It is important to have a complete physical exam by your veterinarian on your new pet and then annually.
Your veterinarian will examine the eyes, ears, teeth, heart, and lungs and will palpate the abdomen and examine the genitalia.
Housing
A plastic bottom cage with narrow wire walls or a 30-gallon aquarium may be used with a minimum dimension of 2 feet by 3.5 feet.
A hiding place made of PVC pipe or a wooden or cardboard box should be provided.
Recycled newspaper bedding is the substrate of choice.
A litter box can be offered but sand or clumping litters are not recommended because they can cause problems with the skin, urinary tract, and respiratory tract.
Supplemental heat will probably be necessary for your hedgehog because they require a temperature range from 75 to 85 F.
Low humidity is also important in keeping hedgehogs healthy.
Because they are extremely active having supervised exercise is advised as well as having a solid wheel in the cage. Wheels with slates can cause foot damage/fractured legs.
Diet and Nutritional Supplements
The majority of the diet should consist of commercially prepared hedgehog food or high protein (30-50%) moderate fat (10-20%) canned or dry dog/cat food.
Treats can be varied including meat mixtures, hard-boiled or scrambled eggs, pinky mice, and vegetable or meat baby foods.
Dairy products should be avoided because lactose intolerance has been reported.
If insects are offered they should be commercially produced, gut-loaded (see cricket care guide), and dusted with a calcium supplement and be less than 5-10% of the diet.
Water should be available at all times and changed daily. Most hedgehogs will learn to drink from sipper bottles.
Common Medical Problems
Cancer of the mouth and other organs is quite common in hedgehogs and with early veterinary intervention, the outcome greatly improves.
Other common problems that can be prevented in hedgehogs are external parasites
Veterinary Well-Check