As a veterinarian who has cared for many small exotic mammals, I frequently get asked: “How much are hedgehogs?”
If you are considering welcoming one of these prickly yet charming creatures into your life, it is wise to think beyond the purchase price. From initial acquisition to housing, diet, veterinary care, and long‑term wellness, the true cost can surprise you.
Let’s get through the full cost breakdown of keeping a hedgehog, as I will share buying tips you need as a pet‑owner, and highlight important care expenses you should budget for.
Hedgehogs are small, nocturnal mammals known for their distinctive spiny coat, which serves as a natural defense against predators.
They are native to parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia, but are also kept worldwide as exotic pets. Hedgehogs are insectivores by nature, feeding primarily on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates, though captive hedgehogs often eat specialized diets or high-quality cat food supplemented with treats.
They are generally solitary animals, active mostly at night, and require careful handling to become comfortable with humans. With proper care, they can live 3 to 6 years or longer in captivity.
The cost of a hedgehog itself varies depending on factors like:
- Age
- Color
- Rarity
- Health
- Breeder reputation
Prices can differ by location, breeder, and whether the hedgehog is captive-bred or imported. Besides, color plays a crucial role in determining the price.
- Standard color hedgehogs usually cost between $100 and $200
- Rare color morphs such as albino, white, or pinto can range from $250 to $400 or more.
Younger, hand-tame hedgehogs may also be more expensive because they are easier to socialize. Always prioritize a healthy, well-socialized hedgehog from a reputable source rather than choosing based solely on a low price to avoid future veterinary issues.
Next, I am going to split the overall cost of having a hedgehog into 2 significant portions:
- Initial set-up costs
- Running cost
The table below can give you a general overview and later, I have detailed the whole expenses for better understanding.
| Cost Category | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Hedgehog Purchase | Standard colors: $100–$200 Rare colors (albino, white, pinto): $250–$400+ |
| Cage / Housing | $50–$200 |
| Accessories & Bedding | Included in full setup $250–$760 |
| Veterinary Check / Health Guarantee | $40–$80+ |
| Monthly Food & Supplies | $20–$40 per month |
| Veterinary Care | $40–$80 per visit; emergency care can be higher |
| Additional Enrichment | Variable |
1) Initial Set‑up Costs and One‑Time Expenses
Buying the hedgehog is only the first part. In this section, I take you through the other one‑time costs you will encounter before your pet is fully settled.
a) Housing and Cage Requirements
Hedgehogs may be small, but they need a properly sized enclosure. In my experience, exotic‑pet vets recommend a minimum floor area (for example, ~2.5 to 4 sq ft in some guides) with solid‑bottom flooring and adequate hiding spaces.
A good cage can cost from $50 to $20,0 depending on size, features, and accessories. Don’t cut corners here, as inadequate space or unsafe flooring can lead to health or behavioural problems.
b) Accessories, Bedding, Heating, and More
Beyond the cage, you will also need a:
- Reliable exercise wheel (hedgehogs are nocturnal and very active)
- Hiding hut or house
- Bowls or a water bottle
- Safe bedding
- Thermometer
Besides, you may possibly require a heat lamp or heating pad because hedgehogs require warm, stable temperatures. Generally, the full set‑up (including cage and accessories) costs between approximately $250 and $760 in total initial cost. It may sound steep, but it is the realistic budget for responsible care.
c) Veterinary Check and Health Guarantee
When you bring home an exotic pet such as a hedgehog, I always recommend a veterinary health check right away. Specialised exotic‑pet vets might charge more than a standard small‑animal clinic. Some breeders include a health guarantee or initial exam.
Budgeting for this ensures you are starting with a healthy pet and reduces the risk of unexpected medical bills early on.
2. Ongoing Care and Maintenance Costs
Owning a hedgehog is not a one‑time expense. Here, I outline the recurring costs you should factor into your budget so that you can provide good veterinary care, nutrition, and environment over the long term.
a) Monthly Food, Bedding, and Supplies
From the sources I reviewed, typical monthly costs for things like food, insect treats, bedding, cleaning wipes, and toys run in the range of $20‑$40 per month. Many keepers feed specialised hedgehog food or high‑quality cat food supplemented with insects, fruits, or cooked eggs.
