USDA Licensed Breeders  vs.  All Others Posted 10/30/09   When considering the purchase of a hedgehog, you want to ensure that you get a healthy and friendly pet.  In addition to this, you want to know as much as possible about the breeder and the animal’s past.  You want to know if the hedgie has ever had any injuries or illnesses and whenever possible, the lineage.  Below we have listed some information (as it is in most cases) regarding the differences between buying from a licensed breeder vs. buying from unlicensed (backyard or hobby) breeders, classified ads, pet shops, flea markets, wholesalers, etc. Unlicensed breeders (backyard/hobby breeders), classified ads, etc.   Persons, firms or corporations possessing wildlife used exclusively for exhibition or public sale, specifically birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, shall obtain a permit pursuant to Chapter 379.304, Florida Statutes. Click for more info. ARE SELLING THEIR ANIMALS ILLEGALLY. Are not required to have a veterinary plan for their animals.  Are not subject to inspection of any kind. Are not required to keep animals in adequate housing.  Do not have to honor any guarantee. Do not have to offer support after the sale. Often cannot or will not offer information about the lineage or pedigree. Are not legally responsible to replace sick animals since the sale was not legal. Pet Shops, Wholesalers, Flea Markets  Note: Some Wholesalers and Flea Market dealers may not be licensed. Often have numerous animals (and many species) increasing the chance of the transfer of parasites and diseases. Often buy hedgehogs by the litter and house them together - hedgehogs are solitary animals and should be housed separately to avoid squabbling and injuries - housing siblings together can lead to a females being bred by a sibling which could result in the death of the litter, the death of the female or babies born with birth defects. Typically do not know (or adhere to) the housing requirements for the animals. Typically do not know (or adhere to) the proper nutritional requirements for the animals. Often do not offer "after the sale" assistance. Often have animals that have not been properly socialized.  Typically hedgehogs in these settings have been poked and taunted by children and/or ignorant customers. Most often cannot or will not offer information about the breeder (what breeder and where). Most often cannot offer lineage information or pedigree. Often do not know how to properly handle hedgehogs or are scared to (therefore cannot show you how to properly handle a hedgehog). USDA Licensed Breeders Are required to have the proper permit to legally sell animals. Will know their animals and can give you information and history. Typically do not breed numerous species, thus reducing the risk of parasites and diseases being transferred from animal to animal. Can offer a vast array of knowledge on the animals they breed. Can inform you about the proper housing requirements. Can inform you about the proper nutritional requirements. Can inform you about the animal’s history from birth. Can offer lineage or pedigree information. Will (in most cases) offer you "after the sale" assistance (indefinitely). Will typically have babies that are properly handled and well socialized. Have a lot invested in their herd, so they take care to quarantine and vet check animals that are brought in, to assure that they aren't introducing parasites or disease. Typically offer competitive prices and a sample supply of food to get you started or to wean to a new food. Click here to see if the breeder you are considering is USDA licensed and view their inspection report if they are. The above link will take you to USDA's website where you can choose "Inspection Reports" or "List of active licensed and registered facilities".     This article is simply to inform people. It was not written maliciously, nor with the intent to cause the loss of sale by any individual and/or corporation. Thanks for reading.