Hedgehogs are curious, active little creatures—especially during the night when they’re most awake. While they may not crave constant attention like other pets, hedgehogs still need mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. The right toys can help reduce boredom, encourage exercise, and keep your hedgie emotionally balanced.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 7 toys that are safe, fun, and perfect for enriching your hedgehog’s life.
Why Mental Stimulation Matters
A bored hedgehog may:
- Become lethargic or inactive
- Overeat or gain weight
- Start pacing or biting cage bars
- Display stress-related behaviors (like overgrooming)
That’s why offering different toys and activities is key to their well-being. It’s not just about play—it’s about engaging their natural instincts to explore, burrow, and sniff.
1. 🛞 Solid-Surface Exercise Wheel
Every hedgehog should have a solid-surface running wheel in their cage. It’s their #1 source of physical and mental stimulation.
Why It’s Great:
- Encourages nightly exercise
- Prevents obesity
- Supports natural activity patterns
What to Look For:
- At least 12 inches in diameter
- No wire rungs or gaps (to avoid injury)
- Easy to clean
Popular brands: Carolina Storm Wheel, Silent Runner
2. 🧻 Tunnels and Tubes
Hedgehogs love exploring tight spaces. Plastic tubes, fabric tunnels, or DIY cardboard rolls are a hit.
Why It’s Great:
- Promotes natural burrowing behavior
- Provides a sense of security
- Offers hiding spots for shy hedgies
Pro Tip:
Use ferret tunnels or large PVC piping. Always check for rough edges or signs of wear.
3. 🎲 Foraging Balls and Treat Puzzles
Food puzzles keep your hedgehog’s mind sharp and engaged. These toys challenge them to sniff out and work for their snacks.
Why It’s Great:
- Encourages natural foraging behavior
- Slows down eating
- Great enrichment tool
Ideas:
- Fill a plastic treat ball with mealworms or kibble
- Hide tiny bits of food inside paper wrappers or fleece scraps
- Try simple DIY puzzle feeders from toilet paper tubes
4. 🧺 Dig Boxes
Fill a shallow container with safe materials for your hedgehog to dig in.
Safe Fillers:
- Fleece strips
- Paper bedding
- Clean dry soil (occasionally, with supervision)
Why It’s Great:
- Satisfies their digging instinct
- Helps reduce stress
- Can be used for supervised playtime
Change materials regularly and hide small treats to make it more exciting.
5. 🧸 Plush Toys and Chewables
Some hedgehogs enjoy soft, plush toys or even small, safe chew toys—especially those that squeak or have different textures.
Why It’s Great:
- Encourages interaction
- Offers comfort and sensory stimulation
- Can double as cuddle buddies
Make sure there are no small parts (buttons, beads) that can be swallowed.
6. 🎯 Crinkle Balls and Cat Toys
Lightweight cat toys like crinkle balls or jingle bells can entertain a curious hedgie. Just be sure they’re not small enough to swallow.
Why It’s Great:
- Stimulates hearing and play response
- Promotes movement and exploration
Avoid toys with feathers, string, or loose pieces.
7. 🏗️ Climbing Structures and Hideouts
Small ramps, bridges, or hide-and-seek spots offer both mental and physical stimulation.
Ideas:
- Wooden hide boxes
- Low platforms (under 4 inches high)
- Stacked fleece hideouts or fabric tents
Be sure everything is sturdy and slip-resistant. Hedgehogs aren’t natural climbers, so avoid anything too high or steep.
Bonus Tip: Rotate Toys Weekly
Hedgehogs get bored if they see the same toys every day. Try rotating toys weekly to keep their environment fresh and engaging.
Simple rotation ideas:
- Swap out tunnels for dig boxes
- Change locations of foraging toys
- Introduce a new scent (like a bit of lavender on fleece)
Final Thoughts
Hedgehogs may look like sleepy little creatures, but they’re full of curiosity and energy—especially at night. By adding these fun and safe toys to their routine, you’re helping your pet live a more active, enriched, and joyful life.
Happy hedgehog = happy owner.
