Best 9 Hedgehog Cages: How The Cage For Hedgehog Should Be Look Like?

Do you wish you could get a full and clear picture of what types of hedgehog cages are out there but it’s a long and tiring process?

We did the job for you in this article that we advise you to continue reading because of it. Since we reviewed so many different types of cages, it’s hard to mention them all but a few of the ones we reviewed are 24×24 cages, indoor cages, and even cute cages. You can be sure that you’ll get all your answers to what a cage for your pet should be like, what it should have, how big it needs to be, and more.

The Summary

What Is Hedgehog Cage?

We can define a cage for hedgehog as a type of enclosure where a hedgehog can live while he is not in his natural environment. A cage for hedgehogs needs to have all the needed specifications which will provide hedgehog functionality and safety.

Can Hedgehogs Live In Cage As Pets?

Even if the hedgehogs are wild animals, they can be used as pets, and many owners decide to take care of them especially if they’re sick or injured.

Do Hedgehogs Need Cage?

As very active animals, hedgehogs definitely need a cage so they cannot run away, escape from the house and be in danger from predators.

Cages & Aquariums For Other Pets – Which Ones Are Suitable For Hedgehogs?

Did you already have a pet and you’re not sure whether you can use the old cage or tank for a hedgehog? Well, most of them can be used for hedgehogs. It is only important the habitat is spacious for moving and that you can add all needed essentials and supplies inside. Here are some models which can be used as hedgehog habitats.

Hamster Cage

Hedgehogs and hamsters are similar sizes so the cages suitable for them, can be used for hedgehogs, as well. Both animals love to move around, do exercise on the wheel and have a hideout area for privacy. The cage needs to have at least 2.5 to 3 square feet of floor space so hedgehogs can explore around.

Ferret Cage

As ferrets are bigger than hedgehogs, most of the models are suitable for them, except for tall ones. Ferrets love to move around as well as hedgehogs, so if the cage has a large run area, your hedgehog will be entertained all day and night.

Rabbit Cage

Most rabbit cages are made of wood, and hedgehogs will feel great in the natural environment. Also, rabbit cages have a large run area for playing and exercising.

Fish Tank

Did you know that hedgehogs can live even in tanks and aquariums for the fish? As they cannot climb on glass, aquariums, makes them a great choice for living space. The minimum size of the aquarium needs to be 20 gallons, but bigger models are an even better choice.

Which Cages Are Not Suitable For Hedgehogs?

Not all models are the best choice for hedgehogs, due to specifications, size, type, and other features. Here is the list of models which are recommended to avoid.
Cages For Large Pets – Cages for bigger pets like dogs and cats are not suitable for hedgehogs. Most of those models have a bigger space bar from which hedgehogs easily can escape.
Cages With Open Top – Except for the aquariums, models that have an open top are not the best choice for hedgehogs. They can easily climb on wires and escape out.

Tall Cages – Even if the hedgehogs love to move around and are very active animals, for maximum safety, it is not recommended to buy a tall or large cage.
Multilevel Cages – Even if multi-level models can allow a hedgehog more space for exploring and more room that allows you to add additional accessories inside, they are not the best choice for hedgehogs. Hedgehogs have poor eyesight, so if they climb on a higher level they can have trouble descending which can be extremely dangerous.

Benefits Of Owning a Cage Enclosure

Even if you think owning a cage for a hedgehog has no benefits, we listed all the pros down below.

Living Area

Do you want to provide a hedgehog living space where he can spend most of his day? Having a cage your hedgehog can have their own space where he will spend the rest of his life.

Safe Space

Do you want to have an area where your hedgehog will feel safe from pets or predators? If you’re having a cat or a dog, and you’re afraid they will hurt the hedgehog, place him in a cage so you won’t have any worries. Also, if you’re using a cage outdoor, your pet will be protected from all predators outside.

Taking Care Of Hedgehog

Hedgehog is sick or injured? It is important to take care of him indoorso that you can be sure he will be safe and have privacy while sleeping.

Easy Maintenance

You don’t want to have a mess around the house from uneaten food, and droppings that will cause a bad odor? Having a cage you can be sure that maintenance will be easy and cleaning will be quick.

Active Time

Even if you think a hedgehog can’t stay active while he is closed in a cage, this is not true. Cages can be a great exercise area if you include all the exercise accessories such as wheels and ramps which will keep him entertained during the day.

Customize Hedgehog Habitat

Do you want to customize the hedgehog habitat and have everything he needs in one place? Having a cage you’re able to do it. Add different toys, hideouts, wheels, and other accessories which will help him stay physically and mentally healthy.

