The african pygmy hedgehog is actually a hybrid of two species, the north african or algerian hedgehog, and the whitebellied or fourtoed hedgehog. The prickly issue of pet hedgehogs environment the guardian. In the wild, they can live for 34 years and their average lifespan in captivity is 46 years. The average lifespan for african pygmy hedgehogs in captivity runs from 46 years, with some living as long as 8 years. The best suggestion i have for those thinking hedgehog breeding is a quick, easy, cute way of making some money please forget breeding your hedgehog and get a job instead. Hugh warwick is the author of two books on hedgehogs a prickly affair. Our short and simple guide to african pygmy hedgehogs as pets. British hedgehogs are wild animals and are not suitable pets. There was a need for an unbiased, friendly, approachable registry in the united kingdom and as well as registering yo.
It can be found in semiarid forests, deserts, and dry savannas. We had each fallen in love with them and wanted to create a breeding program with the best possible lines. If an adult hedgehog is losing quills, it can be a sign of stress, malnutrition, or illness and your hedgie should be seen by a veterinarian. The domesticated hedgehog kept as a pet is typically the african pygmy. Other species kept as pets include the egyptian longeared hedgehog hemiechinus auritus auritus and the. All of kelseywoods books have terrific photos, but poorly organized and often inaccurate information. The small, oval african pygmy hedgehogs can live approximately a decade in captivity, although their lives are often much shorter, lasting only four to six years. However, if you are looking to have a hedgehog as a pet, african pygmy hedgehogs are your best choice. The normal lifespan of this animal is around four to six years. African pygmy hedgehogs by colin bradbury is a hog for me. African pygmy hedgehog faq pygmy hedgehog for sale. Huckstar hedgehogs began with a dream of two lifelong friends.
A hedgehog can be just as restricting as a dog or cat when you want to go on holiday but with the added problem of no kennels to leave them in. From what i have read, this is already far better than the average of years in the wild though this is due more to predation, disease, and other environmental factors than to old age. Including facts and information about care, breeding, cages, owning, house, homes, food, feeding, hibernation, habitat, lifespan, colours, diet. They have been bred in captivity for many years and are effectively domesticated animals. Overview of hedgehogs exotic and laboratory animals merck. Ability to roll into a ball secured spines that point upwards when threatened long snout for strong.
And a hedgehog taking a bath is the cutest thing known to man. At nine to 11 months they are fully mature and will live three to eight years in the wild or up to 10 years in captivity, according to the san diego zoo. The species we have in hong kong is the east asian porcupine. In captivity, african pygmy hedgehogs can live 35 years. Apr 30, 2019 if you want to care for an african pygmy hedgehog, youll need to give it plenty of space to roam in a cage at least 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. African pygmy hedgehog have a lifespan of about 36 years. Overview of hedgehogs exotic and laboratory animals. Here, well go over the main information about what to expect when owning hedgehogs as pets. African pygmy hedgehog owners south africa facebook. They are used to coming out during the day for programming, but prefer to come out at night to eat and play. Many animals are independent and can go through life with little handling without a care in the world however african pygmy hedgehogs are not this kind of pet. The african pygmy hedgehog ranges in southern africa from senegal to sudan. There are however a few things you can do to help your new hog through this time. These answers are given from my years of owning and breeding.
Although there is not yet a clear explanation for why they do this, it is a natural behaviour and nothing to be worried about. The best practices of how to take care of a hedgehog as a pet. As poor care can shorten their lifespan to between 3 to 5 years or even less. Your hedgehog wont get used to you if you refuse to handle it or give it attention. In recent years hedgehogs have become very popular pets. They are nocturnal and very active, jogging for miles in search of invertebrate prey. Green droppings or diarrhea are signs of illness and stress. Vanderlip has kept african pygmy and european hedgehogs as pets and. Wild hedgehogs are mainly insectivores, feeding on invertebrates such as spiders and insects. African pygmy hedgehog diet and care recommendations general information the african pygmy hedgehog atelerix albiventris is found in scattered populations from senegal in western africa to southern somalia and tanzania. You as the owner need to handle the hedgehog regularly to allow the hedgehog to get used to yourself, the surroundings and once its used to you and past quilling you should be left with a friendly happy hedgehog. African pygmy hedgehogs carnegie museum of natural history. The practice of domesticating hedgehogs and keeping them as pets began in the 1980s, a relatively recent timeframe in animal husbandry terms. Put your hedgehog on a low fat diet and reduce its daily caloric intake.
