Hedgehog

Exam & Consultation
We strongly recommend you have your African pygmy hedgehog examined every 12 months with a fecal analysis done at the same time. They are very good at hiding their illnesses and injuries and the physical exam is a good time to make sure they are healthy.  It’s always good to catch a problem early before it becomes more expensive and difficult to treat.  We know several things change from year to year with hedgehogs and even though these changes may appear minor, they can be quite dramatic.  The sooner we see a change that isn’t part of the normal aging process, the sooner we might be able to intervene.

Biological Facts & Behaviors
(Aterlerix albiventris). The African pygmy hedgehog  is an insectivore that is related to shrews and moles. These mammals have a very strong sense of smell that they use to identify their surroundings.  Hedgehogs have a unique trait that when they encounter an unusual or potentially toxic smell, they will taste the smell, foam at the mouth and “self anoint” the foam over their spines. It is not known for sure why they do it, but it probably has something to do with self defense. Hedgehogs are highly resistant to most toxins (one of the few that can eat giant toads) and when they spread the toxins over themselves the result is a toxic hedgehog.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal and most of their activity is witnessed at night. They should  be handled and well- socialized when young to make well-adjusted pets. Even so, some adult hedgehogs may never tolerate handling regardless of the socialization they received when they  were young. African pygmy hedgehogs have an average life span of 3-5 years  but some can live up to 10 years.

Diet & Nutrition
Diet is extremely important because obesity is one of the most common medical problems seen in pet hedgehogs. They should be fed about 3 teaspoons daily of a commercial hedgehog diet. If a commercial food is unavailable, light or reduced calorie, high-quality adult cat food may be substituted.  Hedgehogs also benefit from 1 teaspoon of chopped and mixed vegetables and/or fruits (beans, carrots, apples, pears, berries, squash, peas, potatoes and tomatoes) daily.  Offer live insects such as gut-loaded crickets, mealworms, and earthworms 3-4 times a week.  Avoid waxworms because they are high in fat.

Home Environment
In the wild, hedgehogs will range up to a mile, so as pets hedgehogs need adequate space to roam and explore. It is recommended that they are provided with a 20 gallon aquarium or larger. The temperature inside the enclosure should be kept at around 70-85 degrees. Enclosures with wire mesh bottoms are not recommended as these can cause foot or leg injuries. African pygmy hedgehogs enjoy privacy and therefore require a box or other suitable hiding spot.  Aspen shavings (not pine or cedar) or recycled newspaper is ideal for bedding. Do not use cat litter.  Hedgehogs enjoy the use of an exercise wheel made of hard plastic. Do not use the  open wire wheels as they also can cause injury. A sipper bottle with fresh water needs to be available at all times.

Health Maintenance Care

• Hedgehogs can be carriers of Salmonella. Good hygiene is encouraged.
• Consult a veterinarian if lethargy, anorexia, difficulty moving or masses are noted.

Common Health Problems

• Obesity
• Dental and gum disease.
• Skin disease: mites, fungal disease,  and fleas
• Respiratory problems
• Tumors

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