Hedgehogs are adorable pets. However, because they are rarer than other pets, finding toys suitable for this species can be challenging. Meeting your hedgehog’s stimulation needs can be difficult for this reason.
Luckily, there are a few commercial toys that are suitable for hedgehogs, as well as quite a few you can make yourself. We’ll take a look at these toys in this article and provide more information on how to choose the perfect toy for your hedgehog.
Hedgehogs also like running wheels, though not necessarily as much as hamsters. Most hamster wheels are a bit too small for hedgehogs. They need to be a bit wider to fit a hedgehog correctly. You can try out a few commercial running wheels in an attempt to find the perfect fit for your hedgehog, or you can make one.
This is easy and requires little to no tools or skills. You need very simple parts to do this, as well.
2. Toilet Paper Roll Toys by exotic animal supplies
Everyone has toilet paper rolls, which is one reason why they make such good toys. You can make several options with your toilet paper roll, ranging from balls to hanging toys. Of course, some hedgehogs will like certain toys better than some. Luckily, because toilet paper is so inexpensive and these toys are easy to make, you can quickly put together many toys for your hedgehog to try.
While this may not look like a toy on the outside, many hedgehogs love hiding in fleece pouches. They roll around in them and dig – as if they were digging in the dirt. They’re relatively easy to make as well. All you need is some large piece of fleece. You can even make them without sewing at all, which is always an excellent addition.
These are extremely easy to make and adored by most hedgehogs, so we highly recommend giving them a shot.
What Toys Do Hedgehogs Like?
Hedgehogs typically like toys that allow them to behave naturally. In the wild, hedgehogs do a lot of foraging and digging. Therefore, they will like toys that allow them to do these things. This is why hedgehogs like dig boxes so much. They’re about as close to their natural behavior as you can get.
Hedgehogs typically like anything that lets them feel safe and hidden. Fleece pouches are very suitable for this reason. Most hedgehogs love hiding in fleece pouches and rolling around in them. Cardboard houses and similar toys fill this niche as well.
Many hiding houses can also be filled with bits of fleece, which allows your hedgehog to “dig” around while also hiding. These are likely the best toys, as they provide hedgehogs to do their two favorite things.
Where Can You Buy Hedgehog Toys?
Sadly, there aren’t many commercial hedgehog toys available. These exotic pets are still relatively rare, so no major toy manufacturer currently makes toys for them. For this reason, most of the toys have to be made, though you can find some on websites like ETSY.
Luckily, most DIY hedgehog toys are reasonably straightforward. In most cases, you’ll be making stuff out of fleece and cardboard. Sometimes, you’ll need Tupperware containers as well, though cardboard can usually be used in its place.
Luckily, it’s quite simple to keep your hedgehog entertained. You’ll need to create some DIY toys. Most of these are relatively simple and don’t require any fancy craft supplies. You can make most with bits of fleece and some cardboard.
Particular hedgehogs like certain toys better than others. You’ll probably do a lot of experimentation before you find a toy that your hedgehog loves. However, because these toys are easy and straightforward to make, it usually isn’t that big of a deal to make multiple toys for your hedgehog.
Can Hedgehogs Have Toys?
Even though there are no commercially available toys, hedgehogs benefit from having toys. These pets need mental and physical exercise. Toys help them get stay healthy and entertained. In the wild, they would be spending all their time finding food, which would involve a lot of foraging and digging.
They don’t have to worry about this in captivity, which leads to a lot of pent-up energy. You don’t want your hedgehog to get bored and possibly put on some extra weight, so it is essential to provide toys for them to play with. They are curious creatures and typically love toys of all sorts.
Can You Use Small Pet Toys for Hedgehogs?
Sadly, most “small pet toys” chew toys. This is because most small pets are rodents and need to chew to wear their teeth down. Hedgehogs do not fit into this category. Therefore, most toys marketed towards small pets will not be appropriate. Your hedgehog really shouldn’t be chewing on anything.
However, many hedgehogs do seem to like cat toys, especially the small balls with bells inside. These are perfect for hedgehogs, as most will enjoy pushing something around. If you’re looking to purchase a few toys for your hedgehog, head over to the cat aisle – not the small pet one.
Kristin is passionate about helping pet parents create a fulfilling life with their pets by informing them on the latest scientific research and helping them choose the best products for their pets. She currently resides in Tennessee with four dogs, three cats, two fish, and a lizard, though she has dreams of owning chickens one day!