If youre still on the fence about whether a hedgehog is right for you, check out our is a hedgehog right for you. About african pygmy hedgehogs as pets the pleasantries. Pygmy hedgehogs were first bred in captivity in the united states around 20 years ago but have only been in england for a much shorter time. The algerian hedgehog atelerix algirus is a separate species of hedgehog. Our vet reckons african pygmy hedgehogs live between 5 to 8 years in captivity but they said this really depends on how they are cared for. The most common species of domesticated hedgehog is the fourtoed hedgehog atelerix albiventris. About african pygmy hedgehogs as pets the pleasantries of. This species is possibly the most similar species to the hedgehog, supporting its history of evolution.
The african pygmy hedgehog, that weighs between 250 to 500 grams and 5 to 8 inches in length and are usually about the size of a small guinea pig. Hedgehogs are in the family erinaceidae, within the order insectivora. They require daily handling, patience, enrichment and most of all love, as i said earlier a poorly handled hedgehog is a huffy hedgehog. As such he is an insectivore, and his diet over here would consist largely of dried worms which are readily available in pet stores. Atelerix hedgehogs are found in savannah habitats or semideserts. This page is an index of articles on animal species or higher taxonomic groups with the same common name vernacular name. How to care for african pygmy hedgehogs pet bucket. Keeping and caring for african pygmy hedgehogs as pets. Jun 19, 2018 the african pygmy hedgehog is the smallest of the hedgehog species.
The african pygmy hedgehog is either of two closely related hedgehogs. When fully grown, the african pygmy hedgehog will be anywhere from 6 to 11 inches long and weigh around 18 to 25 ounces. Welcome to the world of the pet african pygmy hedgehog. African pygmy hedgehog owners south africa has 1,021 members. The african pygmy hedgehog is by far the most common species of domesticated hedgehog. Since there are no native species of hedgehogs in either canada or the us, many people mistake the domestic hedgehog for a porcupine. From diet to beddings, acclimatization to preventing estivation, this is your definitive hedgehog guide. They find shelter in and under logs, rocks, roots of trees and brush piles, in termite mounds, in burrows, and under buildings. Vanderlip has provided veterinary care to exotic, wild, and domestic.
Heres everything you should know about hedgehogs before. African pygmy hedgehogs and pigmy hedgehogs as pets. As insectivores, hedgehogs need a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. Whiskas, iams which is high in protein and also has the advantage of allowing the hedgehogs to exercise their teeth thus preventing dental problems. Since there are no native species of hedgehogs in either canada or the us, many people mistake the domestic hedgehog for a. Diet the vast majority of existing literature considers the basic diet of an african pygmy hedgehog to be a good quality dry cat food e. The hedgehog that is now kept as a pet in north america is the african pygmy hedgehog. The african pygmy hedgehog is a hybrid of the four toed hedgehog and the algerian hedgehog, and is the most popular species of domesticated hedgehog in the world. I have had hedgehogs for years, and know many people with hedgehogs as pets as well as breeders with years and years of experience. Is a african pygmy hedgehog the right pet hedgehog for you.
In captivity, the domesticated african pygmy hedgehog can live up to ten years, however, it typically only. The lifespan of an african pygmy hedgehog in captivity is anywhere from three to five years. African pygmy hedgehogs have become popular pets, and as a result, breeding has strengthened the numbers of the species greatly. When they first appeared, they were considered as quite rare, as such people eager to own one would be willing to pay upwards of. This may seem short, but is quite an impressive lifespan when compared with other small pets. As well as being incredibly cute and friendly, they are extremely easy to care for and can be housed in a regular hamster cage as. There are two other more rare types of domesticated hedgehogs. While quilliam and earl are different in size, they are brothers from the same litter. African pygmy hedgehogs have become the latest exotic pet craze with hundreds of people falling in love with the tiny spiked creatures. In the wild, their relatively short lives are often dabbled with multiple matings these small guys will breed once or twice per year given the proper climatic conditions.
