Afican Pygmy Hedgehog- Basic Hedgehog Pet Care

Basic Hedgehog Pet Care

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There is a fairly new type of pet that is quickly gaining in popularity with both adults and children; it is the African Pygmy Hedgehog. This cute little creature measures about 6 inches long from snout to tail and on an average, weighs in right at one pound.
Small, docile and easily tamed, the hedgehog makes an ideal pet for any type of home including apartments.

When acquiring a hedgehog there are a few basic requirements he or she will need.

1. Cage- A large cage is a must. The typical hamster cage with wheel will not provide the needed room a hedgehog needs in which to exercise in. When making a cage, it is important to make it warm (but not hot) and without drafts and of a material that can be easily cleaned.

2. Bedding– Cat litter is not recommended as a bedding product for hedgehogs. When the urine and litter mix, fumes can be produced that may be deadly to the hedgehog. Newspaper makes an excellent bedding material as it allows the hedgehog to burrow while being absorbent and easy to change. Avoid cedar shavings as fumes can be harmful to the pet.

3. Temperature– The ideal temperature for keeping hedgehogs indoors is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too hot, the hedgehog will sleep to avoid the heat.

4. Exercise– Hedgehogs need plenty of exercise to prevent boredom as well as difficulties in walking. If allowed to roam supervised within the house, be aware that hedgehogs aren’t animals that can be “litter trained.” They do like to burrow and may very well go behind or under a couch, large appliance or other type of item so all playtime activities should be done under the watchful eye of the owner.

5. Nails- Since the hedgehog will be kept inside and not allowed into its native environment, owners should always keep a close watch on the animal’s nails. If allowed to grow unchecked, they can become malformed. For first time owners of a hedgehog, it is recommended that the hedgehog be taken to a veterinarian for nail trimming instruction.

6. Climbing- Hedgehogs enjoy climbing so beware of cages that do not have lids. On the other hand, small ladders, ramps or other climbing toys can be added to the cage as long as they don’t lead to a way out.

7. Noise– Hedgehogs have an exceptionally well sense of hearing. Owners should keep this in mind and try to adapt the noise levels in the house to those that would be comfortable to the pet. High frequency or loud noises can startle or even cause a shock type of reaction in hedgehogs. When startled, the typical reaction of the hedgehog is to raise the spines on the forehead immediately.

8. Diet– Hedgehogs are mammals but are also insectivores. There are commercial hedgehog feeds available but many owners find dry cat food with supplements of mealworms, fresh fruits such as bananas and very small pieces of lean meat to be adequate. Canned cat food and frozen meat should be avoided.

9. Water- A fresh water should be always available to the hedgehog. This can come from a water bottle purchased from a pet supply or it can be in a small, low-sided bowl. The disadvantage of the bowl is the water can easily become contaminated.

10. Bathing- Strange as it may seem, hedgehogs do need baths occasionally. Parasites such as fleas and ticks are the most common reasons to give a bath. Although hedgehogs are excellent swimmers, an owner will often be amazed at the response that is elicited by a simple bath. The spines go up, hissing begins and the owner may have an actual fight upon their hands. When deciding to give a bath, you will need heavy rubber gloves, an old toothbrush or soft hairbrush, about 2 inches of lukewarm water and a great deal of patience. One way of giving the bath is to mix water and a mild shampoo (such as a baby shampoo) a plastic bowl. Holding the hedgehog in one hand, splash the water over the entire animal but be careful of getting the water into its eyes, nose or ears. After the pet is completely soaked, take the brush and begin brushing the spines from head to tail. Rinse well and then wrap the hedgehog in a warm towel to remove most of the water. Be forewarned that the pet may resist handling immediately after a bath but a tempting piece of fruit or mealworm will often get them over it.

11. Other Hedgehogs– Hedgehogs are solitary, territorial creatures and prefer to have their own cages. With the exception of breeding season, keeping more than one in a cage is often a cause for trouble.

For those who have owned or been owned by a hedgehog, tales of their accomplishments, friendliness and intelligence will be many for those unfortunate people who haven’t had the pleasure of a hedgehog’s company.


Great Advice For Hedgehog Pet Care.

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