Do Hedgehogs Need A Companion (Fact Checked)

✅ Fact Checked
Updated on January 16, 2023
Michael Colt, Bachelor Computer Science Degree & Computer Engineering.
Written by
Michael Colt, Bachelor Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science.
Ella Williams
Fact Checked by
Ella Williams
Dr. Michael Colt is a highly qualified veterinarian and animal scientist. He has extensive knowledge and experience in the care and treatment of animals, and a deep understanding of the latest scientific research in the field. Dr. Colt is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of animals, and is committed to providing the highest level of care to his patients. Holds a Bachelors Degree in Veterinary Medicine from Middle Tennessee State University.
⭐ Fun Fact ⭐

Hedgehogs are known for their ability to roll into a tight ball as a defense mechanism, with their sharp spines providing a barrier against predators.

Hedgehogs are becoming increasingly popular as pets, and for good reason! These charming creatures are unique, fascinating, and surprisingly low-maintenance. However, one of the questions that many potential hedgehog owners have is whether or not hedgehogs need a companion. In this blog, we’ll explore the social behavior of hedgehogs and the factors to consider when deciding whether or not to keep a companion for your pet hedgehog. Whether you’re a seasoned hedgehog owner or just starting to research these fascinating creatures, this information will help you make an informed decision about hedgehog companionship. So, do hedgehogs need a companion? Let’s find out!

1 Understanding the Social Behaviour of Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are fascinating creatures that have become increasingly popular as pets in recent years. However, it is important to understand the social behavior of hedgehogs in order to provide them with the best possible care. Hedgehogs are generally considered to be solitary animals, meaning that they prefer to live alone and have limited social interaction with other hedgehogs. This preference for solitude and independence is a natural part of their biology and behavior, and is something that pet owners should take into consideration when deciding whether or not to keep a companion for their hedgehog.

Despite their preference for solitude, hedgehogs will occasionally engage in social interaction with other hedgehogs. This can happen when two hedgehogs are housed together, or when hedgehogs are brought together for breeding purposes. In these situations, it is important to monitor the interactions between the hedgehogs and to ensure that they are getting along well. If there are any signs of aggression or stress, it may be necessary to separate the hedgehogs or to provide them with additional space and resources to reduce the risk of conflict.

It is also worth noting that the social behavior of hedgehogs can vary greatly depending on the individual personality and temperament of each hedgehog. Some hedgehogs are more social and outgoing, while others are more solitary and independent. As a result, it is important to consider the individual personality and temperament of each hedgehog when deciding whether or not to keep a companion for your pet hedgehog.

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So basically, understanding the social behavior of hedgehogs is crucial for providing them with the best possible care. Hedgehogs are generally solitary animals that prefer solitude and independence, but will occasionally engage in social interaction with other hedgehogs. The social behavior of hedgehogs can vary greatly depending on the individual personality and temperament of each hedgehog, and it is important to consider this when deciding whether or not to keep a companion for your pet hedgehog.

2 Benefits of Keeping a Single Hedgehog as a Pet

Keeping a hedgehog as a pet can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, and there are many benefits to owning a single hedgehog. One of the biggest benefits is the lower cost of pet ownership. Unlike other pet options that require multiple animals, hedgehogs are typically kept as single pets, which can help to reduce the overall cost of pet ownership. This can be especially beneficial for those who are on a tight budget or who are looking for a low-maintenance pet option.

Another benefit of keeping a single hedgehog as a pet is that there is no need to worry about compatibility issues with other hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are naturally solitary animals that prefer to live alone, and as a result, they do not typically require the company of another hedgehog. This can help to reduce the risk of conflict or aggressive behavior between hedgehogs, and can also help to simplify the care and maintenance of a single pet.

In addition to these benefits, keeping a single hedgehog as a pet can also simplify the care and maintenance of your pet. Hedgehogs are relatively low-maintenance pets that do not require a lot of attention or special care, and as a result, they are well-suited for pet owners who are looking for a simple and straightforward pet option. Whether you are a busy professional, a student, or a senior citizen, a single hedgehog can be a great pet option that is easy to care for and maintain.

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In summary, there are many benefits to keeping a single hedgehog as a pet, including the lower cost of pet ownership, the absence of compatibility issues with other hedgehogs, and the simplified care and maintenance of a single pet. Whether you are a seasoned hedgehog owner or just starting to research these fascinating creatures, keeping a single hedgehog as a pet can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience that is well worth considering.

3 Considerations for Keeping Multiple Hedgehogs

While keeping a single hedgehog as a pet can be a great option for many pet owners, there are also several considerations to keep in mind when deciding to keep multiple hedgehogs. One of the most important considerations is the increased cost of pet ownership. Keeping multiple hedgehogs will typically require a larger investment in terms of time, money, and resources, and it is important to be prepared for the additional expenses that come with pet ownership.