Estimates vary, but african pygmy hedgehogs have an expected life span between 38 years, with the average around the lower end of that estimate, at 35 years. The algerian hedgehog atelerix algirus is a separate species of hedgehog the domesticated hedgehog kept as a pet is typically the african pygmy hedgehog atelerix albiventris. As well as being incredibly cute and friendly, they are extremely easy to care for and can be housed in a regular hamster cage as long as they get plenty of daily exercise. The complete pet owners manual on hedgehogs care, feeding, diet.
Although theyre low maintenance, africa pygmy hedgehogs are. The general consensus is that the typical or average lifespan seems to be more around 3 to 5 years. Hedgehogs require a fair amount of exercise to avoid liver problems due to excess weight. It originated from central africa, ranging from senegal on the west to tanzania on the east. Physical characteristics of an african pygmy hedgehog. The african pygmy hedgehog atelerix albiventris, also known as the central african, whitebellied, or fourtoed hedgehog 1, is native to the savannah and steppe regions of central africa, extending from somalia in the east and senegal in the west 1, 4, 20. Advice and information on african pygmy hedgehog rspca. Beautiful 3week old pygmy hoglets doing great ready in 4 weeks mum and dad are registered with african pygmy hedgehog club and can be seen we have 2 available 3.
The african pygmy hedgehog club registry uk is here to help register your hedgehogs and provide known linage and support to all owners and breeders. The african pygmy hedgehog, which this book primarily focuses on, comes in many different colours, and is the domesticated variety of either the 4toed hedgehog or the algerian hedgehog. House, homes, food, feeding, hibernati by elliott lang isbn. She has published in scientific journals and has authored more than 20 books on pet care. It is evident that the hedgehog adapted from this lack of protection to increase the lifespan. Due to its energetic nature, many owners provide their hedgehog with a large running wheel. There are african pygmy hedgehog rescues, and some exotic rescues will also adopt out homeless hogs.
African pygmy hedgehogs are increasing in popularity as exotic pets, although many are being presented to veterinarians with diseases and husbandryrelated disorders lennox, 2007. About hedgehogs hedgehogs in the wild are shy, nocturnal, insectivorous mammals. African pygmy hedgehog the jungle ladys animal collection. Although theyre low maintenance, africa pygmy hedgehogs are solitary animals and dont crave human interaction. It is also an improvement on the lifespan of wild hedgehogs, which is typically about 2 years. African pygmy hedgehogs were the fad pet of the 1990s. Hold one on its back and watch it peek out from beneath its quills.
Hedgehogs are fairly low maintenance pets, and while they dont mind handling once used to it, they dont really seem to crave human interaction. In 2011 we started communicating with breeders from around the country and built our program. If you get a pet hedgehog, expect it to be awake all night and sleep all day. A hedgehog with insufficient range may show signs of depression, such as excessive sleeping, refusal to eat, repetitious behaviour, and selfmutilation. General things to know about owning hedgehogs as pets. They are nocturnal creatures, accustomed to being on the move all night long. Email field should not be empty please enter a valid email address. The african pygmy hedgehog is a wild animal that despite their small size has a wide range of needs that must be met in order for the animal to be healthy and happy. This group has been created in order for south african owners of african pygmy hedgehogs to. African pygmy hedgehogs can be subclinical carriers of trichophyton mentagrophytes var erinacei, microsporum spp, and arthroderma benhamiae.
