About Hedgehogs

by Robert Hudson

by Robert Hudson

African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)  has become a popular pet for children, families, and adults as a “pocket pet”  It’s cute looking face and rolly polly body draw much appeal.  It is not however, “cuddly”.

The African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), also known as the central African, white-bellied, or four-toed hedgehog (Banks 2010), is native to the savannah and steppe regions of Central Africa, extending from Somalia in the East and Senegal in the West (Cassola 2016, Banks 2010, Reeve 1994).  Some people believe two hedgehog species were brought into the pet trade and interbred to create the domestic hedgehog. This has not been documented and verified.

In 1991, it became illegal to import hedgehogs from Africa into the United States because African hedgehogs can carry foot and mouth disease and it is transmittal to cattle. By this time hedgehogs had become completely domesticated and breeders developed new colors and patterns including an albino.

All African Pygmy Hedgehogs in the United States are domestic American bred.

6 must knows

one

Hedgehogs are illegal or restricted in some areas...usually where there are cattle….because of the potential risk of passing on foot and mouth disease.  Check your local laws.  Breeders must be licensed.

two

Health Risks for Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are sometimes carriers of several strains of Salmonella, particularly
Salmonella tilene, S. typhimurium, and S. enteritiditis.    The risk is lowered if you keep the animal healthy and its enclosure  is well ventilated and cleaned meticulously.  Washing/sanitizing  of your hands after handling the animal or wearing gloves when holding your hedgehog.

three

Housing

is critical to the health of an African pygmy hedgehog.   They love to dig and burrow. A good absorbent bedding gives them something to dig in and after absorbing waste and bacteria it is easy to remove and replace with fresh bedding.  They also need plenty of space.  We recommend four square feet  per animal.  Ventilation is critical. Wire cages offer the best ventilation,  but must have a solid floor to prevent injury to their feet. Aquariums or plastic tubs may be used but ventilation becomes a problem.  Poor ventilation causes respiratory problems, eye infections, (eye loss) and other serious health issues.

What to put in your cage

Bedding:  recycled paper or Aspen shavings. Do NOT use cedar or newspaper.

Safe box.  Have a safe/hide box in the form of a cardboard box with one open end, or a plastic flower pot, hollow tubes, such as PVC piping, plants, or logs. When multiple hedgehogs are housed together you should provide one hide box per animal. These are relatively solitary animals. Males tend to fight and injure each other.  If  multiple hedgehogs are kept together you will need a very large enclosure!

Enrichment. Enrichment items can include swimming tubs, climbing structures, straw or hay, and cardboard tubes  and toys such as balls.

Exercise wheel- a must have!  Exercise wheels help prevent obesity, (the most common health issue) and must have a solid surface. Do not use wire or mesh wheels because little critter feet can get caught in it.

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Common health issues

Obesity– African Pygmy Hedgehogs are very easily prone to obesity. When they can no longer roll into a ball, then they are too fat.

Corneal ulceration
Dental disease, including periodontal disease
Dermatophytosis
Dilated cardiomyopathy, commonly affects males over 1 year of age
Leg and foot injury (wire cages and running wheels)
Mange/mites
Neoplasia, including oral neoplasia, skin neoplasia, and uterine tumors
Ocular proptosis

Wobbly hedgehog syndrome

Wobbly hedgehog syndrome is a progressive, demyelinating paralysis condition. It was first described in the 1990s. It occurs in approximately 10% of those in North America. Onset typically occurs between 1-36 months of age. Signs include falling to one side, hunched posture, seizures activity, tremors, exophthalmos, muscle atrophy, dysphagia, and paresis. One of the earliest signs is an inability to roll up.

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DIET 

Hedgehogs are omnivores however they mainly consume a variety of invertebrates. Hedgehogs also feed on frogs, lizards, carrion, as well as vegetables, and fruit in the wild. Pet hedgehogs are fed protein such as low-calorie cat food (2-3 tsp), live insects (5-6 mealworms or 1-2 crickets 3-4 times weekly). Avoid waxworms or insectivore diet. Feed produce such as chopped mixed vegetables and/or fruits (1-2 tsp).

Mealworms and crickets are a hedgehog’s favorite live food, but the worms and bugs should be fed a high quality diet first.  Fruit, vegetables, and dog food will fatten up the critters for your hedgehog. A super nutrition blast!. This is a common procedure called gut loading and. It gives your hedgehog a much more nutritious diet.

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Temperament 

Do not worry If your new pet seems shy because It just needs to get used to you. Even if it was hand raised it needs to know your smell in order to recognize you. Be patient. If scared or startled it will roll up in a ball. Hold it gently in your hand until it relaxes and uncoils. Allow the animal to become accustomed to your smell in order to recognize you and not be afraid. If handled gently from a young age the animal will accept you. When your hog realizes you mean no harm because you are being gentle, it will warm up to you. It will be more active and its spines will lay flat. Hedgehogs usually do not like to he patted except on their belly. Because it has poor eyesight it may be easily startled if it does not know your scent.

Is an African pygmy hedgehog the right pet for you?

Because hedgehogs are nocturnal you do not have to worry about them being home alone while you are at work. They don’t bark or chew up your furniture!

They are a low maintenance pet, but ammonia build up is the most important task in the clean-up routine. A build up poses a significant health risk. A hedgehog’s nails must be trimmed by a vet because anesthesia is required.   Watch for signs of mites. Be very careful not to overfeed your hedgehog, because he will not stop eating until he has gorged himself to sleep.

Please share your experiences and comments below.