Another important consideration when keeping multiple hedgehogs is the need for a larger living space. Hedgehogs are solitary animals that require their own individual living space, and it is important to provide each hedgehog with enough room to move around, hide, and rest comfortably. This can be especially challenging when keeping multiple hedgehogs, as it may require a larger living space or multiple living spaces to accommodate all of the pets.

In addition to the increased cost of pet ownership and the need for a larger living space, there is also the potential for compatibility issues between hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are naturally solitary animals, and they may not always get along well when housed together. As a result, it is important to monitor the interactions between hedgehogs and to take steps to prevent aggressive behavior or conflict.

Finally, it is important to provide adequate socialization opportunities for hedgehogs when keeping multiple pets. Hedgehogs will occasionally engage in social interaction with other hedgehogs, and it is important to provide them with the opportunity to do so in a safe and controlled environment. This can help to reduce the risk of aggressive behavior and to promote positive social interactions between hedgehogs.

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In summary, keeping multiple hedgehogs is a decision that requires careful consideration and planning. The increased cost of pet ownership, the need for a larger living space, the potential for compatibility issues between hedgehogs, and the importance of providing adequate socialization opportunities are all important factors to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to keep multiple hedgehogs as pets. Whether you are a seasoned hedgehog owner or just starting to research these fascinating creatures, taking the time to consider these factors will help you make an informed decision about hedgehog companionship.

4 Factors to Consider When Deciding on Hedgehog Companionship

When deciding on hedgehog companionship, there are several important factors to consider in order to provide your pets with the best possible care. One of the most important factors to consider is the individual personality and temperament of each hedgehog. Hedgehogs are naturally solitary animals, but their social behavior can vary greatly depending on the individual personality and temperament of each hedgehog. Some hedgehogs are more social and outgoing, while others are more solitary and independent. As a result, it is important to consider the individual personality and temperament of each hedgehog when deciding whether or not to keep a companion for your pet hedgehog.

Another important factor to consider when deciding on hedgehog companionship is the availability of adequate living space. Hedgehogs are solitary animals that require their own individual living space, and it is important to provide each hedgehog with enough room to move around, hide, and rest comfortably. This can be especially challenging when keeping multiple hedgehogs, as it may require a larger living space or multiple living spaces to accommodate all of the pets.

In addition to the availability of adequate living space, it is also important to consider your ability to provide proper care and attention for multiple pets. Keeping multiple hedgehogs will typically require a larger investment in terms of time, money, and resources, and it is important to be prepared for the additional expenses and responsibilities that come with pet ownership. Whether you are a busy professional, a student, or a senior citizen, it is important to consider your ability to provide proper care and attention for multiple pets before deciding on hedgehog companionship.

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Finally, it is important to consider your personal preference for single or multiple pets. Some pet owners prefer the simplicity and low-maintenance of a single pet, while others enjoy the social interaction and companionship that comes with owning multiple pets. Whether you prefer a single hedgehog or multiple hedgehogs, it is important to consider your personal preferences and lifestyle when deciding on hedgehog companionship.

So essentially, when deciding on hedgehog companionship, there are several important factors to consider, including the individual personality and temperament of each hedgehog, the availability of adequate living space, your ability to provide proper care and attention for multiple pets, and your personal preference for single or multiple pets. Whether you are a seasoned hedgehog owner or just starting to research these fascinating creatures, taking the time to consider these factors will help you make an informed decision about hedgehog companionship.

5 Potential Risks of Keeping Multiple Hedgehogs

While keeping multiple hedgehogs as pets can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, there are also several potential risks to consider when deciding on hedgehog companionship. One of the most significant risks is the increased risk of illness and disease transmission. When hedgehogs are housed together, they are more likely to come into contact with one another’s bodily fluids and secretions, which can increase the risk of disease transmission. This can be especially problematic for hedgehogs that are already sick or immunocompromised, as they may be more susceptible to illness and disease.

Another potential risk of keeping multiple hedgehogs is the potential for aggressive behavior between hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are naturally solitary animals, and they may not always get along well when housed together. As a result, it is important to monitor the interactions between hedgehogs and to take steps to prevent aggressive behavior or conflict. This can be especially challenging when keeping multiple hedgehogs, as it may require a larger living space or multiple living spaces to accommodate all of the pets.

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Finally, keeping multiple hedgehogs can also present difficulties in providing adequate attention and care for multiple pets. Hedgehogs require a significant investment of time and resources, and it can be challenging to provide proper care and attention for multiple pets. Whether you are a busy professional, a student, or a senior citizen, it is important to consider your ability to provide proper care and attention for multiple pets before deciding on hedgehog companionship.

