Hedgehogs

by Sharon L. Vanderlip

Hedgehogs raised domestically make interesting pets, but require close attention to their health needs. Here is information on housing, feeding, health care, raising, and maintaining the proper environment for this small spiny mammal. Also included is information on reproduction of hedgehogs and understanding their traits. All titles in Barron’s profusely-illustrated Complete Pet Owner’s Manuals introduce inexperienced and prospective pet owners to the pleasures and duties of pet care. They also make ideal guides for older children having their first experiences as animal caretakers. Attractively illustrated and filled with helpful information, Barron’s Complete Pet Owner’s Manuals advise on purchasing, housing, feeding, health care—and where applicable, grooming and training pets. Each book is individually written by an expert—a trainer, breeder, veterinarian, or other animal specialist. These manuals cover every popular dog and cat breed, as well as bird varieties, hamsters and other small caged animals, fish varieties for aquarium hobbyists, terrarium pets, and even exotics, such as reptiles, amphibians, and scorpions. All books have 70 or more color photos, and most also have instructive line illustrations.

Genres: Nonfiction

104 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2010

Reviews

[Mickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was toying with the idea of getting a pet hedgehog. When I spotted this volume on the new book shelf at the library, I thought it was a sign. It was, sort of.

This gives some very helpful and detailed information on both the little critters themselves and how to care for them. I'm glad I read the book BEFORE I bought one- they require a bit more time and attention than I have to spare right now!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. I’m more than positive I can care for my prickly friends now.
But can I feed them tomatoes?! Nowhere online, neither this book, tells me if I can!

[Carly Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just recently rescued a hedgehog and as I’ve been wanting one since I was a little girl I wanted to ensure I’m up to date on hedgehogs DOs and DONTs. This book is a must read for anyone wanting a hedgehog or for first time owners. I will enjoy reflecting back on helpful advice to keep my hedgehog healthy! 🦔

[Nathan Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, strangely enough, shows itself to be speaking of rather two minds when it comes to hedgehogs. It appears as if the honesty of the author on the one hand and the desire of the author to encourage people to have hedgehogs as pets on the other hand are in conflict here, and that is unfortunate. On the one hand, hedgehogs are being sold as being hardy animals, but on the other hand the book details the fussiness they have with their diets to avoid obesity, the harm that can come to hedgehog babies by being cannibalized by overstressed young mothers, or the fact that hedgehogs routinely get cancer above three years of age, none of which mark the species as hardy. And that is not even taking into consideration the narrow temperature range between 75 and 85 degrees that is best for the hedgehog, and not too humid. The obscurity of hedgehogs as pets and the resulting lack of supplies that are created with them in mind makes them an exotic and somewhat fussy pet to get that requires a fair amount of care. But hedgehogs are cute, and this book does provide plenty of photos that show hedgehogs in all their adorable nature. And for many people, with all their hassles, the cuteness will be enough.

This book is about 100 pages long and is divided into several unnumbered chapters, each of them with several sections. We begin with an introduction that discusses what a hedgehog is, some characteristics of the African Pygmy Hedgehog, which is what this book is about, the place of a hedgehog in nature, classification of the animal, their mysterious natural "history" and their bright future as pets. After that comes a look at what needs to be known before one buys hedgehogs as a pet, including selecting a vet and understanding their prickly nature. After this comes a brief discussion of understanding the behavior of hedgehogs, including body language and vocalizations. Accommodations for hedgehogs, including the importance of an exercise wheel, is then discussed. This is followed by a look at how to take care of a hedgehog when one takes one home. Feeding hedgehogs, an important matter when there are few good hedgehog dining options, is then followed by a discussion of the health concerns of hedgehogs as well as how to breed hedgehogs, something which can happen easily and accidentally or happen skillfully, and which requires careful logistical planning. The book ends with a discussion of the hedgehog connoisseur as well as some information and an index.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've apparently always wanted a hedgehog. I happened across some project I did in elementary school that included hedgehogs, and I know I've wanted one since at least college. My girlfriend got me this book for Christmas, and supports the idea of having one. So someday... soon.

But anyway, I definitely feel like it'll have been a good idea to have read this before I get one, as they're not exactly standard pets. I gotta find a breeder, and make sure there's a suitable vet in town, but perhaps by next year I'll actually have one. Should be fun!

Just a few excerpts:

6: The African pygmy hedgehog is an attractive animal and an entertaining pet. Its scientific genus name, Atelerix, translates as "ineffective fighter." Its species name, albiventris, is Latin for "white belly"... Combined, Atelerix albiventris, means "ineffective fighter with a white belly." -- I think I might name mine Atelerix, telly for short. Clearly not very original.

53: Hedgehogs are easily distracted and reassured by a tasty morsel. -- me too!

[Sammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful and some cool facts about famous authors who wrote about hedgehogs before they were a popular pet. I am going to use this as a guide from here on out, of course I have additional resources and knowledge but this book sums it all up in one place. The feeding recipes and tips are going to be great and now I have a better understanding on how healthy my hedgehog is and what to look for if she becomes sick. I'm glad I purchased this book.

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The gold standard for hedgehog care books is still Kimberly Goertzen's "Pet African Hedgehogs: A Complete Guide to Care." This book, however, is an excellent second choice -- the information is mostly sound, the tone friendly and readable, and the photos are fantastic. A great book to have in your hedgehog library!

[Sabrina Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative...didn't answer all my questions though. Probably time to find another book

[Service Room 12 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this book because I liked the part when they showed the baby. By Arianna