Wooden enclosures present several safety concerns for hedgehogs, starting with temperature control. They are extremely difficult to heat safely and consistently to the temperatures hedgehogs require without posing a serious fire hazard. Additionally, wood can harbor mites, introducing another health risk that can potentially lead to an infestation.
Moisture is another major issue. Leaky water bottles or spilled bowls can seep into the wood over time, creating the perfect conditions for mold to grow within the enclosure itself.
Beyond these concerns, wooden enclosures are also problematic from a sanitation standpoint. When not properly sealed (which most are not), they can absorb urine and fecal odors. Once this happens, the enclosure can no longer be fully cleaned or sanitized, no matter how thorough the cleaning.
Rabbit hutches carry all of these same risks and often include an added danger: multiple levels. Multi-level enclosures are not recommended for hedgehogs, as they greatly increase the risk of falls and injuries. Hedgehogs have poor eyesight and limited coordination, making ramps and ledges especially unsafe. Even a minor slip can result in serious injuries such as broken feet, legs, or backs.
Hedgehogs require steady, full-enclosure warmth at all times rather than a warm side and a cool side, which is where glass tanks become a serious issue. Glass is notorious for creating cold spots—perfectly acceptable for reptiles, but extremely dangerous and even deadly for hedgehogs. Humidity is another major concern, as glass tends to stay cooler than the surrounding room, causing moisture in warm air to condense on the tank walls and leading to excess humidity. Size and practicality also come into play, since an appropriately sized glass enclosure for a hedgehog would require a minimum of 120 gallons, making it incredibly heavy and impractical while still carrying the same heating and humidity risks. On top of that, hedgehogs produce a large amount of waste, which leads to ammonia buildup—a major contributor to upper respiratory infections—making proper airflow and consistent temperatures absolutely critical, both of which totes handle far better. Cleaning glass tanks is also an often-overlooked problem, as reaching the bottom without putting pressure on the sides is awkward, and difficult.
For all of these reasons, aquariums are NOT recommended for hedgehogs.
Wooden enclosures present several safety concerns for hedgehogs, starting with temperature control. They are extremely difficult to heat safely and consistently to the temperatures hedgehogs require without posing a serious fire hazard. Additionally, wood can harbor mites, introducing another health risk that can potentially lead to an infestation.
Moisture is another major issue. Leaky water bottles or spilled bowls can seep into the wood over time, creating the perfect conditions for mold to grow within the enclosure itself.
Beyond these concerns, wooden enclosures are also problematic from a sanitation standpoint. When not properly sealed (which most are not), they can absorb urine and fecal odors. Once this happens, the enclosure can no longer be fully cleaned or sanitized, no matter how thorough the cleaning.
Rabbit hutches carry all of these same risks and often include an added danger: multiple levels. Multi-level enclosures are not recommended for hedgehogs, as they greatly increase the risk of falls and injuries. Hedgehogs have poor eyesight and limited coordination, making ramps and ledges especially unsafe. Even a minor slip can result in serious injuries such as broken feet, legs, or backs.
Wooden enclosures present several safety concerns for hedgehogs, starting with temperature control. They are extremely difficult to heat safely and consistently to the temperatures hedgehogs require without posing a serious fire hazard. Additionally, wood can harbor mites, introducing another health risk that can potentially lead to an infestation.
Moisture is another major issue. Leaky water bottles or spilled bowls can seep into the wood over time, creating the perfect conditions for mold to grow within the enclosure itself.
Beyond these concerns, wooden enclosures are also problematic from a sanitation standpoint. When not properly sealed (which most are not), they can absorb urine and fecal odors. Once this happens, the enclosure can no longer be fully cleaned or sanitized, no matter how thorough the cleaning.
Rabbit hutches carry all of these same risks and often include an added danger: multiple levels. Multi-level enclosures are not recommended for hedgehogs, as they greatly increase the risk of falls and injuries. Hedgehogs have poor eyesight and limited coordination, making ramps and ledges especially unsafe. Even a minor slip can result in serious injuries such as broken feet, legs, or backs.
Wooden enclosures present several safety concerns for hedgehogs, starting with temperature control. They are extremely difficult to heat safely and consistently to the temperatures hedgehogs require without posing a serious fire hazard. Additionally, wood can harbor mites, introducing another health risk that can potentially lead to an infestation.
Moisture is another major issue. Leaky water bottles or spilled bowls can seep into the wood over time, creating the perfect conditions for mold to grow within the enclosure itself.
Beyond these concerns, wooden enclosures are also problematic from a sanitation standpoint. When not properly sealed (which most are not), they can absorb urine and fecal odors. Once this happens, the enclosure can no longer be fully cleaned or sanitized, no matter how thorough the cleaning.
Rabbit hutches carry all of these same risks and often include an added danger: multiple levels. Multi-level enclosures are not recommended for hedgehogs, as they greatly increase the risk of falls and injuries. Hedgehogs have poor eyesight and limited coordination, making ramps and ledges especially unsafe. Even a minor slip can result in serious injuries such as broken feet, legs, or backs.