So basically, while keeping multiple hedgehogs as pets can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, there are several potential risks to consider, including the increased risk of illness and disease transmission, the potential for aggressive behavior between hedgehogs, and the difficulty in providing adequate attention and care for multiple pets. Whether you are a seasoned hedgehog owner or just starting to research these fascinating creatures, taking the time to consider these potential risks will help you make an informed decision about hedgehog companionship.

6 Potential Benefits of Keeping Multiple Hedgehogs

Keeping multiple hedgehogs as pets can offer many benefits for pet owners who are looking for a more social and interactive pet experience. One of the biggest benefits of keeping multiple hedgehogs is the opportunity for socialization and interaction between hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are naturally solitary animals, but they will occasionally engage in social interaction with other hedgehogs, and this can provide a rich and rewarding experience for pet owners. Whether you are looking to provide your hedgehogs with the opportunity to play, explore, or simply spend time together, keeping multiple hedgehogs can offer a unique and enjoyable pet experience.

Another potential benefit of keeping multiple hedgehogs is the potential for bonding between hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are social animals that can form strong bonds with one another, and this can provide a rich and rewarding experience for pet owners. Whether you are looking to provide your hedgehogs with a companion or simply want to observe the interactions between hedgehogs, keeping multiple hedgehogs can offer a unique and enjoyable pet experience.

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Finally, keeping multiple hedgehogs can also increase the entertainment and enjoyment from multiple pets. Hedgehogs are fascinating creatures that are full of energy and personality, and having multiple hedgehogs can provide a rich and rewarding pet experience. Whether you are looking for a fun and interactive pet experience or simply want to observe the antics of multiple hedgehogs, keeping multiple hedgehogs can offer a unique and enjoyable pet experience.

So essentially, keeping multiple hedgehogs as pets can offer many benefits for pet owners, including the opportunity for socialization and interaction between hedgehogs, the potential for bonding between hedgehogs, and the increased entertainment and enjoyment from multiple pets. Whether you are a seasoned hedgehog owner or just starting to research these fascinating creatures, taking the time to consider the potential benefits of keeping multiple hedgehogs will help you make an informed decision about hedgehog companionship.

7 FAQ

Is it better to have 1 or 2 hedgehogs?

There is no simple answer to the question of whether it is better to have one or two hedgehogs as pets. The decision of whether or not to keep a companion for your hedgehog pet is a personal one that should be based on a careful consideration of various factors, including the individual personality and temperament of each hedgehog, the availability of adequate living space, and your ability to provide proper care and attention for multiple pets. Some hedgehogs may be more social and enjoy the companionship of another hedgehog, while others may be more solitary and prefer to live alone. Ultimately, the decision of whether to keep one or two hedgehogs will depend on your individual circumstances and the specific needs and preferences of your pets.

Do hedgehogs prefer to live alone?

Yes, hedgehogs are naturally solitary animals and they generally prefer to live alone. Hedgehogs are not social animals and they do not form close bonds with other hedgehogs, as they are naturally solitary creatures. While some hedgehogs may tolerate the presence of another hedgehog, it is generally best to keep hedgehogs separate from one another to ensure that they are comfortable and content. If you are considering keeping two hedgehogs as pets, it is important to provide each hedgehog with its own living space and to monitor their interactions closely to ensure that they are not aggressive or stressed.

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Do hedgehogs need buddies?

No, hedgehogs do not need buddies. Hedgehogs are naturally solitary animals and they prefer to live alone. While some hedgehogs may tolerate the presence of another hedgehog, it is not necessary for their well-being and they can be happy and healthy living as single pets. If you are considering keeping multiple hedgehogs, it is important to provide each hedgehog with its own living space and to monitor their interactions closely to ensure that they are not aggressive or stressed. Ultimately, the decision of whether to keep one or multiple hedgehogs will depend on your individual circumstances and the specific needs and preferences of your pets.

How much space do 2 hedgehogs need?

Two hedgehogs typically need a minimum of 30-40 square feet of living space. It is important to provide each hedgehog with its own living space to ensure that they are comfortable and to prevent aggressive behavior or conflict. When keeping multiple hedgehogs, it is important to provide a large living space that is well-ventilated, temperature-controlled, and equipped with all of the necessary amenities, including a comfortable bed, a hiding place, and plenty of toys and accessories. Additionally, it is important to monitor the interactions between hedgehogs and to take steps to prevent aggressive behavior or conflict.

8 Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision of whether or not to keep a companion for your hedgehog pet is a personal one that requires careful consideration. It is important to understand the social behavior of hedgehogs and to weigh the potential risks and benefits of keeping multiple hedgehogs before making a decision. Factors such as the individual personality and temperament of each hedgehog, the availability of adequate living space, and your ability to provide proper care and attention for multiple pets are all important considerations that should be taken into account. Whether you decide to keep a single hedgehog or multiple hedgehogs, it is important to provide your pets with the best possible care and to ensure that they are happy, healthy, and comfortable.

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