Frequently Asked Questions
"How much are your hedgehogs?"
Usually around $250. You can find more information on our policies page.
"When will a hedgehog be available?"
There is often a waitlist for our holgets. If you compare the waitlist to the future litters page you can get an idea of how long the wait is.
We are unable to predict how many hoglets a female will have, if any, so the wait time is an educated guess.
Adult hedgehogs are only available when we retire one of our herd members from breeding or when a hedgehog is returned to us.
If there are no adults posted on the website, then there are no adults available.
We are unable to predict how many hoglets a female will have, if any, so the wait time is an educated guess.
Adult hedgehogs are only available when we retire one of our herd members from breeding or when a hedgehog is returned to us.
If there are no adults posted on the website, then there are no adults available.
"Are hedgehog quills sharp?"
Yes. Hedgehog quills are hard and pokey. When a hedgehog is upset they roll into a ball are make their quills erect. Yes, it is uncomfortable to handle them at this stage.
When a hedgehog is happy their quills lay flat and petting them feels similar to petting a hairbrush.
When a hedgehog is happy their quills lay flat and petting them feels similar to petting a hairbrush.
"Can I come see your hedgehogs?"
No. Our hedgehogs live in our home. To protect our family and our privacy we do not allow people to come to our home to visit or pickup hedgehogs. If you have questions about how our hedgehogs are cared for we are happy to share pictures and videos.
"Can you bring your hedgehogs and meet me somewhere?"
Not at this time. One of our goals is to start a hedgehog meet-and-greet but so far we are unable to find a public meeting space that will allow live animals.
"Can I meet your available hedgehogs so that I can pick one?"
No. I am happy to send videos and give my honest assessment of their personality but nobody gets to meet their hedgehog until it is time to take the hedgehog home. Hoglets are fragile and the stress of traveling, being handled by strangers, and being exposed to germs is not good for them.
The few times I even attempted this the hoglets the people wanted to see were reserved before we had a chance to meet.
The few times I even attempted this the hoglets the people wanted to see were reserved before we had a chance to meet.
"Why should I buy from you?"
We strive to put our hedgehogs first. Our hedgehogs have prompt vet care and are fed high-quality food. We track pedigrees and gathered our herd from reputable breeders all over the US to promote genetic diversity and lessen the risk of inherited diseases. We are USDA and PACFA licensed meaning we must submit to multiple surprise inspections of our home each year. All of this means you are purchasing a healthy and genetically sound hedgehog that came from parents who are well cared for and loved within a family environment. For our breeding program we select the friendliest hedgehogs and socialize our hoglets in our home around our children and dogs so that you can expect a sweet and well-adjusted hoglet.
Pet shops often buy their hedgehogs wholesale from mills. Males and females are typically housed together and it's not uncommon for the females to be pregnant at the time of sale. Other times the pet stores will buy retired breeding adults for cheap from unethical breeders eager to get rid of them.
Backyard breeders (BYBs) are breeders that buy their hedgehogs from poor sources (such as pet stores) and jump into breeding without proper research. They typically do not track pedigrees and have no idea if their breeding stock is related. Their breeding practices are questionable such as breeding too often, disturbing the nest too early, failing to get necessary vet care, and ignorance of how to deal with emergency situations.
They are able to sell their hedgehogs "cheap" because they don't have expenses such as licensing, vet care, or shipping hedgehogs from out of state to bring healthy lines and new diversity to their herd.
Pet shops often buy their hedgehogs wholesale from mills. Males and females are typically housed together and it's not uncommon for the females to be pregnant at the time of sale. Other times the pet stores will buy retired breeding adults for cheap from unethical breeders eager to get rid of them.
Backyard breeders (BYBs) are breeders that buy their hedgehogs from poor sources (such as pet stores) and jump into breeding without proper research. They typically do not track pedigrees and have no idea if their breeding stock is related. Their breeding practices are questionable such as breeding too often, disturbing the nest too early, failing to get necessary vet care, and ignorance of how to deal with emergency situations.
They are able to sell their hedgehogs "cheap" because they don't have expenses such as licensing, vet care, or shipping hedgehogs from out of state to bring healthy lines and new diversity to their herd.
"The guy at the pet store said (insert bad/contradictory information)."
Is the guy at the pet store going to pay your vet bills or replace your hoglet when their bad advice causes problems?
The truth is that most pet store staff does not have correct information or extensive experience with hedgehogs, but they're not allowed to tell you this (or maybe they don't realize it). They're also not allowed to tell you that a product their store carries is bad. Their purpose is to sell you things and make money for the store. If their store carries hedgehog food, they're probably going to try to sell you hedgehog food.
I highly recommend following the advice of the breeder that has raised your animal. They've done their research and provided the best advice they have available. Your breeder is also the one that will be helping you if you have issues, not the stranger at the pet store.
The truth is that most pet store staff does not have correct information or extensive experience with hedgehogs, but they're not allowed to tell you this (or maybe they don't realize it). They're also not allowed to tell you that a product their store carries is bad. Their purpose is to sell you things and make money for the store. If their store carries hedgehog food, they're probably going to try to sell you hedgehog food.
I highly recommend following the advice of the breeder that has raised your animal. They've done their research and provided the best advice they have available. Your breeder is also the one that will be helping you if you have issues, not the stranger at the pet store.