Short Trip

You need to go to the veterinarian with a hedgehog but are not sure where to place him? Cage can be used for traveling, as well. You can use the model which you already use as your habitat or buy a separate one that is specifically made for traveling.

Guide For New Owners: Choose The Best Hedgehog Cage

For all who’s the first time buying a cage for a hedgehog, we prepared a list of all specifications which need to consider to be sure the model that you’re planning to buy is functional and high-quality.

Type Of Material

Cage for hedgehogs can be made of different types of materials. You can pick metal, plastic or wooden cage and most of them has a wire mesh system. No matter which type of material is the cage made from, it is important to choose models only from reliable brands like Living World, Midwest, Mcage, Pawhut, Rockever, Songmics, Kaytee, etc.

Cage Size

Veterinarians say and recommend a minimum of 4 square feet of space for a single hedgehog. The ones that we have here that have the exact square footage are 24 x 24 cages and the ones that are doubled in length so they can house more than one hedgehog.

Shape Of The Cage

When picking the shape of the cage, it is important to think about where you’re planning to place it, and does this model will be functional for the hedgehog as well as for the owner. Most of the cages for hedgehogs come in a rectangular shape which you can place either next to the wall or in the corner.

Access

So you can do cleaning, feeding and other needed actions every day, it is important that the cage has easy access. The door needs to be wide enough so you can reach all the corners of the cage. Most models have either side or top doors. If the cage is bigger it needs to have multiple doors. If it’s possible pick the model with full-width doors.

Cage Price

The price of a cage really depends on the materials used to make it, its features, size, and other things. For a large cage with full equipment, you’ll be paying around 130 dollars. Typically, the price really won’t go over 200 dollars even if it’s an outdoor and well rust and corrosion-resistant cage.

Best 9 Hedgehog Cages

Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation

The lack of plastic bits on this cage truly impresses us because it does look more elegant. Its outer frame is made out of metal while the 4 wheels on the bottom and the 2 trays inside, one for cleaning and one as a second level are the only plastic bits.

To access the second level, your hedgehog will need to climb the ramp on the inside. You can save space with this 36-in long, 24-in wide, and 39-in tall cage due to the shelf on the bottom for storing supplies. If you want to know more about this hedgehog enclosureand other ones, make sure to read the article about them.

Living World Deluxe Habitat

The most common build for hedgehog pet cage is a wire top and a deep base made out of plastic. This is one such cage and if you want to check out more you can always read our article about plastic cages. This deep base is meant to keep in the bedding and can be detached for cleaning.

It’s easily accessible through the 2 curved doors on top. You’ll get a feeder, water bottle, a hideout, and a bowl all made out of plastic. With its 46.9-in in length, 22.8-in in width, and 24-in in height it’s definitely large. The door has a red color while the rest has either a white or grey color.

Mcage Large Indoor Habitat

This habitat is made mostly for small animals but hedgehogs can still use it. The whole cage is really tall so it has 3 levels on the inside. The levels can be accessed with non-slip ramps. The ramps are black and made out of plastic as well as the trays for the actual levels.

It has 2 access doors, ones for each part of the cage due to its height of 43-in. The plastic base had an additional frame to make it deeper and it even sits on wheels for easier moving. For more habitats like this, you can refer to the article about hedgehog habitat cages.

PawHut Small Animal Cage

This cage consists of two parts and if you don’t have the time in a day to spend with your hedgehog the run area on the outside will make both you and the hedgehog happy. The cage itself is small so the run part is essential in this. In many other cases, it’s not so make sure you check out more indoor cages.

Although it’s small, it still sits on wheels that you can even lock. The interior can feature an elevated area that can be accessed through a ramp. There you can place a feeding bowl as well. For cleaning, you’ll get to detach the base from the wire top to do so.

Midwest Large Habitat Cage

We might have reviewed bigger cages, but this one can actually house 2 hedgehogs both separately and together. There are plenty of others like this large cage if you’re interested in reading more about them. The divider features its own door but you can also remove it if you’d like.

It’s double the recommended cage size for on hedgehog which is 4 square feet. You can connect more of them as well. It’s fully made out of wire but has a canvas bottom with raised edges. This bottom will be very easy to keep clean. It will also keep your hedgehog feet happy and safe.

Rockever Rabbit Hutch

The primary use of this cage is actually outdoors. It’s elevated so that moisture and mold don’t build-up, and it’s made with fir wood that is weather resistant. It has a wire right side because this is the run area. The left side doesn’t feature windows and acts as a hideout.

It’s very common for wooden model to be used outdoor so if you want to know more, at least skim through the article about them. The run is has a plastic cleaning tray on the bottom. This area can be accessed from the top while the left area can be accessed from the front.

