There seems to be two reactions when telling someone you own a Hedgehog. The first usually revolves around the question, “Do those make good pets?” And the second (and most popular) question of “Do they hurt?” Here’s an article that will help you answer all your friend’s questions about owning an African Pygmy Hedgehog.

The daily maintenance of a hedgehog is fairly low, but they have a lot of important quirks that should be taken into account overall.

The first is their diet. While there is much controversy over the exact contents, it is certain that they need a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. They are insectivores, and so a mixture of insects, vegetables, and fruits should compliment their normal hedgehog food and water. Although there are not a whole lot of options available, a few pet stores have a hedgehog diet available. There are several places in Charlottesville that carry this: Pet Smart in the Target Shopping Center, Pet Supplies Plus in the Rio Hill Shopping Center, and Pete's Pet Forum in Seminole Square Shopping Center. I've noticed that Pet Forum has a number of other hedgehog related items (meal worms, toys, books) as well as the critters themselves. Here's the link if you are interested in contacting them. (http://petespetforum.org/home). These animals are allergic to all dairy products, many nuts, grapes, and tea-tree oil.

Many kinds of bedding are appropriate except for wood bedding (such as pine), as it will inevitably be ingested and could cause small cuts and splinters in their system. The bedding should be changed 1-2 times per week. Newspaper and clothes could also work, but should be changed out/washed appropriately.

Bath time is also very important! Hedgehogs need to be bathed at least once a week, which can be done in a sink or a bathtub with lukewarm water about 3 inches full. You may use tear-free baby shampoo and a toothbrush to clean the hedgehog, just make sure you rinse well. If your hedgehog has dry/cracked skin, oatmeal or olive oil may be applied, but again, make sure to rinse.

Once out of the tub, make sure the hedgehog stays warm, because they need to keep a temperature of 70 – 85 degrees at all times. This can be accomplished with a warm blanket, a heating pad, or a heating lamp. This is incredibly important as your hedgehog may go into hibernation since they are not used to our cooler temperatures. Should this hibernation continue, there is a good chance that the hedgehog will die. 

The last part of the daily ritual is play time! It is incredibly important to keep your hedgehog active and social to prevent obesity and lethargy/depression. Hedgehogs need to be socialized as they do have a tendency to get cranky when left alone for too long. When you are not handling them, don't forget to provide a wheel for excersise. 

Now that you know the daily upkeep with a hedgehog, you can tell your friends that they make wonderful pets, and that their spines only feel like straw. 

Look for more articles and African Pygmy Hedgehogs later. If you are interested in obtaining a hedgehog, please contact your local pet stores (PETCO, Petsmart, and Pete's Pet Forum) for details on finding a breeder near you.