Can Hedgehogs Climb? (7 Interesting Facts)

Hedgehogs make great pets for a patient and dedicated person. A hybrid of two species native to Africa, the African pygmy hedgehog is a domesticated species known for its intelligence, friendliness, and cheerful companionship.

Can hedgehogs climb? Yes, hedgehogs can climb. Hedgehogs have often been seen climbing trees, house attics, fences, cages etc. However, climbing is very risky for hedgehogs and there is no practical reason for climbing a hedgehog. So, owners are recommended to never force their pets and discourage the ones that do it voluntarily. 

As with many pets, researching hedgehogs and the care they require can help you decide if they are right for your lifestyle. The owner should make sure that they know what physical activities they perform to bring one into your home and take care of it as best as the owner can.

In regards to physical activities, many owners ask can hedgehogs climb? Let’s see in detail.

Can Hedgehogs Climb Out Of Cages?

Yes, hedgehogs can climb out of cages. Despite having around, heavy bodies and small legs, hedgehogs are very good climbers. Hedgehogs can climb very easily however the problem occurs when it comes to getting down. Hedgehogs may not be able to get down as easily as they may climb.

Hedgehogs also find it difficult to climb on wired cages. However, if they are kept in plastic cages, they would easily climb them. The owner should be very careful when choosing a cage for their pet as hedgehogs can hurt themselves climbing the cage.

Do Hedgehogs Need To Climb?

No, hedgehogs don’t need to climb. Hedgehogs are natural explorers and may climb to explore. However, they would climb with great difficulties and there is a risk associated with their climbing. Hedgehogs may hurt themselves when climbing and they can’t come down as easily as they can climb.

Hedgehogs don’t need to climb to get food. Their food is simply on the floor. In the wild they would eat their food by preying on the ground and in captivity they get their food from their owners.

Can A Hedgehog Climb A Tree?

Yes, hedgehogs can climb trees, but it is completely unnecessary. If the owner is thinking of climbing their hedgehog on a tree, they shouldn’t do that, simply because it will exhaust them and it’s not even required.

In the wild, a hedgehog may climb a tree p, which is also not required but they still do it to explore. It is the nature of hedgehogs to explore. They cover a lot of distance in one night just roaming and trying to find food. However, They don’t need to climb trees for food because their food is available on the ground.

Can Hedgehogs Climb Small Steps?

Can hedgehogs climb stairs? A hedgehog may be able to climb the steps. It won’t be a problem for them however owners should never force their pets to climb stairs. It can be exhausting for hedgehogs.

How To Stop Hedgehogs From Climbing The Cage?

The owner should use a plastic cage that has enough space for a hedgehog. The cage should have separate sleeping, sitting, and playing areas. There should be enough room for a hedgehog to roam. If a hedgehog has enough room, they may not crave to get out of the cage to explore more.

If the owner has already bought a wired cage, the best they can do is attach plastic sheets to the inner side of the cage. The plain surface would discourage them from climbing the cage.

Can Hedgehogs Climb Walls?

No, hedgehogs may not be able to climb walls. However many times people often complain about having a hedgehog stuck in the attic or drain pipes because even though they can climb up through pipes, it is often difficult for them to come downwards.

Can Hedgehogs Climb Plastic?

No, hedgehogs cannot climb plastic. Any slippery surface or one that doesn’t have any grip for them to hold and move upwards would be a problem for them. Hedgehogs won’t be able to climb such surfaces.

Any slippery surface will not be compatible for hedgehogs to climb. Hedgehogs need a surface that has a support and grip for hedgehogs to climb.

Can Hedgehogs Climb Steps?

Can hedgehogs climb up steps? Hedgehogs can climb steps. However, it can be very hectic for them. In the wild, hedgehogs can be seen climbing houses and trees, however, there is no reason to climb. So, if the owner is planning to climb their pet on steps, they should avoid it.

If the owner wants to promote physical movement in their pet hedgehog, they should add other measures like a rolling wheel. In the wild, hedgehogs also climb but they do that voluntarily, so it is recommended to never force the hedgehog to climb. They may climb on their wish, which should be discouraged as they may get hurt.

Can Hedgehogs Climb Trees?

