Provide a place where your pet can feel secure, such as a hidey box, a sleeping bag, or a pile of fleece blankets. If youre thinking about adding a new hedgehog to your family, youll first want to consider whether he or she will fit your lifestyle and personality. The african pygmy hedgehog is a native of west and central africa. The hedgehog that is now kept as a pet in north america is the fourtoed hedgehog atelerix albiventris from central africa. A hedgehog is a small, insectivorous insecteating mammal.
Oct 15, 2017 now that youve decided to purchase a hedgehog pet, you are probably wondering how to care for it. A light weight food dish and a water bottle attached to the side of the cage should be provided. As with most small mammals kept as pets, hedgehogs live longer in captivity. Each animal received 2 mgkg alfaxalone alfaxan, jurox and 0. For our recommendations on the best heating system setup to keep your hedgehog warm, please read our article here. There are several considerations to keep in mind when deciding if this is the right choice of pet for you.
This is a guide about pet hedgehog information and photos. Hedgehogs make great pets for those who are patient and dedicated. A hybrid of two different wild species native to africa, the african pygmy hedgehog, is a domesticated. Watch this before buying a hedgehog to own as a pet because there are some variables that you need to know about caring for them. Youll also want to utilize a microwavable heating dish for under their bed and a space heater under supervision. Hedgehogs are an ancient species and have only been. Whiskas, iams which is high in protein and also has the advantage of allowing the hedgehogs to exercise their. Care of the hedgehog by ian robinson and andrew routh of the rspca, published in. Tiggywinkles medication for the use in the treatment of hedgehogs and. By closely examining your lifestyle, habits, personality, and resources, well help you wade through the benefits and pitfalls before you commit.
Request pdf hedgehog care and husbandry an understanding of the unique. Pdf the european hedgehog erinaceus europaeus is probably the most. The species most commonly kept as pets is the fourtoed, or african pygmy hedgehog. Sure they are adorable, but is a hedgehog right for you. This article describes the principles of hedgehog care while at the veterinary practice, and the treatment of some of the.
There is a lot of bad or outdated information around the internet on how to care for a hedgehog, this guide has the most accurate information. The african pygmy hedgehog is the most common type sold as pets. Since there are no native species of hedgehog in either canada or the united states, many people still mistake the domestic hedgehog for the porcupine an entirely different and unrelated animal. Hedgehog care 101 your home for pet hedgehog care information.
These animals naturally live through most of africa and in southern europe. Hedgehogs are mammals that have been around for millions of years. Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses. Beans, peas, corn, apples, and carrots are some of the foods you can feed your hedgehog in small amounts. 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. A hedgehog can be a wonderful addition for someone who wants a unique and entertaining pet. Sonic the hedgehog may have been all blue and cool in the sega video games but the real animals have their own special appeal that only hedgehog. May 30, 2019 although relatively easy to raise and take care of, like most animals, pet hedgehogs need to be cared for properly in order to remain healthy and happy.
Although relatively easy to raise and take care of, like most animals, pet hedgehogs need to be cared for properly in order to remain healthy and happy. Sonic the hedgehog may have been all blue and cool in the sega video games but the real animals have their own special appeal that only hedgehog lovers can understand. Not only do they eat a very different type of food when compared to other pocket pets, but they are covered with tiny little spikes and roll into balls when scared. Before bringing him home you should have his cage set up and ready with food available. African hedgehog care sheet this information sheet is designed to give caregivers basic information regarding the care of hedgehogs. A complete guide to raising pet hedgehogs pethelpful.
Since your hedgehog is a nocturnal, burrowing animal, she will need a private place to sleep during the day. Fruits and vegetables that can be added to your pet s diet. How to care for pet hedgehogs basic hedgehog care guide. It is very important that you feel comfortable handling your hedgehog before taking your hedgehog home. The gestation period for hedgehogs ranges from 35 to 58 days, depending on the species. A hybrid of two different wild species native to africa, the african pygmy hedgehog, is a domesticated species known to be intelligent. For more indepth information, several web links are provided at the end of this article. A pdf version of this entire book is available for free download. Also, the nails of the hedgehog grow all the time, and can become overly long within a short period of time in captivity. It will provide hours of entertainment and exercise for your pet. Two species of hedgehogs are kept as pets, the european hedgehog erinaceus europaeus and the african pygmy hedgehog atelerix albiventris. With these simple dental care tips, you can help keep your canines adorable smile shiny and. Whiskas, iams which is high in protein and also has the advantage of allowing the hedgehogs to exercise their teeth thus preventing dental problems.
Typically, hedgehogs dont like their heads being pet and will roll into spiked balls when scared. They may sleep for several hours during the day, making them ideal for pet owners who want to interact and play with their pets in the evening. This hedgehog care sheet will help you because owning a hedgehog can be rewarding but challenging. Sometimes hedgehogs will start to climb the inside of the cage after you bring it home from the stress of transition. This hedgehog care sheet will help you with everything that you need to know. From the weather predictors of the roman empire to the croquet balls in alice in wonderland, hedgehogs have captivated our imaginations throughout history. They are easy to take care of, require only a small living space and are quiet making them ideal pets for those living in apartments. Dec 27, 2014 watch this before buying a hedgehog to own as a pet because there are some variables that you need to know about caring for them. The biggest reason for unhappy hedgehog owners is that their hedgehog never learns to relax and feel comfortable. Heres a different source, and you can read inbrowser. How to take care of a hedgehog with pictures wikihow.
