1. **Housing**: Provide a spacious cage that allows for plenty of movement. A minimum size of 2 feet by 4 feet is recommended. Ensure that the cage has a solid floor, as wire bottoms can harm their feet. Include hiding places like tunnels and boxes where they can feel secure.
2. **Bedding**: Use safe bedding materials like paper-based bedding or aspen shavings. Avoid cedar or pine shavings as they can be harmful to hedgehogs. Change the bedding regularly to maintain cleanliness and prevent odor.
3. **Temperature**: Hedgehogs are sensitive to temperature. Keep their environment between 72°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C). Use a heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter if necessary, but avoid direct heat sources that can burn them.
4. **Diet**: Hedgehogs thrive on a diet that includes high-quality hedgehog or cat food (preferably grain-free). Supplement their diet with insects like mealworms or crickets, and occasional fruits and vegetables in moderation. Always provide fresh water.
5. **Socialization**: Spend time handling your hedgehog to help them become accustomed to human interaction. Start slowly, allowing them to come to you, and be gentle. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so interact with them during their active hours in the evening.
6. **Health Monitoring**: Regularly check your hedgehog for signs of illness, such as lethargy, weight loss, or changes in behavior. Schedule annual veterinary check-ups with a vet experienced in exotic pets.
7. **Enrichment**: Provide toys and activities to keep your hedgehog stimulated. Items like exercise wheels, tunnels, and foraging toys can help keep them entertained and healthy.
By following these best practices, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your hedgehog companion!
This answer doesn't make sense or isn't related to the question. Mark it as a probable hallucination of the AI model.