African Pygmy Hedgehog

African Pygmy Hedgehogs have a history rooted in Central and West Africa. They inhabit regions with grasslands and savannas, finding shelter in burrows during the day. While these hedgehogs have been part of the African landscape for ages, it was in the 1990s that they began to captivate the attention of people as pets.

Over the years, these captivating creatures have transcended their African origins, becoming popular pets worldwide. Their adaptability, endearing appearance, and relatively straightforward care requirements contribute to their continued appeal among pet enthusiasts.

Let’s take a closer look at the different personality traits of the African Pygmy Hedgehog. 

• Gentle and Curious: Despite their spiky appearance, African Hedgehogs are known for their gentle and inquisitive nature.
• Curious Explorers: These little creatures love to explore their surroundings and are often curious about new sights and smells.
• Affectionate Companions: These little creatures can form strong bonds with their human caregivers, displaying affection through snuggling and exploration.
• Individual Traits: While hedgehogs are solitary animals, each hedgehog has a unique personality, ranging from outgoing and adventurous to more reserved and shy.
• Nocturnal Habits: These hedgehogs are nocturnal, and they’re most active during the night, making them suitable companions for those who enjoy evening interactions.

African Pygmy Hedgehogs are quite small with a quill-covered compact body.

Let's explore their physical traits.

• Body Size: They are typically 5 to 8 inches in length and weigh around 1 to 2 pounds. Their petite size contributes to their endearing and manageable nature.
• Coat: The coat of these hedgehogs comes in various colors, such as salt-and-pepper, cinnamon, and albino. Their spines, or quills, are the standout feature, providing a protective layer.

Male African Pygmy Hedgehogs are typically a bit larger in size than their female counterparts. They exhibit varying temperaments, with some being more territorial than others. On the other hand, female African Pygmy Hedgehogs are slightly smaller in size. They often display a more sociable temperament, although individual personalities can differ. 

Additionally, male hedgehogs have a more noticeable bulge in the abdominal area, indicating their testicles. Female hedgehogs, on the other hand, might have a smaller and less noticeable bulge but can be identified by their smaller size compared to males.

Both wild and pet African Pygmy Hedgehog diets are different, but they need a healthy amount of nutrients to survive. Let’s understand their diet and nutrition fundamentals.

In the wild, African Pygmy Hedgehogs primarily consume:

• Insects
• Worms
• Occasionally small amphibians

For pet hedgehogs, the natural protein intake requirements are around 28-35%. The recommended foods are:

• High-quality, grain-free cat food: Provides essential nutrients
• Supplements: Include mealworms and crickets for variety
• Specially-made hedgehog food: Nowadays, specially formulated hedgehog food is available to ensure all nutritional needs are met.

Feeding Guidelines

Since they're night creatures, feed them at night. Use a small bowl for regular food, adding fresh portions and removing leftovers. You can offer them a bit of chopped fruits and veggies during the early evening. Provide water in a bottle or small bowl, changing it daily. Some may need both until they're used to the bottle. Check the bottle tip regularly.

Having a proactive approach to making sure your pet hedgehog remains healthy is very important.

Here are some common health issues related to these animals, along with their preventive measures.

Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS)

• Symptoms: Wobbly movements, trouble walking, and loss of muscle control.
• Causes: WHS is a nervous system disorder, and its exact cause isn't fully understood.
• Treatment and Prevention: Unfortunately, there's no cure for WHS. Providing a balanced diet, a clean living environment, and regular vet check-ups can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Obesity

• Symptoms: Obesity in hedgehogs can show up as them being much bigger than usual, having trouble moving, and feeling extra round.
• Causes: Eating too much or not getting enough exercise can make hedgehogs gain too much weight, leading to obesity.
• Treatment and Prevention: To help them, feed them the right amount and give them chances for exercise. Encourage them to run and explore. Preventing obesity means keeping an eye on their diet and making sure they move around enough.

Mites

• Symptoms: If your hedgehog is scratching a lot, losing quills, or has irritated skin, it might have mites.
• Causes: Mites can hop on from other animals or bedding. Poor living conditions might make them more likely.
• Treatment and Prevention: A vet can provide medicine to clear up mites. Regular cage cleaning and keeping their surroundings tidy can help prevent mite problems.

Dental Issues

• Symptoms: Problems eating, drooling, or changes in behavior can signal dental issues in hedgehogs. If they avoid certain foods or show discomfort while eating, it's a red flag.
• Causes: Dental problems can arise from poor diet, lack of proper chewing material, or genetic factors.
• Treatment and Prevention: Provide a balanced diet, include suitable chewing materials, and check for signs regularly. If issues arise, a vet can help with dental care.

Respiratory Infections

• Symptoms: Sneezing, wheezing, or labored breathing may indicate a respiratory infection in hedgehogs.
• Causes: Exposure to drafts, cold temperatures, or bacteria in the environment can lead to respiratory issues.
• Treatment and Prevention: Keep their environment warm and draft-free. If symptoms arise, a vet can prescribe antibiotics to treat respiratory infections.

Skin Infections

• Symptoms: If you notice redness, flakiness, or changes in skin texture, your hedgehog might have a skin infection.
• Causes: Skin infections can result from unclean living conditions, exposure to mites, or scratches.
• Treatment and Prevention: Maintain a clean living space, handle them gently to avoid scratches, and consult a vet for appropriate treatment if skin issues arise. Regular health check-ups can help prevent severe problems.

Your pet African Pygmy Hedgehog care plan should look like this: 

These hedgehogs are often bred in captivity. To do so, handle them gently to build trust regularly for them to get used to you. Set up a comfy African Pygmy Hedgehog enclosure and a wheel for exercise, and keep the temperature around 72-80 °F. 

Keep their home clean by removing waste daily and changing bedding regularly to prevent odors. Give occasional baths with hedgehog-safe shampoo and dry them gently. 

Trim their nails using pet nail clippers and provide toys or chews for dental health. Regular vet visits are important for health checks and vaccinations. These simple practices make way for a happy and healthy life for your adorable hedgehog friend.

Several organizations help rescue hedgehogs to safeguard the continuity of their species.

Some notable hedgehog rescue groups are: 

• Hedgehog Welfare Society
• Minnesota Pocket Pet Rescue
• Tucson Hedgehogs 
• American Rescue League of Iowa 

You can find African Pygmy Hedgehog for sale on some reputable platforms like:

• Dragon Stone Ranch 
• Rose City Hedgehogs
• Custom Creatures Pets
• Southeastern Connecticut Hedgehogs & Sugar Gliders 
• Prickle Pack Hedgehogs

You can either buy baby African Pygmy Hedgehog from these online platforms or grow-ups, as per your preferences. 

• When threatened, they roll into a ball, covering their vulnerable belly with their spiky quills for protection.
• They may make various sounds, including hissing, clicking, or purring, to communicate or express different emotions.
• In the wild, hedgehogs may hibernate during colder seasons to conserve energy.
• The gestation period for hedgehogs is relatively short, averaging around 30 to 40 days.
• In addition to maintaining a warm habitat, hedgehogs may use self-anointing, spreading their own saliva on their spines, as a thermoregulatory behavior.

African Pygmy Hedgehogs are good for people who like unique pets and are ready to take care of them. They're active at night, so if you enjoy evening company, that's a plus. They're small and quiet, making them okay for apartments. 

If you're responsible and can give them the right food, regular vet visits, and keep their place clean, they could be a good fit. They might also work for those with allergies, and if you've had other pets before, that experience helps. Just make sure to think it through and do your research before getting one.