How long do Egyptian Hedgehogs live?
In captivity they typically live 3-8 years, occasionally up to about 10 years with good care.
What do Egyptian Hedgehogs eat?
Feed a base of high-protein, low-fat cat kibble or insectivore diet plus regular insects (mealworms, crickets) and small amounts of cooked egg, meat, and chopped vegetables. Do NOT feed milk, bread, fruit-heavy diets, or high-fat seeds — obesity and gut upset are common problems.
Housing and space
House singly in a large, escape-proof cage with a solid-surface wheel and deep substrate, kept warm at about 24-29°C (75-85°F) with a heat lamp or mat, as desert hedgehogs tolerate heat but suffer in cool rooms. Provide a dark nest box and avoid drafts and high humidity.
Common mistakes with Egyptian Hedgehogs
Frequent mistakes are cohabiting them (they fight and injure), keeping the room too cool (they attempt hibernation and can die), using wire wheels that trap feet, and feeding milk/bread or fatty treats that cause obesity and diarrhea.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Cohabiting — hedgehogs are solitary and fight when housed together.
- Letting them get too cool — triggers fatal pseudo-hibernation attempts.
- Wire or mesh wheels — feet and legs get trapped and broken.
- Milk, bread, and fatty treats — cause obesity and digestive disease.