Hedgehogs require steady, full-enclosure warmth at all times rather than a warm side and a cool side, which is where glass tanks become a serious issue. Glass is notorious for creating cold spots—perfectly acceptable for reptiles, but extremely dangerous and even deadly for hedgehogs. Humidity is another major concern, as glass tends to stay cooler than the surrounding room, causing moisture in warm air to condense on the tank walls and leading to excess humidity. Size and practicality also come into play, since an appropriately sized glass enclosure for a hedgehog would require a minimum of 120 gallons, making it incredibly heavy and impractical while still carrying the same heating and humidity risks. On top of that, hedgehogs produce a large amount of waste, which leads to ammonia buildup—a major contributor to upper respiratory infections—making proper airflow and consistent temperatures absolutely critical, both of which totes handle far better. Cleaning glass tanks is also an often-overlooked problem, as reaching the bottom without putting pressure on the sides is awkward, and difficult.
For all of these reasons, aquariums are NOT recommended for hedgehogs.
Def good for a hamster, but wouldnt recommend for a hedgehog. Its really deep, not a lot of ventilation and hedgehogs pee and poop way more than a hamster, so URI's would be a concern, and heating would be an issue too, id be afraid of melting the plexiglass panels and the lids arent able to have the lamp rest on them.
One of the biggest differences between totes and glass tanks comes down to how they handle temperature. Plastic totes behave very differently. The plastic warms to the temperature of the air inside the enclosure, helping maintain consistent ambient heat and preventing the sharp temperature drops commonly seen with glass. This alone makes totes a much safer option for hedgehogs.Totes, by contrast, naturally discourage moisture buildup and are far easier to modify for additional cross-ventilation if needed. Totes are significantly lighter, far more affordable, and much easier to move for cleaning—something that becomes very important when your hedgehog is producing as much waste as they do.Being able to lift and move a tote makes routine cleaning safer for both the enclosure and the owner.All of these factors combined are why totes consistently outperform aquariums when it comes to hedgehog safety. They maintain heat more evenly, manage humidity better, provide safer ventilation options, and are easier to clean and maintain.
ENCLOSURE
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Hedgehogs require steady, full-enclosure warmth at all times rather than a warm side and a cool side, which is where glass tanks become a serious issue. Glass is notorious for creating cold spots—perfectly acceptable for reptiles, but extremely dangerous and even deadly for hedgehogs. Humidity is another major concern, as glass tends to stay cooler than the surrounding room, causing moisture in warm air to condense on the tank walls and leading to excess humidity. Size and practicality also come into play, since an appropriately sized glass enclosure for a hedgehog would require a minimum of 120 gallons, making it incredibly heavy and impractical while still carrying the same heating and humidity risks. On top of that, hedgehogs produce a large amount of waste, which leads to ammonia buildup—a major contributor to upper respiratory infections—making proper airflow and consistent temperatures absolutely critical, both of which totes handle far better. Cleaning glass tanks is also an often-overlooked problem, as reaching the bottom without putting pressure on the sides is awkward, and difficult.
For all of these reasons, aquariums are NOT recommended for hedgehogs.
Hedgehog Supply List
Below is a complete checklist of supplies for your hedgehog's habitat and care.
Create a safe, enriching, and comfortable environment for your hedgehog using the recommended supplies below. This checklist is designed to ensure proper care, safety, and enrichment.
Supply Verification
Before bringing your new hedgehog home, we ask that you submit clear photos of your setup to confirm that you have all required supplies ready. This step helps us make sure your hedgehog’s new environment is safe, comfortable, and properly equipped.
What to Include in Your Photos
Please submit clear photos showing:
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Cage setup - front and top views, including measurements
- Heating setup - all four components clearly visible
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Food and nutrition you plan to provide
Helpful Tips:
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Double-check your cage and accessory measurements before sending photos
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Minimum enclosure size required: 4-square feet
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Be prepared to provide a short video if additional verification is needed.
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Please send at least three photos of your full setup
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Follow the examples here
ENCLOSURE
⚠️⚠️ CAUTION⚠️ ⚠️
Metal bar cages are NOT safe for hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are poor climbers and can easily injure themselves on exposed bars. To ensure safety, the interior of the enclosure should be fully lined with solid material measuring at least 10–12 inches in height.
✔ Minimum size: 4-square feet
✔ No wire flooring
✔ Wire-top cages must be modified with solid interior walls at least 10 inches tall to prevent climbing and injury. Coroplast or similar solid materials should be used to create these barriers.
Suppy Kits
For convenience, supply kits are available for purchase. Orders must be placed at least 7 days in advance to ensure everything arrives before your hedgehog goes home. This complete setup includes everything needed to create a safe, comfortable home for your hedgehog:
Kits include:
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Food bowl
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GQHM water sipper
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Transition food
SAFE MATERIALS (Click to Shop)
ENCLOSURE
✔ Minimum size: 4-square feet
✔ No wire flooring
✔ Wire-top cages must be modified with solid interior walls at least 10 inches tall to prevent climbing and injury. Coroplast or similar solid materials should be used to create these barriers.
Pre-approved enclosure options
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SONGMICS 20-Panel Grid Cage
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50-Gallon Sterilite Bin (Modified)
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Midwest Guinea Pig Cage (PLUS)
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2x3 C&C Cage
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Full Cheeks Habitat
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Living World Deluxe XL
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Frisco Small Animal Cage
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New Age Pet EcoFlex Enclosure