I have been interested in hedgehogs for as long as I can remember. However, I didn’t realize that they were kept as pets until 1999 when I spent a year in Russia and saw them being sold on the streets of Moscow. I completely fell in love with the little creatures. In fact, I talked about them so much that one of my professors offered to try to catch one for me at her dacha (summer home). The European Hedgehogs are a larger cousin of the African Pygmy Hedgehogs and are not legal to own in the U.S.

As a child, I rescued injured wildlife and spent most of my free time in the woods, creek and mountain behind our house catching tadpoles and crayfish. I have always been fascinated by every living thing.

Unfortunately, hedgehogs are not legal to own in Pennsylvania and many other areas of the country. I lived in Pennsylvania until 2002 when I moved to Baltimore. I worked 2 full-time jobs in Baltimore which left no room for any other pets than my Bengal cat. In 2004, My husband and I moved to Virginia. I did more research on hedgehogs and got on a waiting list.

In 2006, I adopted my first hedgehogs. It took 8 years from the time I wanted one so badly until I was finally able to have one as a pet. I was surprised to find out one of the hedgies I brought in was pregnant. She had a sweet family of 4 hoglets and I learned a lot about caring for those little ones.

Hedgehogs are a special animal that deserve to be protected. In the wild, they live a nervous life hiding from predators and burrowing away to stay safe when they are not out hunting for their meal. In captivity, a hedgehog learns to trust and realizes it is safe and protected. The best part of hedgehog pet ownership is the bond made between hedgehog and person that allows companionship and trust for an otherwise nervous solitary creature. In the wild, hedgehogs live an average of 2 years, but in captivity they can live up to 7. Although, I disagree with a lot of “wild” animals being kept as pets, I believe hedgehogs to be one of the exceptions. They do exceptionally well in captivity and live a calmer, longer, more healthy and less stressed life.

I enjoy learning more about hedgehogs and sharing my knowledge with others. I am also so fortunate to be able to spend so much time with rescues animals. Thanks for visiting my site and let me know if I can be of any help.

Sincerely,

Christie D. Riddle