Little Giant Small Animal Hutch

Probably the best feature of this cage is that it’s made with galvanized metal. This means that as a whole, it’s rust and corrosion-proof. The 24-in in length is equal to the minimum recommended cage size for hedgehogs which are 4 square feet. This and any other 24×24 cage can be categorized as small so make sure to read all about them as well.

The place where you’ll put in food for your hedgehog is made out of metal while the water bottle is made out of plastic. Ont the bottom there is a wire grid and just below it, you’ll find a deep plastic tray that’s used for cleaning hedgehog litter and faller hedgehog bedding.

Songmics Hedgehog Playpen

Usually, a cheap cage is going to be made in some part, out of plastic, and without a roof, you can make sure of that yourself in this cheap model article. This one doesn’t have a plastic base but a canvas bottom and doesn’t feature a roof just like we said earlier.

It does come with a divider and since it’s 48.4-in long and 24-in wide, with the center divider, you’ll get 2 4 square feet cages. This is enough space for you to house 2 hedgehogs inside. It’s made up of multiple wire panels that you’ll need to connect with corner connectors.

Kaytee Critter Home

The most noticeable feature of any cute model and you can convince yourself by reading the article about them, is probably their color. This one has a blue clear top, and a purple and clear bottom. The middle is made out of wire that’s colored with a silver/grey color.

The interior can feature a ramp, an elevated area, a bowl, and a water bottle as well. It’s 42-in long and 18-in wide so it’s considered to be big. You can access your hedgehog through the top door and clean the whole thing by removing it from the purple and clear plastic base.

Setting The Cage For Hedgehog

Do you know how to set the cage for the hedgehog? If not, here are all the needed answers and tips for an easier setting.

How Long Does It Take To Set The Cage?

It depends on how big is the model, how many parts are included, does it requires tools, etc. Most smaller models which don’t require tools can be set in 15 minutes. Bigger models which require tools can be set for about 30 minutes.

Which Models Required Tools?

Only models with metal and wooden construction require tools. Also, some models with metal locks need to be secured with tools.

Which Tools You’ll Need?

To secure the cage frame with sides, you’ll need a power drill or screwdriver. For models which don’t have wire mesh sides but pannels, you’ll need a scammer. Before buying a cage check which tools are needed and are already included in the box.

How To Start With Setup?

First things first, check if everything came in the box. All the models need to contain the setup instruction in which you can find listed parts. If everything came in, start with the setup steps from the instructions. Place the frame of the cage and connect it with the bottom and top. Check if all the parts are connected properly.

Which Accessories Do You Need For Hedgehog Enclosure?

Here is the list of essential accessories which you’ll need for a cage.
Feeding Set – The feeding bowl and water bottle needs to be placed in a hedgehog habitat so you can easily fill it up with food and water every day. Placing food in a bowl rather than on the bottom of the cage will help you with maintenance.

Heater – The first and probably the most important one is a heater that will keep your hedgehog warm during colder days when temperatures drop below the normal room temperature.
Hideout – When hedgehogs sleep they love to hide somewhere for privacy so it is important to place some type of hideout where they can snuggle in.
Bedding – There’s no hedgehog habitat without good bedding. Bedding is an essential part of a cage because it simulates the natural environment, keeps the hedgehog somewhat warm, promotes their natural burrowing instincts, etc.

Where To Place The Cage?

Here are some of the ideas on where to place the cage for the hedgehog, depending on which type you pick and how big is the model.
Easy Monitoring
If the hedgehog is sick or injured, it is important to place the cage where you can easily monitor him.
Quiet Area
Hedgehog sleeps during the day, so it is important to place them in a quiet area where are not too many noises.
Away From Window
To have optimal temperature in the cage, we don’t recommend placing the cage next to the window, especially during the summer.
Next To The Wall
To save space in the house and prevent any hitting, place the cage next to the wall. You can also place it in the corner if the cage is bigger.

Safety Features To Consider

Even if the cages are usually safe for the hedgehogs, before buying a model it is important to check some of the features. The most important ones are listed down below.

Stable Construction

If the cage is wobbling while you set it and you think it is unsafe for use, we don’t recommend using it. A cage can easily fall down and injured your hedgehog.

Non-toxic Materials

Before buying a cage make sure the manufacturer places the label and that all the parts are made of non-toxic materials. Plastic and different paint for wires and wood can contain some chemicals which can be harmful to hedgehogs.

Lock System

To prevent any escaping it is important that all the doors have locks. We recommend picking models with metal locks that cannot be opened easily. Avoid those made of wood which can quickly get damaged.

Brakes

If the cage has casters, there need to be at least 2 brakes so the cage cannot move from where you place it.