Yes, hedgehogs are seen climbing trees in the wild. The reason is unknown because hedgehogs move from one place to the other in search of food but they don’t get anything climbing trees. Most of the food eaten by hedgehogs would be found on the ground. So, hedgehogs climbing trees is not known.

Furthermore, even though they can climb upwards, it often becomes difficult for them to get down, due to their body structure. It is interesting because they have found bodies and short legs, despite which they can climb as high as on a tree.

Can Hedgehogs Climb Fences?

Yes, hedgehogs will be able to climb most of the fences. It is often easier for them to climb a fence than a plastic surface because on a fence they get the support that helps them to push upwards.

However, with a plain surface like a plastic sheet, they won’t be able to get any grip or support that will help them to get pushed. If the owner has a pet hedgehog, it is recommended to have a plastic cage, which they won’t be able to climb.

Can Hedgehogs Climb Wooden Fences?

A hedgehog may be able to climb wooden fences. It is recommended for households to create holes in their fences. Most of the households intentionally create holes for hedgehogs to pass the way.

It helps to create a way for hedgehogs and provides the Insects or small pinkies present in your house. It helps to keep the house clean and hygienic.

How High Can Hedgehogs Climb?

Hedgehogs are seen climbing houses and long trees. There is no valid study that tells, how long a hedgehog may climb. However, climbing a house or a tree is pretty high for a small animal like a hedgehog to climb. So it can be said that hedgehogs can climb pretty high.

It is recommended to owners to discourage their pet hedgehog from climbing long heights like cage walls, trees or stairs. A hedgehog can fall and hurt itself by climbing. If the owner wants to encourage physical movement, they should add toys that promote exercise.

Can Hedgehogs Climb Ramps?

Hedgehogs are known to climb however, the reason why they climb is still unknown. The ramp is easy to walk and hedgehogs will easily climb the ramp.

Hedgehogs can climb even more complex structures like trees, houses and fences, so in comparison, climbing a ramp would be an easy job.

Furthermore, unlike climbing houses, trees or fences, hedgehogs will find it easy to come down from ramps very easily. Additionally, owners should never force their hedgehogs to climb ramps or any other structure.

It can be a very exhausting activity which can increase stress. If a hedgehog is trying to climb, they should be discouraged from doing so.

However, ramps are very risky for hedgehogs as they may tumble down while climbing. So it is best to never install one in their terrarium. Falling off a ramp can seriously hurt the hedgehog so it is best to never add a ramp in the cage of the hedgehog.

Can Hedgehogs Climb Wooden Fences?

Can hedgehogs climb fences YouTube? There are many YouTube videos showing hedgehogs climbing fences. Hedgehogs will be able to climb fences, however wooden fences that are completely plain would be difficult for them to climb.

Hedgehogs need support and something to hold to climb. Plain fences or any other plain surface won’t have enough support for them to hold onto anything.

If the wooden fence has support to hold on to, they would be able to climb. Though a hedgehog may climb, it is advised to provide space for hedgehogs to pass the gardens because it will only benefit the owner. If a hedgehog comes to your garden, he will take away worms, snails out of your garden.

Climbing a fence to get in a garden can be a hectic task for hedgehogs. It can be very difficult and risky for hedgehogs to climb. So it is better to keep an opening for the hedgehog.

Can Hedgehogs Climb Chicken Wire?

Yes, hedgehogs can climb chicken wire too. If a hedgehog is determined they may reach the top. Chicken wire is easy to climb because hedgehogs will get support from the wire to keep their paws and use it to climb further.

Climbing can be a challenging task for hedgehogs keeping in mind the physical strength it requires but coming down is a greater challenge and there is a lot of risks involved in getting down. Because of their round body, it can be possible for hedgehogs to fall and hurt themselves.

This is the reason why it is recommended to never promote a hedgehog to climb. If a hedgehog is climbing by themselves they should be discouraged to do so.

Can Hedgehogs Climb Out Of A Box?

A hedgehog may not be able to climb the box due to its flat surface. If an owner is facing issues with hedgehogs climbing, a cardboard box would be a great choice to put the hedgehog in.

However, the owner should keep in mind to always provide sufficient space and environment for the hedgehog. A cardboard box may not be as durable as a plastic cage. So it is better to buy a plastic cage.

Can Hedgehogs Climb Brick Walls?

