I had a hedgehog. Very cute. Totally nocturnal. Don't expect to play with it during the day. They eat hedgehog chow and mealy worms (live).
I had three ferrets and hope to have a couple again sometime. They are NOT mean if they are trained and loved. They do stink somewhat. They are social animals and must have friends. They are litter box trainable with patience, but will back up to any available corner if your back is turned. They go when they gotta go, and any corner will do. A good way to train a ferret not to bite is "bitter apple". It's a nasty spray that you can put on your fingers that will quickly teach a ferret that biting a human in yucky. They don't bite to be mean, it's part of their play. Ferrets are very curious and quick. I've known many a friends ferrets to die by climbing into the dishwasher before the door closes or to fall asleep in the family laundry and end up getting washed. They sleep very deeply. I wouldn't recommend them for families with small children. They are too easy to hurt.