Are hedgehogs hypoallergenic?

The simple answer is – Yes!

Definition

hy·po·al·ler·gen·ic
adj.
Having a decreased tendency to provoke an allergic reaction.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary

The definition of hypoallergenic may surprise some people. Hypoallergenic does not mean non-allergenic. Hedgehogs are not very likely to cause an allergic reaction, but it has been known to happen. Hedgehogs produce very little dander, which is the usual culprit for animal allergies. It is extremely rare that hedgehog dander produces any sort of reaction. Allergic reactions to hedgehogs are usually from small pricks of the hedgehog’s quills that have been contaminated with an allergen.

Allergies to Bedding

The majority of people who think they are allergic to their hedgehog are actually allergic to the bedding. You might want to try switching to different bedding options if you are affected. I am allergic to almost all of the bedding, so I use a hepa filter right beside my hedgehog cages. Due to my allergies, if the quills prick my fingers I get a little rash that disappears within minutes of washing my hands. I know that some people get hives after handing hedgehogs and that is probably due to an allergen being pushed into the skin.

How to lessen allergic reactions

If you find that you have a severe reaction to the bedding, you should try fleece or corduroy fabric that is cut to fit in the bottom of the cage. Remember to look for loose threads in the fabric, since hedgehogs have been known to get their feet caught and lose circulation which leads to amputations.

If you suspect that you are allergic to hedgehogs, it can help to bathe the hedgehog monthly in lukewarm water and a drop of olive oil. It is also a good idea to keep an air purifier with a hepa filter close to the cage. Since hedgehogs produce very little dander, this should be all that is needed to relieve your symptoms.

My own experiences

Although my cat is hypoallergenic (bengal cat breed), I will get a reaction if I touch my eyes after petting him. I have noticed that if I pet my cat and then handle my hedgehogs I am more likely to get a rash. I also have mild allergies to perfumes, hay, mold, most cleaning products and animal dander. I find that if I wash my hands with hand sanitizer before handling the hedgies, that I rarely get any rash. If you have troubles with allergies, I’d recommend washing your hands before handling your hedgehogs, but avoid scented soap.

There are so many commercial foods out there. You may be confused by the selection and quality of hedgehog food. When I first did my research, I was naive and believed that if it was labeled for a hedgehog, it must be a perfect diet. I was completely wrong. Unfortunately, the hedgehog diets on the market are not well suited for hedgehogs. Since hedgehogs are a fairly new exotic pet and are even illegal in many states, many animal food companies still do not have a handle on the nutritional requirements of a hedgehog. If you ask most breeders, they will give you a variety of different cat foods and hedgehog foods that they have tried. I have tried a good many of the ones labeled for hedgehogs, but I’m still most happy with the cat foods.

What do they eat?

Hedgehogs are insectivores. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be fed to your hedgehog in very small amounts from time to time, but treats should mostly consist of live insects. Other good treats would be: cooked chicken, cooked eggs and cottage cheese, to name a few. My hedgehogs have really liked Sunseed Hedgehog food as a treat, too.

Below is a list of hedgehogs foods and cat foods that I’d list as acceptable options. This list is compiled from a lot of research and first-hand experience.

Cat Food:
#1 Purina Chicken and Rice
#2 Chicken Soup For The Cat Lover’s Soul Lite
#3 Wellness Healthy Weight
#4 Blue Spa Select Weight Management

Hedgehog Food:
#5 Spikes Delight

Some other acceptable hedgehog foods only recommend as a treat:

Sunseed Hedgehog food (My hedgehogs liked this, but only as a treat.)
Brisky’s Hedgehog food (I haven’t tried it, but have heard it is alright as a treat.)
8in1 Ultra Hedgehog food (It seemed alright and my hedgehogs ate it, but not good enough for complete diet.)
L’Avian Hedgehog food (My hedgehogs ate it, but just as a treat.)
Hedgehog Complete by Exotic Nutrition (I think this is acceptable as a treat, but my hedgehogs wouldn’t touch it.)

My Personal Choice

My personal food of choice is Purina One Chicken and Rice. It has a main ingredient of chicken and also contains yogurt and a pretty well balance diet. It was recommended to me by Shannon at Dreamflower Meadows and we have both had good results with it. I have not had any problems with obesity and my hedgehogs have stayed very healthy. When you find something that works, it is best to stick with it. I am always open to new options, but I’m also cautious. I do not want my hedgehogs to suffer or be my lab rats in my quest for the perfect food. Hopefully more healthy options will be available soon that are specifically created for hedgehogs.

It is really important to start your hedgehog out on the food it is used to eating. I always provide a couple weeks worth of transitional food. I highly recommend that you continue to use it or mix it with another cat food from the list above or Spike’s Delight. I do not recommend mixing anything else in with the staple diet, because your hedgehog might just pick out the less healthy food from the mix. For that reason, treats should always be given in a separate bowl.

When your hedgehog encounters a new or unusual smell, you may see him self anointing. Young hedgehogs seem to do it more often than adults. Possibly because more smells are new to them.

Why does this happen?

We don’t know for sure, but hedgehogs are highly resistant to most toxins. They are one of the few animals that can safely eat giant toads. They may be trying to protect themselves from other animals with a potentially toxic mixture.

I have also heard that it is a way to reduce stress, although I think it is probably more likely that they are trying to protect themselves.

If you handle your hedgehog after using hand lotion or fragrant soap, you may see this behavior, too. Don’t be concerned. Even though you may feel like your hedgehog is having seizures or has contracted rabies, self anointing is perfectly normal.