Bedding needs replacing regularly, and the wheel or toys must be cleaned for hygiene and enrichment.
b) Veterinary Care and Health Issues
While hedgehogs may appear low-maintenance, as a vet, I have seen several with specific exotic‑pet problems. Routine check‑ups might cost $40‑$80, depending on location. But if you unfortunately encounter illness (for example, digestive issues, quill or skin problems, respiratory infections), the costs can rise significantly.
c) Additional Enrichment and Replacement Accessories
To keep your hedgehog healthy and stimulated, you will want enrichment items (tunnels, chew toys, different textures) and may need to replace worn bedding or upgrade the wheel over time.
These are smaller costs, but they add up and help prevent behavioural and health problems.
Making the right buying decision can save you money and reduce risk. So, I am sharing practical tips to verify a reputable source and ensure your hedgehog starts off healthy.
1. Verify Breeder or Pet Store Credentials
When you are choosing a hedgehog, ask for documentation, including:
- Age
- Health status
- Vaccinations (if applicable)
- Whether it has been socialised and handled
- The color/morph and genetic history (if relevant)
Ask if the breeder offers any health guarantee or returns in case of early illness. A responsible breeder will welcome questions. If the price is unusually low but you cannot view the animal or have little information, it may be a red flag.
2. Legal and Regulatory Considerations
In my consults, I always remind owners to check local legislation. In some jurisdictions, owning hedgehogs is restricted or banned. So, you should make sure you are allowed to keep one legally where you live, and that transport (if required) is done safely.
Also, ask about how the animal has been handled and raised. Young hedgehogs (hoglets) need good early socialisation for better temperament.
3. Health Screening and Home Preparation
Before you bring your hedgehog home, prepare its enclosure thoroughly. First, you should ensure the correct temperature (around 72‑75°F or ~22‑24°C) because hedgehogs can suffer ill‑health if too cold.
On pick‑up day, check the animal for clear eyes, no discharge, normal stool, clean quills, and good activity for its age. Ask your vet to examine it soon after arrival. Having the equipment ready (cage, wheel, bedding) avoids starting in a compromised situation.
It may not seem directly about cost, but from a veterinary viewpoint, the true cost includes your time, commitment, and readiness. Here, I explore how your lifestyle plays into “cost” even beyond money.
1. Time, Routine, and Nocturnal Habits
Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals. That means they are most active at night and sleep during the day. As a vet, I emphasise that if you expect a pet you can hold during your daytime routine, you may be disappointed.
Some owners find hedgehogs less interactive than dogs or cats. If your schedule is busy (for instance, you are at university or working long hours), you should factor in whether you will have sufficient time for handling, cleaning, and interaction.
2. Long‑term Commitment and Health Risks
Though hedgehogs are small, they are still exotic pets and can develop unique health issues, such as dental problems, quill injuries, obesity, or fungal infections. As a vet, I encourage owners to treat them with the same respect given to more common pets.
The “cost,” therefore, also includes your willingness to monitor and respond to changes. If you travel often, leave for long periods, or cannot provide stable temperature and daily care, you might be better off choosing a less demanding pet.
3. Alternatives and Cost Comparison
If, after budgeting, you feel the cost or commitment is too high, consider alternative small pets. Rabbits, ferrets, or hamsters are highly comparable to hedgehogs in terms of cost. While none are identical to hedgehogs in temperament or requirements, this comparison helps clarify how hedgehog care stands in the broader pet‑ownership context.
Bringing a hedgehog into your home can be rewarding, but as I have outlined, it requires more than just the purchase price. When you do budgeting for the hedgehog itself, the necessary set‑up, and the ongoing care, you ensure your new companion has every chance at a healthy, happy life.
I encourage you to choose a reputable breeder or rescue, prepare a proper habitat, understand the time commitment, and factor in veterinary costs. If, after thinking it through, you feel ready, a hedgehog can make a wonderful exotic pet.
And if you would like help planning the set‑up or need care tips, don’t hesitate to reach out.
