Hedgehog

Specific needs

• Kept alone (one animal per enclosure)
• Supplementary heating (around 24–30 °C): it must not be allowed to hibernate
• A solid-surface wheel and room to explore at night

Feeding

• An insectivore diet: a specialist food plus insects
• Clean water at all times
• Avoid milk and fatty or sugary foods

Habitat & environment

• A secure enclosure with a solid floor and a hideaway
• A stable, controlled temperature
• A dust-free substrate

Prevention

• Monitoring weight (obesity is common)
• Enclosure hygiene
• Checking the skin and spines (for mites)

Vaccination

There is no routine vaccination. To be assessed at a consultation according to the animal's condition.

When to see a vet?

• Promptly if the animal tries to hibernate or is lethargic
• For any skin or digestive problems, or weight loss

At the AuFuret practice

• Health examinations and husbandry advice
• Parasite management and skin care
• Weight and nutrition monitoring

Dr Danielle Frei Perrin regularly appears as a veterinary expert on Swiss public broadcasting (RTS) and in leading French-speaking Swiss media.