Anti Slip Material

Some types of plastic and metal materials can be slippery, which will make the walking much harder, and can be dangerous if the hedgehog is climbing on higher platforms. We recommend picking a model only with an anti-slip surface. For maximum safety, place anti-slipcovers.

Gaps And Space Bar

If the hedgehog pet habitat has wires, they need to be a maximum of 0.5 wide so he cannot escape out. If there are any gaps around the door or between the bottom area and a tray hedgehog can stick between trying to escape, and his spikes can easily rip off.

Sharp Edges

Before placing the hedgehog in a cage, make sure that all the edges are smooth, and if there are some sharp parts they need to be secured so the hedgehog doesn’t injure himself by accident. If it’s possible, choose a model with rounded corners.

Wire Bottom

Hedgehogs are small animals with tiny feet, so walking on a wire bottom surface and ramps or platforms is not possible. If the cage has a wire bottom you need to cover it with bedding, cover mat, or any type of cover which will protect their sensitive feet from injuries.

Air Circulation

So the hedgehog can have enough fresh air during the summer day as well as keep the temperature in the cage optimal during the winter, it is important to choose only models with side wires. The cage needs to have at least 2 opposite side wires for air circulation.

Maintenance The Cage

Having a clean environment is one of the main jobs when you’re having a pet. Here are tips and answers to all the questions about cleaning and maintenance.

Do Hedgehogs Stink?

Hedgehogs actually don’t have any scent like other animals for example dogs, cats, or ferrets. But, it is important to keep them clean as well as their environment, otherwise, they will start making bad odors.

Which Cages Are Easiest To Maintain?

Not all models are the best choice if you’re looking for easy maintenance. Plastic models are definitely the best choice because of the stainproof material. Also, models with sliding trays will save you time with cleaning.

How To Control Odor?

If you use the tips listed down below you can be sure you’ll have fresh air and your hedgehog will live in a clean environment.
Use The Bedding – Bedding is the perfect way to keep the odor under control. Paper or wooden beddings has a great absorption ability and you can easily clean it when needed.
You should clean it when you notice that the bedding has lost its absorption power or it’s just not odorless anymore. Then it’s easy to either lift the top part of the cage from the base or scoop up the residue ad discard it.

Litter Tray – If you can train the hedgehog to use the litter tray, you can easily clean it up and prevent any bad odor.
Remove Uneaten Food – Food can easily get stinky, especially during hot days so it is important to remove all the uneaten parts all over the cage.
Disinfect The Surface – We recommend disinfecting all the parts of the cage, especially the bottom surface every few weeks.
Cleaning Feeding Set – Always keep the feeding bowl and water bottle clean. Most of them can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Ventilated Area – Always make sure that the cage is well ventilated and in a room which great air circulation. This will prevent odor and bad smell.

What To Use For Cleaning?

Shelves and all the flat surfaces can be cleaned with either wet or dry cloth. Use a fluffy brush to remove the dust from the bedding. For stains use a detergent and splash it with clean water after. If there are fabric covers on the ramps or platforms, use a washing machine and was the at 30 Celcius degrees.

How Often To Clean The Cage?

If you want to control the odor, we recommend cleaning it at least once a week. This include cleaning the litter tray, and changing the bedding.

Cage For Hedgehog FAQ

For additional information here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers for new owners.

What Do Hedgehogs Like Use For Sleeping?

During the winter hibernation or during the daytime, they love to snuggle somewhere to have privacy while sleeping. They love to snuggle under bedding, in hideouts, blankets, etc.

Do Hedgehogs Need Toys?

Yes, we recommend getting toys for hedgehogs, especially the ones that are meant to keep your hedgehogs’ claws and teeth.

Do You Need To Bath Hedgehogs?

Hedgehogs don’t easily get dirty and most dirty parts will be their feet if they step in their dropping. You can bathe them once a month if you clean their cage regularly as required.

Can Hedgehogs Live Outside In a Cage?

Even if the hedgehogs are wild animals, if you’re taking care of them it is not recommended to place the cage outside. If it needs to be outside, then make sure to only left them when the temperature is between 73 to 78. Make sure to place the cage away from direct sunlight, the best option is under the roof of the terrace or balcony. Also, make sure that the ground is warm, not only the air.

What Else Can You Use As Bedding?

You can use either fleece or flannel fabric which is safe for hedgehogs. Avoid fabric with loose threads which can easily wrap around the toe, feet, or spikes.

Are Hedgehogs Expensive Pets?

Hedgehogs, like other pets, require care and maintenance so make sure to spend around $200 every year on food, accessories, veterinarian, and other expenses.