In our article about hedgehogs as pets, you can read about the different hedgehog personalities. If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14day period, or if youre not satisfied for any reason, petsmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price. If youve decided a hedgie would be a good pet for you, or are on the lookout for new supplies for your hedgehog, you can support us by ordering specialized pet hedgehog diets and products from our company, hedgehog precision. At a bare minimum, a hedgehog should have a cage that is 18x24. Together well list the pros and cons of having a hedgehog as a pet based on your. Canned cat or dog food to supply your pet with moist food. Information and advice on an african pygmy hedgehogs environment, appearance, diet and nature as well as their suitability as pets. When caring for your hedgehog, it is important to remember that they can harbour fleas just like dogs and cats can, so if you have other animals, schedule flea treatments into your hedgehogs care along with your other pets, using a product recommended by your vet. You will need to visit your vet to obtain a prescription for revolution selemectin. The average longevity of the pygmy hedgehog in captivity is three to five years. The pet african pygmy hedgehog is probably descended from. We have concerns about the trade and keeping of wild animals. Laurie hess details important factors to consider before choosing a hedgehog as a pet. With this information you have a jumping point to learn all you can about your hedgie so that you can be an expert too.
Apr 23, 2018 when raising baby hedgehogs care must be taken to ensure that all their needs are met, particularly in relation to maintaining a safe temperature, regular feeding of nutritionally correct hedgehog food, and even helping your pet hedgehog with their toileting in the first few weeks. Use a che heat emitting lamp, a thermostat, and a thermometer. The food should be high in protein and made from meat or chicken. A hedgehog needs the correct food and a proper habitat to live a long, happy, and healthy life. Below is a list of items you will need to care for your pet. Knowing this pet hedgehog care fact will set you apart from many other hedgehog owners and protect your quilly friend from possible hibernation or aesivation.
Information on keeping a nondomestic animal as a pet, plus care sheets for more common species. Hedgehog care hedgehogs can make wonderful pets, provided that their owners are understanding and have done their homework before bringing them into their family. As you become more comfortable with caring for a pet hedgehog, you will begin to become familiar with your hedgehogs personality and temperament. Read on as we explore the pros and cons of having a pet hedgehog. These are simply the most basic of care requirements, some of the other things you should consider if you are still considering purchasing a hog as a pet, are the. If you see your pet hedgehog engaging in this selfanointing behavior, dont worry. A plastic tote, aquarium, or a plastic childrens pool can be used to house your pet. Together well list the pros and cons of having a hedgehog as a pet based on your lifestyle, your ability to care for, and your emotional strength. Habitat a cage that is at least 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. A plastic tote can be used to house your pet to allow for proper housing and temperature control we recommend 105 quart or larger. Although this is not a care video, i hope you still enjoyed watching todays video and that you learned a thing or two facts about african pygmy hedgehogs. A light weight food dish provided by ccs and a water bottle without a spring loaded ball attached to the outside of the cage going through the wall of the tote, should be provided. Housing the enclosure should be the largest one possible. Many pet stores carry the silent spinner wheel you need size large or the comfort wheel you need size giant.
You will need to schedule nail trims with your vet as and. Then spend some time playing with this adorable pet in this fun animal game for girls. Hedgehogs are a good choice for a family pet if you are looking for an exotic pet that is small, relatively easy to care for, and quite friendly. With good care the average lifespan is about 46 years. Keeping the temperature of their cage warm is a huge deal or else. A read is counted each time someone views a publication summary such as the title, abstract, and list of authors, clicks on a figure, or views or downloads the fulltext. You will find all of the information you will need to learn about owning hedgehogs as pets, proper hedgehog care, and even advice and fun activities from current hedgehog owners over on our hedgehog owner corner. Hedgehog care 101 was created to serve as the most complete, easy to navigate, onestop resource for all things hedgehog. Hedgehogs must be treated for mites on a monthly basis.
This parasite control is administered by placing a drop of the medicine on the. It is easy to follow and a musthave for anyone with a pet hedgehog, i have referred to it often. Caring for and getting to know your new hedgehog is a hedgehog right for you. 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. The larger species will have litters of 3 to 4 baby hedgehogs, while the smaller species will have 5 to 6 little ones. A hedgehog is fun to watch, quiet, not aggressive, and is fairly easy to care for.
It should be large enough to contain all of the things the hedgehog needs. Care sheet all the items your need to care for a pet hedgehog. Hedgehog care riddles hedgehogs hedgehog breeder in. If your baby is a climber, simply fasten 48inchtall panels of cardboard, acrylic sheets, or chloroplast corrugated plastic sheets used for sign making to the inside of the cage. Now that youve decided to purchase a hedgehog pet, you are probably wondering how to care for it. Hedgehogs are exotic pets that require specialized care. By closely examining your lifestyle, habits, personality, and resources, well help you wade through. Hedgehog care and husbandry request pdf researchgate. Jan 21, 2017 they may sleep for several hours during the day, making them ideal for pet owners who want to interact and play with their pets in the evening. Pet hedgehogs are unique animals so they also make unique pets. Sometimes kids can be overzealous with their affection causing a hedgehog to become afraid and extend his quills. This is the place to play free dress up games in popular categories such as animals and pets games, beach games, cartoons games, celebrity games, fantasy games, fashion games, kids games, princess games, teen games, travel games, halloween games, christmas games, and much more. Youll also need some sort of bedding for your pet s home.
African pygmy hedgehogs are personable little pets that have gained a lot of popularity in the. Hedgehog care guide 3430 lauderdale drive call us for assistance. Experienced hedgehog owners provide an extensive guide to follow and create your own pros and cons list for owning a hedgehog as a pet free pdf worksheet. Welcome to girl games, the largest free game site made just for girl gamers. Advice and information on african pygmy hedgehog rspca. This is the most complete and most uptodate hedgehog guide available. This program also includes specific standards for instore pet care.
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