Hedgehogs are insect-eating mammals that are rapidly growing in popularity among all types of pet owners. Hedgehogs are naturally curious, friendly, and timid while retaining a facial expression that always appears happy. Each hedgehog has a unique, distinctive personality that may be adventurous, affectionate, or playful. They are extremely solitary animals and prefer to live alone. Hedgehogs, however, develop a strong bond with humans, and the more time spent showing a hedgehog attention, the stronger the bond will become. A hedgehog will ignore other household pets such as a dog or a cat.
Types of hedgehogs
There are numerous types of hedgehogs found in Africa, Asia and Europe. They are most often a pet on a farm due to their reclusive nature and enormous appetite for ants, beetles, centipedes, earthworms, grasshoppers, moths and termites. It is illegal in the United States to import any type of hedgehog so private breeders have developed the hybrid species called an African Pygmy hedgehog. An African Pygmy hedgehog is purely a domesticated pet as apposed to a non-hybrid hedgehog with the main difference being when a domesticated hedgehog forms a ball, unless threatened it lays its quills flat against its body as opposed to using them as a sharp defense weapon. Both hybrid and non-hybrid hedgehogs use their quills as an effective form of protection against falling. Hedgehogs are excellent at climbing up wood or mesh, but they are not good at climbing down. If stuck at an elevated height, a hedgehog will form a tight ball and roll off the surface. The quills around the body allow the hedgehog to bounce unharmed on the ground.
Licensed hedgehog breeder
It is best to purchase a pet hedgehog from a licensed breeder. If purchasing a hedgehog from a pet store or a private individual, be sure the birth information is accurate, such as birth date and location. In the United States, all licensed breeders will have a USDA license number. It is best to buy a hedgehog between the ages of six to nine months old. A baby hedgehog requires a lot of sleep so it is normal for a newborn to appear lethargic for the first month.
Size and Weight of hedgehog
The size and weight of every African Pygmy hedgehog will vary, but they grow to an average length of just under one foot and weigh between one and one and a half pounds.
Diet of a hedgehog
Specially formulated hedgehog food is available, but an equally satisfactory food choice includes a high quality dry cat food that has a high amount of protein and a low amount of fat. The food should be constantly available. Provide additional food supplements three to four times a week consisting of fruits and vegetables. Provide a wide variety of fruit and vegetables to the hedgehog until the animal discovers its favorites. Remove all uneaten fruit and vegetables after the hedgehog finishes eating.
Colors and patterns of a hedgehog
Because an African Pygmy hedgehog is a hybrid animal the colors and patterns available are vivid, diverse, and continually increasing. The common colors or patterns include albino, apricot, champagne, cinnamon, cinnicot, oak brown, pinto, platinum, salt and pepper, snowflake, or white.
Noises made by hedgehog
Hedgehogs use a wide range of sounds to express their feelings and moods. Happy or pleased noises include cheeping, chirping, purring, or whistling. Frightened, mad, or upset noises include clicking, hissing, puffing, screaming, sneezing, or snorting.
Living Temperature for a hedgehog
The living temperature required by a hedgehog is important to maintain naturally. The ideal housing area is indoors and located in an area that is free of a draft and direct sunlight. Always maintain a temperature of seventy to eighty degrees Fahrenheit. Many non-hybrid types of hedgehogs hibernate during cold temperatures. African Pygmy hedgehogs are not bred to hibernate, which would prove fatal if outdoors during winter, and for that reason - an African Pygmy hedgehog must never become cold and lethargic.
Housing and care of a hedgehog
A twenty-gallon fish aquarium is often the best choice of housing for a hedgehog and provides adequate room. A lid is not required if the housing walls are made of glass, (but if used) the lid must remain well ventilated. If the walls are made of wood or wire mesh, a secure lid is required because the hedgehog will climb the walls.
Only one hedgehog is ideal per living area because hedgehogs do not like the company of other hedgehogs.
About two inches of bedding should cover the entire surface of the floor consisting of Aspen, Pine, or White wood shavings. NEVER use cedar wood shavings, which could lead to numerous terminal health complications.
Hedgehogs are very playful so the food bowl must be short enough for the hedgehog to reach while wide and heavy enough to remain flat on the ground. A hedgehog will tip a loose water bowl and play with the empty bowl like a toy. Water bottles are the best way to supply drinking water. Water dishes typically fill with bedding, food and toys.
An upside down empty shoe box or something equivalent in size and design with a small opening cut into one side must be constantly available. It will provide a dark place where the hedgehog will sleep during the day.
If provided, a hedgehog will go to the bathroom in a small box filled with cat liter. Be sure to use dust free, non-clumping cat liter.
Provide a hedgehog with a hedgehog exercise wheel, empty toilet paper tub, and other child safe toys that the hedgehog finds of interest.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a healthy, well-kept hedgehog in captivity is six or seven years.
Warning
It is illegal in the United States to import any type of hedgehog. It is also illegal within some states to own a hedgehog, and in other states, a special permit is required. To find out the laws regarding the ownership of hedgehogs within the United States contact each individual State Wildlife Department, Fish and Game Department.
Copyright © 2016 by John Mallozzi