Can pygmy hedgehogs climb brick walls? No, a brick wall is too straight for hedgehogs to climb and its surface is also plain enough to not let hedgehogs get a grip to climb.

However, hedgehogs are regularly seen in attics, draining pipes and roofs, which they may climb through underground piping or from a nearby tree.

Can Hedgehogs Climb Out Of Cages?

Yes, it is possible for hedgehogs to climb out of cages and many owners have seen their pets coming out of cages by climbing. However, hedgehog climbing is not very safe. The owner should be careful that their pet isn’t climbing out of their cages.

When a hedgehog is climbing, it may climb to the top, but when it comes to getting down most of the hedgehog’s struggle. When a hedgehog is climbing, there is a risk that they may fall and injure themselves.

Can My Hedgehog Climb A Ladder?

Can wild hedgehogs climb ladders? No, a hedgehog won’t be able to climb the ladder. They can’t do that. Even though hedgehogs can climb, their climbing ability is very limited and they don’t need to climb to survive. Hedgehogs don’t need to climb to get food or shelter. There is no valid finding on why they climb.

A hedgehog may climb a cage, fence, tree, small steps, steep levels, ramps, in some cases even stairs, but they cannot climb an average ladder because it is very difficult for them to reach the next step as they are very small.

If talking about a small ladder made especially for hedgehogs, then it can be possible for them to climb it. However, it is recommended never to use such toys because all such toys carry a lot of risk with them. A hedgehog can’t come down from the stairs he climbed up to, which makes them fall off and ruin their quills.

How Steep Can Hedgehogs Climb?

There is a limit to how steep a hedgehog can climb. It completely depends on the structure they are climbing. The crucial part of hedgehog climbing supports. If a hedgehog is getting support and grip on their feet and hands, they can climb the surface.

For example, a wired cage would give support to their feet and hands to climb further until they reach the top.

However, a brick wall may be vertical enough to not transfer their body weight on the structure they are climbing and there is not enough grip to hold on the wall. So it won’t be possible for hedgehogs to climb a wall but a wire cage.

How Good Can Hedgehogs Climb?

With effort, hedgehogs can climb very efficiently. Hedgehogs can climb trees, cages, steps, ramps, stairs, toy ladders and everything they can hold a grip on and rely on some of their weight. Despite having a round and heavy body together with short legs, hedgehogs are still good climbers.

However, problems come when they have to come downwards. Scientifically, when a hedgehog is moving upwards, they take support of the surface and put their weight on the surface to move ahead.

When it comes to coming downwards, they can’t take that support and have to hold their whole weight and come down. Which makes it difficult for them to come down.

Coming down is very risky and may injure a hedgehog if they fall. So it is recommended to never let the hedgehog climb and even if they do it by themselves, the owner should discourage them.

Can Baby Hedgehogs Climb?

A baby hedgehog may not be able to climb because they are too small and juvenile to climb. So it may not be possible for baby hedgehogs to climb as efficiently as adult hedgehogs.

However, a baby hedgehog may try to climb sometimes because this is their wild instinct. Hedgehogs are natural explorers and climbing is one of their ways to explore different places.

What Hedgehogs Can’t Climb?

A hedgehog won’t be able to climb a vertical surface or a surface that is too slippery or one that doesn’t have a proper grip to climb over. Due to this reason, it is often difficult for hedgehogs to climb plastic cages.

Final Verdict – Can Hedgehogs Climb

Can hedgehogs climb? Yes, hedgehogs can climb. In wild, hedgehogs are seen climbing trees, house attics, fences. However, the reason why hedgehogs climb to such structures is unknown.

In the wild hedgehogs sleep on the ground and also obtain their food on the ground but they will still climb the structures. Many believe that it is their curious nature to explore what leads them to climb.

In captivity, a hedgehog may climb out of their cages. In the wild, hedgehogs wander at night a lot. In captivity, due to limited space in the cage, they may want to get out and explore. If that is the case, the owner should provide enough space for their pets.

The cage of hedgehogs should be long enough for hedgehogs to roam and if possible, the owner should also take their pets in open space sometimes.

As a pet lover, make sure to learn about pet more and give your pet hedgehog a good and comfortable life!

Rajkumar Ravichandran

Welcome to Learn About Pet. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. I write about my passion and personal experience caring for multiple pets in this blog! ❤️