Good evening<3
I also live in Canada, AB in fact. Hedgies are most certainly something you don't come by everyday, and so information on them isn't always the most valid. I can tell you my experience with my first hedgehog...
She was a 3 year-old albino named Annabelle. She was from a pet store. I think this (getting the hog from a PJ Pet) was my biggest mistake. You see, the "pygmy" (more properly "african") hedgehog is very prone to any sort of illness/disease out there. From just being in the pet store she was obese, her skin was dry, her ears were molded, and she was highly antisocial. She was treated over a period of 2/3 months for these things, and made a fantastic recovery on most of them. She was still antisocial, despite daily handling. And her skin was highly sensitive to the dry air despite extra oils added to her diet.
-->Their diet is more complex than one may think. It is very crucial to their future well being, as they are very sensitive to every part of their environment- food being one main component. A cat food with low corn, animal by-product, or in other words- essentially high grade- hasn't an exception (I found "Innova" - Reduced fat or senior formulas, mixed with" Felidae Platinum" works well). They must also be supplemented with insects, fruits, and vegetables. Anything outside the boarders of excellence will drive these sensitive critters to obesity and malnutrition.
-->Ya- they stink. Not the animal themselves, really, as they smell like any living creature would (fur, saliva, so on). But I found weekly cleaning just did not cut it. They will use a litter box when provided, or even a corner. However, their wheel is an automatic discharge centre. They will be running 100m/h while flinging excrement and urine EVERYWHERE. And I mean everywhere. Up-and-down the walls, into the carpet, on anything in a 10ft radius- even with a dome cover. Everyday I have to give ms. Annabelle a foot bath because I find it cruel to leave them in their own filth. I have to spray-clean/sanitize their wheel every morning before school. Their litter box got a good scrub each evening as well. Without it, the entire house smelt like a petting zoo.
-->Exercise wheels are nothing to cheap out on. Without them your hedgehog will become restless and obese. Obesity is potentially fatal. You can also use swimming as a method of exercise, but not too-too often as their skin is quite sensitive.
-->People will say they are all mean, or they are all really cuddly and angelic. I have found that no hedgehog personality is the same. All you really need to do is find the personality that fits you. It really IS as simple as that. Traits of the hedgie will shine through later on as they grow accustom to their owner/environment. They will also pick up characteristics from you or other household members. Some cuddle, some bite, some love their home, some would rather die than going back inside that cage (which, by the way, should be HUGE).
Good luck. They have the potential to become good pets. Personally I couldn't see myself getting another, because after years of a random undeserved illness/need falling upon my hedgie, she died 3 ears later due to cancer. Thousands of dollars, emotional wear, and heart -break. I don't think I'm ready to go through that again...
-->Beth<3
(EDIT: Anthony, I am 99.9999999% sure the author is speaking in terms of the african/pygmy hedgehog. They are semi-common pets here in Canada, but no actual species of hedgehog is native up here. I would also bet a dollar that you have never actually owned this particular hedgehog?Gloves are not recommended for handling. Quills are modified hairs, they are not very sharp and do not have barbs. I believe research is in order? No disrespect my friend.)