FAQs

• What are your hours?

We are open Saturdays between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM by appointment only.

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• I changed my mind. Can I get a refund?

No. All deposits are non-refundable.

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Our adoption process is designed to encourage thoughtful, well-informed decisions and help prevent impulse purchases. When you place a deposit to reserve a hedgehog, we remove that animal from availability and may turn away other interested adopters.

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• When can baby hedgehogs go home?

Baby hedgehogs typically go home at 8 weeks of age once they are fully weaned and meeting our health and development standards.

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• Are the "Ready By" dates guaranteed?

No. All "Ready By" dates are estimates and may change based on the individual hedgehog's growth, health, and development. We will not release babies until they are fully ready to leave our care.

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• Are male or female hedgehogs better pets?

No. There is no difference in personality between male and female hedgehogs as companion animals. Individual temperament varies by hedgehog, not by gender.

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• Will my baby hedgehog keep the same color?

Not necessarily. Baby hedgehogs often change color during the quilling process, so colors cannot be guaranteed.

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• Why do females cost more than males? 

Female hedgehogs are priced higher due to increased demand from USDA-licensed breeders and general buyer preference. Additionally, female babies can remain with their mother longer, while males must be separated sooner to prevent accidental breeding.

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• What is the Priority Waiting List?

Families on our Priority Waiting List receive the first opportunity to select available babies before they are listed publicly on our website.

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• Can I reserve a baby before meeting it?

Yes. Babies may be reserved once the adoption process has been completed and any required deposits have been received. Availability cannot be guaranteed until a reservation has been confirmed.

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• Can I visit my baby hedgehog before it comes home?

Yes! Once your reserved baby reaches 6 weeks of age, you may schedule a visit while they are still in our care. Please note that visits are available only for hedgehogs that have already been reserved. Visits are $25 for up to 30 minutes and are intended to cover our time.

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• Do you offer educational appointments?

Yes! We offer one-hour educational appointments where you can interact with a hedgehog, learn about their care requirements, and ask questions about ownership and the adoption process. Educational appointments are available on Saturdays and must be scheduled in advance.

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• Do you offer transport?

Yes! We are happy to help arrange nationwide transport within the continental United States through a trusted third-party pet transportation company for $250.

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• Are all of your hedgehogs bred by you?

No. While many of our hedgehogs are bred here at Gunner's Quills Exotics, we also take in surrendered and rescued hedgehogs when their families can no longer care for them or provide necessary medical treatment.

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• Why are some juvenile and adult hedgehogs cheaper?

Reduced adoption fees may reflect factors such as age, personality, special circumstances, medical history, or the absence of a health guarantee.

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• Are juvenile and adult hedgehogs covered by a health guarantee?

No. Juvenile and adult hedgehogs are offered without a health warranty or health guarantee. Because some of these hedgehogs were not bred by us, their age, genetics, medical history, and previous care may be unknown.

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• Can I adopt a a rescued senior or special-needs hedgehog?

Yes! We occasionally have senior hedgehogs and hedgehogs with ongoing medical needs available for adoption. These hedgehogs are typically offered to our previous customers first. Adoption fees may be reduced or waived for approved homes that can provide appropriate long-term care.

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• Why should I consider adopting an older hedgehog?

Older hedgehogs can make wonderful companions and often adapt very well to loving homes.

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• How do I learn more about a specific hedgehog?

Click on the hedgehog's photo to view additional information, including personality traits, age , estimated availability, and any special notes about that individual hedgehog.

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• Do I need a heat setup?

Yes. Hedgehogs require a consistent enclosure temperature of 75–80°F.

When temperatures drop below 75°F, hedgehogs may attempt to hibernate. Because African Pygmy Hedgehogs are domesticated and not equipped to safely hibernate, this can quickly become a life-threatening emergency if not caught in time. Even if your home is normally warm, temperature fluctuations can occur. To keep your hedgehog safe and healthy, we require a reliable heat source regulated by a thermostat.

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• What is included in a CHE setup?

A proper Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) setup includes:

- An 8.5"–10" dome fixture with a ceramic socket

- A 150-watt ceramic heat emitter bulb

- A thermostat with probe (temperature controller)

- A thermometer with probe (temperature monitor)

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• Will a 5.5" dome work?

No. Domes smaller than 8.5 inches are not recommended for use with 150-watt ceramic heat emitter bulbs because they do not safely distribute heat.

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• I found a dome with a plastic socket. Will that work?

No. Plastic socket domes are designed for lighting, not heating.