Hedgehog care: Best practices for bedding and housing

Hedgehog care involves specific considerations regarding their living environments and social behaviors. For those providing supplementary housing in gardens or wildlife areas, bedding should consist of natural, non-toxic materials. Ideal options include shredded unprinted paper, dry leaves from deciduous trees, and straw, which provide warmth and insulation while mimicking a natural habitat.

Regarding social interaction, hedgehogs are inherently solitary creatures. While owners may consider keeping two female hedgehogs together, it is generally discouraged due to the risks of stress, aggression, and injury. Cohabitation can lead to dominance hierarchies, resource guarding, and weakened immune systems. Individual housing remains the recommended approach to ensure their well-being.