The hedgehog's gestation period is about 35 days. Infants are weaned between 3 and six weeks after birth. Infants should not be sold until they reach 8 weeks of age, when they have finally achieved total independence from their mother and are psychologically more able to adjust to a new habitat without excess stress or trauma. Most pet problems arise as a result of youngsters between 5 and 7 weeks of age being purchased. Hedgehogs are thermo-sensitive, coping poorly with extremes of temperature.
Hedgehogs exhibit similar behavior at high temperatures.
Hedgehogs should be given as much space as possible. Otherwise, a mini habitat of at least 8 square feet should be provided. A nest box is essential and may be a gallon container with an entrance cut into it, a four inch diameter section of PVC pipe, or similar sized retreat. Suggested floor coverings are commercially prepared wood cellulose and lignin pellets, pine shavings, or wood pulp fiber. Avoid placing them in bright sunshine.