Enclosure Requirements & Minimum Cage Sizes
Creating a safe and comfortable home for your hedgehog is the foundation of good care. A well-prepared enclosure supports both physical health and emotional wellbeing. It’s more than just a cage, it’s your hedgehog’s entire world.
In this lesson, we’ll cover:
- Why enclosure size matters
- Minimum legal or advised sizes in various countries
- Tips for choosing or building a proper enclosure
- Where to find a full list of regional guidelines
Why Cage Size Matters
African pygmy hedgehogs may be small, but they are extremely active animals. In the wild, they roam several kilometers each night in search of food. In captivity, a cramped enclosure limits this natural behavior and can lead to:
- Obesity
- Stress and stereotypical behaviors
- Poor muscle tone
- Aggression or withdrawal
A small enclosure may be easy to clean, but it does not serve the hedgehog’s needs. Giving them enough space to explore, exercise, and express natural behaviors is essential to their wellbeing.
Minimum Cage Sizes by Country
Here are a few minimum enclosure size recommendations or requirements by country. Keep in mind that these may reflect either welfare guidelines, expert advice, or in some cases, official legal requirements:
- Germany: 120 x 60 x 60 cm
Strongly recommended by Tierärztliche Vereinigung für Tierschutz (TVT) - United Kingdom: 100 x 50 x 50 cm (bare minimum)
Larger enclosures encouraged by the RSPCA and breeders - USA: No federal standard, breeders advise 3×2 ft minimum
Some states provide guidelines at shelter level - Netherlands: 100 x 50 cm (under previous guidelines, now no longer legal)
Used as reference by Dutch breeders pre-2024 - Hungary: 100 x 50 cm, recommended by breeders
- South Africa: 100 x 60 x 50 cm, recommended by breeders
For a full and growing list of regional cage size recommendations, see the downloadable exercise file at the bottom of this chapter. We’re working with breeders and rescuers from around the world to make this as complete as possible.
If you buy your hedgehog from a breeder, make sure to ask them which size enclosure they prefer at minimum. You can always go bigger!
Ideal Enclosure Types
You don’t have to buy the most expensive cage to create a suitable home. What matters most is the floor space, not the height, and how the space is used.
Ideal options include:
- Plastic-based cages with wire tops (e.g., C&C cages, large rabbit cages)
- IKEA-hack furniture cages (like modified Detolf enclosures or DIY enclosures made from wood and acrylic)
- Terrariums with proper ventilation
- Bin cages (only if very large, well-ventilated, and safely modified)
Avoid cages with:
- Wire flooring (can cause foot injury)
- Multiple levels (hedgehogs are poor climbers and may fall)
- Enclosure heights that allow climbing without barriers
Quick Checklist
A good enclosure should:
- Be at least 100 x 50 cm (but preferably larger)
- Be easy to clean
- Have safe materials (no toxic glues, paints, or sharp edges)
- Provide enrichment zones (see next lessons)
- Offer privacy and safety
Want to Go Deeper?
We’ve created a growing exercise file with regional guidelines and examples from breeders, rescuers, and professionals in more than 25 countries. Be sure to download it after completing this chapter!
Sources
Tierärztliche Vereinigung für Tierschutz (TVT) – Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Igeln in Menschenobhut. https://www.tierschutz-tvt.de
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA, UK) – Exotic Pet Care: Hedgehogs. https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/other/hedgehogs
British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) – Pet Hedgehog Care Guidelines. https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk
Hedgehog Welfare Society (USA) – Care and Housing Recommendations. http://www.hedgehogwelfare.org
African Pygmy Hedgehog Club UK – Housing and Enclosure Setup Guide. https://www.aphc.co.uk
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) – Guidelines for Exotic Pets. https://www.humanecanada.ca
ExoticDirect Pet Insurance (UK) – Housing and Environment Tips for African Pygmy Hedgehogs. https://www.exoticdirect.co.uk
The Hedgehog Welfare Society – Recommended Minimum Cage Size Discussion Forum. http://www.hedgehogcentral.com
Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine – Multiple articles on environmental enrichment and enclosure requirements for small mammals. (Access via university library or research database)