Hedgehogs are more closely related to shrews and moles than rodents like porcupines, rats, mice, or hamsters. It is bred extensively for color and temperament and is even displayed in competitive hedgehog shows. This is where they froth at the mouth and then lick this frothy saliva all across their back. Whether you are here to look at lots of cute pictures of pygmy hedgehogs, thinking of becoming a hog parent or just curious, you should find what you need here at tiggyhogs. Your hedgehog should move freely without limping, wobbling, or dragging its feet. Hedgehogs can live up to 10 years in captivity, but those hedgehogs are few and far between. Some books on hedgehogs i have read, state that their lifespan is typically 7 to 10 years in captivity. It is important to note that baby hedgies go through a quilling process whereby. The african pygmy hedgehog registry is open to all pygmy hedgehogs in the united kingdom. Guaranteed to answer all your questions, this book is a must have for anybody passionate about hedgehogs and african pygmy hedgehogs. Graesser several things to consider when looking at longevity are diet, type of bedding, veterinary care, environmental stressors, and. The fourtoed hedgehog is one of the most popular species of domesticated hedgehog sold in the exotic pet trade. If an african pygmy hedgehog comes across a new taste or pungent smell it may trigger an odd behaviour known as annointing. The most common domesticated hedgehog is the african pygmy hedgehog.
It does not matter if you are planning to buy or rescue a hog, there are some basics questions you. How to care for an african pygmy hedgehog pets4homes. The only main difference between this species and the african pygmy hedgehog is that it lacked spines. Due to these environmental factors, hedgehogs have had to accommodate to the adaptations of. The african pygmy hedgehog is a domesticated breed of african hedgehog. African pygmy hegehog atelerix albiventris home about the jungle lady the animal collection african pygmy hedgehog african tortoise burmese python central bearded dragon emperor scorpion rose hair tarantula western hognose snake book a show performance schedule reptiles of colorado tv appearances. Compared to companion animals, caring for african pygmy hedgehogs is very difficult and meeting their legal needs under the animal welfare act is no easy task in a typical. The hedgehogs bowl movements should be similar in color to the hedgehogs food. The african pygmy hedgehog s body is 5 to 8 inches long and can weigh between 12 to 1 12 pounds. The african pygmy hedgehog is a native of west and central africa. Eastern and central africa in rocky hillsides or outcrops in arid scrub and savanna.
It will be in new surroundings and have new tastes and smell to overcome. Breeder do and use things slightly different to one anougher so always ask your breeder also. Im a uk aph club approved breeder of african pygmy hedgehogs with 12 years experience. The african pygmy hedgehog has a reputation for having a gentle and quiet disposition. I managed to rear them successfully on a diet of blended goats milk, kitten food and soaked meal worms. Whether you are here to look at lots of cute pictures of pygmy hedgehogs, thinking of becoming a hog parent or just curious, you should find what you need here at. In captivity 810 years behaviors african pygmy hedgehogs are solitary and territorial. The closest living animal related to the hedgehog is the shrew. If you want to care for an african pygmy hedgehog, youll need to give it plenty of space to roam in a cage at least 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions. Everything you want to know about african pygmy hedgehogs and more. The central african hedgehog atelerix albiventris, also known as the whitebellied, fourtoed, or african pygmy hedgehog, is native to dry, open habitats in central and eastern africa. The term african pygmy hedgehog is a descriptive term coined by breeders, rather than a true species name. They have a very high tolerance to toxins, eating scorpions and small snakes with no ill effects.
Porcupines on the other hand, are much bigger and heavier. In addition, some people are extremely sensitive to contact with african hedgehog spines and develop transient, markedly pruritic urticaria after handling a hedgehog. A hedgehogs normal gait will create a pitterpatter sound. Sections on hedgehog diet recommend foods that are high. These are living creatures and in order to breed correctly you will need to put time, money and patience into the female, babies and homes they go to. African pygmy hedgehog club registry home facebook. The other option is to go to a breeder make sure you do your research and look for a breeder who is knowledage about hogs and who breed for good health and temprament. In the wild, they are not threatened and only come into conflict with humans when they overpopulate areas with a high concentration of human domiciles. About the african pygmy hedgehog hedgehog care 101. The average weight of a male african pygmy hedgehog, the species most commonly kept as a pet in hong kong, is 400700g, with females being a little smaller. We are also registered under the data protection act 1998, your details are safe and secure. Therefore, a domesticated hedgehog must have access to a running wheel. African pygmy hedgehog for sale enter your email address to receive alerts when we have new listings available for african pygmy hedgehog for sale. Once you have a big cage, equip it with a water bottle, a small litterbox, and two heavy food dishes for dry food and treats.
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