Description
About Hedgehogs
There are many different types of hedgehogs found throughout the world. The most popular ones found in many pet stores are African Pygmy Hedgehogs. African Pygmy Hedgehogs are native to the savannah regions of central and East Africa where they live a solitary life, mainly sleeping during the day and coming out to forage at night. They are adorable little insect-eating mammals that are covered in spines for protection. They are timid little animals but are very interactive if socialized properly.
Traits & Behaviour
Hedgehogs are nocturnal. This means they are active during the night and sleep during the day. In the wild, they venture out of their burrows at night, looking for insects to eat. They are quiet and solitary animals that do not crave human interaction or the company of other animals. When scared, they roll into a ball, showing off their spikes to ward unwanted attention away from it.
They take time to get used to humans but can be hand-tamed with constant, gentle handling and interaction.
Environment
Housing: Hedgehogs should be housed in large glass or plastic enclosures with good ventilation. A solid and wide-bottom enclosure is best so that they can wander around and explore.
Bedding: High-quality paper-based bedding or wood shavings are recommended.
Decorations: Include a box or other hiding spot where the hedgehog can go to feel safe and sleep. Hedgehogs are notorious for becoming obese, so daily exercise is essential. They also need to be provided with mental stimulation when they are in their enclosure, such as ramps, ledges, tunnels, and other “furniture” to climb through or on. PVC pipes and toys such as balls, bells, and certain chew toys meant for cats or birds are also great for keeping hedgehogs busy.
Nutrition
Staple Food: Hedgehogs are natural insectivores so a diet made up of a mix of insects or balanced commercial hedgehog pellets is recommended.
Fruits and Vegetables: They are not strictly insect eaters and can be given some fruits and vegetables, such as beans, peas, corn, apples, and carrots.
Cat food: Hedgehogs can also be fed cat food as it is a high protein diet that suits them. High-quality cat food supplemented with mealworms, crickets, and other treats can be an option. If you choose to feed it cat food, make sure it is a grain-free variety.
Water: Water should always be freely available either in a drinking bottle or shallow bowl.
Habitat Maintenance
Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled bedding and refilling their water drinker/bowl. Entire bedding should be changed once a week. Remove any leftover food that you find around their enclosure. The entire enclosure should be cleaned every couple of months.
Supply Checklist
Here are some necessary supplies owners will need to keep their Hedgehogs happy and healthy~
- Appropriate size and well-ventilated enclosure
- Bedding
- Food bowl
- Water drinker/bowl
- Hideaway space
- Toys
- Hedgehog food
- Treats
Important Notes
- When handling, be sure to gently pick them up from their underbelly.
- They are nocturnal animals so they are probably not for someone who wants a very hands-on pet to hang out with during the day.
- Hedgehogs are not social animals and should be kept alone to prevent fighting.
- Hedgehogs are generally very messy animals and the enclosure will need frequent cleaning to help prevent disease.
And you’re set! All the best to you and your pet Hedgehog!
For further enquiries contact us at 03-7733 7469 or drop by our shop and speak to our team!