit food pellets comprising plant ingredients like alfalfa and wheat middlings are popular among domesticated rabbit owners. These pellets are extremely hard to suit the strong rabbit teeth but could potentially be a cause of injury when consumed by hedgehogs. (Source)

Can Rabbits and Hedgehogs Play Together?

Hedgehogs and rabbits are not playmates by any stretch and should be kept independently of each other to prevent problems down the line.

Hedgehogs are likely not to show any interest in playing with rabbits and the probability of curling up in a ball throughout the initial stages of their time together could be high. Hedgehogs may eventually loosen up after getting familiar with the rabbits but that could take some time.

Rabbits may largely ignore the hedgehog but any signs of discomfort with its presence could result in kicking the hedgehog with its back legs. Keeping them in separate enclosures makes more sense because these issues could be avoided.

Can Hedgehogs and Rabbits Share The Same Room?

Keeping hedgehogs and rabbits in different cages across the same room during the summer is impossible because rabbits require lower temperatures than what may prevail indoors. But what about during winter when internal temperatures are likely to meet the rabbit’s requirements?

Well, while it may be look feasible in theory, there are several nuances to consider. Firstly, hedgehogs may not take too kindly to a relatively larger animal in another cage close by even if there’s no chance of physical contact.

Besides, their different sleep schedules means one animal could be awake and making loud noises while the other is deeply asleep. Also, the sound of the hedgehog running quickly on a wheel while the rabbit is enjoying some nighttime shuteye could cause sleep disturbances.

You may want to experiment with placing hedgehogs and rabbits in the same room but different cages to see how it goes. But pay close attention to the arrangement and be ready to make quick changes when the need arises.

Can Hedgehogs and Rabbits Share The Same House?

Hedgehogs and rabbits can share the same house but different rooms to prevent one from disturbing the other. Out of sight means out of mind in this scenario and the fact that there’s no physical or visual contact may guarantee peace.

The only downside is that keeping rabbits indoors could cause problems during the summer when temperatures often soar. If you do not have the luxury of keeping them in 2 separate rooms, just keep the hedgehogs inside and the rabbits outdoors like they prefer.

How To Introduce Hedgehogs and Rabbits

Only introduce hedgehogs to rabbits in the same home after both pets have grown familiar with your presence. This means hedgehogs should have no issues snuggling up to you without curling into a ball while rabbits should make voluntary approaches instead of going into hiding in your presence.

Before initiating contact, spend time with each pet individually to enhance their moods and set up the right environment for a successful introduction. The steps below can also come in handy.

• Make sure the environment is noise-free
• Introduce the animals slowly by allowing only visual contact with each other
• Handle the hedgehog during the initial introduction to the rabbit
• After some time with both pets, allow the hedgehog to roam on the ground while watching proceedings
• Intervene quickly when signs of aggression pop up to minimize the risk of the hedgehog getting kicked or the rabbit getting poked by the hedgehog’s sharp quills
• Diffuse any situations that may result in stress by removing one animal from the shared environment when necessary

Conclusion: Can Hedgehogs Live With Rabbits?

Hedgehogs may be able to live with rabbits peacefully without problems since they are two different animals that share a penchant for being non-aggressive. The probability of aggression may be low but keep an eye on both when allowed to spend time together.

Raising hedgehogs and rabbits in a shared cage is a bad idea that can lead to negative consequences. Not only do they have varying cage size requirements but their temperature needs couldn’t be more different.

Besides, hedgehogs and rabbits poop a lot, and sharing a cage could lead to physical contact with each other’s fecal matter resulting in exposure to diseases and infections.