What you’ve learned

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of the course, and whether you’re a first-time hedgehog owner or simply refining your knowledge, you’ve now got a strong foundation in hedgehog welfare, health, and bonding. Let’s summarize the essential insights so you walk away with clarity and confidence.

Core Topics Covered

Throughout this course, we’ve explored:

• Hedgehog Biology & Behavior:
  You learned about the African pygmy hedgehog’s natural rhythms, sensory world, communication, and signs of stress, fear, and comfort.
• Housing & Environment:
  How to design a safe and stimulating enclosure, regulate temperature and humidity, and choose the right substrate, hides, and layout.
• Diet & Nutrition:
  From ideal protein-to-fat ratios to recognizing obesity and diabetes, you learned how to support your hedgehog’s health with proper diet and monitoring.
• Handling & Bonding:
  Trust is built through scent, routine, gentle touch, and respect. You practiced safe handling and learned to work through fear and defensiveness.
• Health & Hygiene:
  Recognizing signs of illness, preventing infections, trimming nails, and preparing for vet visits were all part of building good daily care habits.
• Veterinary Care:
  You discovered how to find an exotic vet, communicate effectively, prepare for costs, and know when urgent care is needed.
• Enrichment & Play:
  Mental and physical stimulation prevents boredom and stress. Toys, digging boxes, sensory play, and free-roaming can greatly improve welfare.
• Understanding Behavior:
  You now recognize the difference between normal, neutral, and abnormal behaviors, and how enrichment, age, health, or stress can affect them.
• Seasonal Care & Hibernation Risks:
  Maintaining temperature and lighting is essential. You learned to identify, reverse, and prevent hibernation attempts in a captive setting.
• Traveling with Your Hedgehog:
  Whether a short trip or international move, you’re now prepared to keep your hedgehog safe, calm, and legally transported.

Final Thoughts

Hedgehog care is as much about patience and observation as it is about technical knowledge. The best caregivers are those who take the time to listen, to their hedgehog’s body language, rhythms, and subtle changes, and who approach care with curiosity and compassion.

You don’t need to know everything at once. What matters is:

• Keep learning
• Go at your hedgehog’s pace
• Reach out for help when needed
• Adapt as you go

Every hedgehog is unique. With the tools you’ve gained, you can now respond more confidently to their needs, and build a trusting, rewarding relationship.

Next Steps

• Take the final quiz and download your certificate
• Share what you’ve learned with others, and advocate for better hedgehog care