Domesticated hedgehog

[3] Although ancient humans were familiar with the hedgehog, hunting it for food and using its spines in the processing of wool,[citation needed] it was not likely kept as a pet.

[6] Other sources suggest that the Ancient Greeks may have kept hedgehogs around the home for their potential to eat beetles and other pests.

[7] The Guinness World Records describe the Romans as having domesticated a relative of the Algerian hedgehog in the 4th century BCE, to use for meat and quills as well as pets.

It is illegal to own a hedgehog as a pet in some jurisdictions in North America, and a license is needed to legally breed them.

[18] A hedgehog with insufficient range may show signs of depression, such as excessive sleeping, refusal to eat, repetitious behaviour, and self-mutilation.

Hedgehogs require a fair amount of exercise to avoid liver problems due to excess weight.

[19] Running wheels made of solid material that are approximately 1 foot (12 inches) in diameter are recommended.

Pet hedgehogs may eat such table foods as cooked, lean chicken, turkey, beef or pork.

Hedgehogs are lactose-intolerant and will have stomach problems after consuming most dairy products, though occasional plain low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese seem to be well tolerated.

A possible cause of WHS is a genetic flaw allowing a virus to attack the hedgehog's nervous system.

[24] Hedgehogs usually react to stress with temporary digestive disorders that include vomiting and green feces.