African Pygmy Hedgehog
The African pygmy hedgehog originated primarily from Nigeria and close areas on the African continent. They are believed to be a mix of a couple of different breeds of hedgehogs originating from those areas. They are nocturnal animals and prefer warm temperatures (around 72-75 degrees Fahrenheit in your home). They are accustomed to warm climates and don’t naturally hibernate. However, if they are kept in temperatures much lower than 70 degrees Fahrenheit, they can be forced into hibernation which can be extremely dangerous.
African pygmy hedgehogs are insectivores. They are covered with a protective spine of quills on their back and have soft, fuzzy bellies. When threatened, they are able to curl up into a ball, displaying their quills to ward off predators. When a hedgehog lays its quills flat, it feels like running your hand through a bowl of rice.
African pygmy hedgehogs have an expected life span between 3-6 years. They can weigh between 0.5 - 1.25 pounds and vary in size from 5 to 8 inches long. They can become obese easily, so it’s important to watch their weight and make food adjustments when needed.
They are not demanding, are easy to care for and are incredibly cute. They do not have an offensive odor, nor do they make much noise. Some of the more vocal hedgehogs will make a small huffing noise when first handled or disturbed and a squeaky wheel is noticeable in the wee hours if the hedgehog is in your bedroom. Hedgehogs are quite solitary and don’t need the company of another hedgehog.
Below are some recommended links for basic care, questions, and research. I encourage you to look around my site and research other sites to see if hedgehogs are the right pet for you.
African pygmy hedgehogs are insectivores. They are covered with a protective spine of quills on their back and have soft, fuzzy bellies. When threatened, they are able to curl up into a ball, displaying their quills to ward off predators. When a hedgehog lays its quills flat, it feels like running your hand through a bowl of rice.
African pygmy hedgehogs have an expected life span between 3-6 years. They can weigh between 0.5 - 1.25 pounds and vary in size from 5 to 8 inches long. They can become obese easily, so it’s important to watch their weight and make food adjustments when needed.
They are not demanding, are easy to care for and are incredibly cute. They do not have an offensive odor, nor do they make much noise. Some of the more vocal hedgehogs will make a small huffing noise when first handled or disturbed and a squeaky wheel is noticeable in the wee hours if the hedgehog is in your bedroom. Hedgehogs are quite solitary and don’t need the company of another hedgehog.
Below are some recommended links for basic care, questions, and research. I encourage you to look around my site and research other sites to see if hedgehogs are the right pet for you.
hedgehogcentral.com
hedgehogclub.com
For information on wobbly hedgehog syndrome, here is a great link written by Millermeade Farms:
http://blog.critterconnection.cc/wobbly-hedgehog-syndrome-2/
hedgehogclub.com
For information on wobbly hedgehog syndrome, here is a great link written by Millermeade Farms:
http://blog.critterconnection.cc/wobbly-hedgehog-syndrome-2/