Buying a hoglet can be an exciting time but it is critical to be on the lookout for potential red flags, especially as a first-timer. Asking breeders the right questions could help identify whether a hoglet available for sale may be a good fit for your home.

This article outlines the most critical questions for hedgehog breeders before taking the plunge with a purchase. We also reveal potential pitfalls to watch out for during the hedgehog buying process to increase the chances of ending up with a healthy breed that assimilates well in your home and lasts for the long haul. Let’s get started.

Questions For Hedgehog Breeders

Questions like the age, species, and specifics of their diet should be put to breeders before purchasing a live hoglet. Critical additional inquiries include the hedgehog’s genetic background, current veterinarian, and state of health as well as the breeder’s USDA license. Also, ask about the breeder’s health guarantees for buyers and what happens if the hedgehog fails to settle in your home.

As stated earlier, Hedgehogs, unlike hamsters, cannot be easily ordered from the local pet store. Specialized breeders in your city have to be sought to get a chance of raising one. Be prepared to ask your breeder the right questions to decide whether a hedgehog is a safe bet for your home.

The more detailed your questions are during the vetting process, the higher the probability of figuring out whether the breeder is worth buying from. Do not just take their word for it, ask for proof in certain situations when possible to be sure you’re ordering a hedgehog with a fairly reasonable chance of enjoying a healthy life.

1. When Can I Pick Up The New Hedgehog?

Baby hedgehogs could be weaned off their mother from 6-12 weeks but we recommended picking them up after 10 weeks to allow enough time to enjoy their mother’s milk. Hedgehogs that are provided with breast milk for longer often have stronger immune systems to repel diseases and infections.

2. What is The Hedgehog’s Genetic Background?

The hedgehog’s genetic background can make a huge difference in terms of the quality of life ahead. Does the hedgehog come from pedigree parents? Do the parents have a history of wobbly hedgehog syndrome, cancer, or another serious health condition?

The breeder’s answers can provide insights into the health profile of the hedgehog and whether a decent life could be expected ahead healthwise.

3. Are There Health Guarantees for The Purchase?

Most hedgehog breeders offer health guarantees for buyers so feel free to ask about it because it is nothing new. The standard is a minimum of 30 days to 90 days depending on the breeder. If the hedgehog dies within the stipulated timeframe, a new hedgehog is typically offered as a replacement when available.

4. What is Your Return Policy Like If The Hedgehog Fails to Assimilate in My Home?

Some hedgehog breeders have iron-clad returns policies that may include offering a full refund (quite rare) to getting the hedgehog exchanged for a new one. Ask for paperwork to verify the terms of the returns policy to be able to take them up on it in the event that the unthinkable happens and a hedgehog fails to settle in your home despite well-intentioned efforts.

5. Do You Have A USDA Breeding License?

A USDA breeding license can be the difference between professional and amateur hedgehog breeders. Those with the license are more likely to practice ethical breeding but nothing is set in stone because many amateur breeders are committed to doing the right thing.

If possible, always purchase hoglets from USDA-licensed hedgehog breeders in your city to increase the chances of finding the right fit. Unlike hamsters and other pets, hedgehogs cannot be sourced from your local pet store so finding a breeder offline or online offers the best shot.

6. Did The Hedgehog Receive Veterinary Checks?

Even the healthiest-looking hoglets need veterinary checks to figure out potential sources of concern for early treatment. Ask for proof of receiving veterinary checks instead of taking the seller’s word for it and be ready to contact the veterinarian for clarifications if something looks fishy on the records.

This can also be an easy way to find a vet that specializes in hedgehog care for future consultations when necessary.

7. What Foods Do The Hedgehogs Eat and How Often Do You Feed Them?

Asking about the hedgehog’s current diet and how many times it is fed can provide clues about its current state of health just by analyzing the hedgehog’s body weight. For instance, a hedgehog exhibiting stunted growth despite daily access to balanced diets could be suffering from underlying health conditions.

8. What Type Of Bedding Is The Hedgehog Used To?

Hedgehogs should be placed in an environment similar to their habitat at the breeder’s after arriving at your home. Details like the bedding type and cage size can help you set up an enclosure that resembles what they are used to.

This may speed up the duration hoglets require to familiarize themselves with your home. Hedgehogs may also be allergic to many cage liner types, especially wood shavings, and introducing them into their cages can spark trouble.

Fleece, paper shavings, and even toilet paper strips can serve as comfortable bedding for hedgehog cages.

9. Can I See The Hedgehog’s Current Habitat?

A first-hand glance at the hedgehog’s current habitat could provide a good idea of the breeder’s ethics and commitment to the hedgehogs. Some breeders may decline to allow the excursion but proper physical examination of the hoglets can provide good insights as well.

10. How Much Is The Hedgehog Handled?

Knowing how much the hedgehog is currently handled may also provide ideas about its personality. For instance, hoglets looking cheerful with minimal handling are likely to fit in quickly in your home if proper attention is provided.

Hedgehogs that are constantly moody even with extensive physical handling are likely to suffer assimilation problems in a new home upon arrival. Declining the purchase can save you from a lot of trouble down the line.

11. Do You Practice Ethical Breeding?

Ethical breeding involves the use of healthy breeder stock with no familial connections. Not only does the practice result in healthy offspring but the chances of ending up with a mild temperamental hoglet could be high.

In-bred hedgehogs, on the other hand, face a lifetime of health problems and may be more susceptible to the deadly wobbly hedgehog syndrome. (Source)

12. Do You Participate in Any Hedgehog Forums?

Hedgehog forums are a great way to uncover breeders with good reputations. Many folks are happy to share their experiences online and finding independent information such as the quality of offspring and after-sales services offered by a particular breeder shouldn’t be impossible.

Also, ask breeders if they are members of associations like the Hedgehog Breeders Alliance, Hedgehog Welfare Society, or International Hedgehog Association. The most reputable breeders are likely to participate in such groups due to the continuous training provided for members on the best practices to breed the healthiest offspring.

13. How Many Times is The Hedgehog Bred in A Year?

The gestation period of hedgehogs is 30-40 days meaning they could technically be bred 6-7 times per year. However, health experts recommend breeding them up to 3 times a year and reputable breeders follow these recommendations.

Conclusion: 13 Smart Questions for Hedgehog Breeders

Questions to ask a breeder before ordering hoglets include the age and genetic information as well as how much handling they have received and details about their staple diets. Additional inquiries like the type of bedding used in the hedgehog’s cage, the breeder’s return policy, and health guarantees if any, are important.

The most reputable breeders are also certified with a USDA license. Finding the right hedgehog begins with the type of breeder it is sourced from. Reputable breeders invest in exceptional breeding stock such as pedigrees to ensure the best chance of producing offspring that are not only healthy but integrate into homes with minimal issues.