Hedgehog Statistics

 Name: African pygmy hedgehog

 Size: Five to eight inches long
 Lifespan: Average of five years

As their name implies, African Pygmy hedgehogs are native to central

and eastern Africa but most of these hedgehogs are actually a hybrid
of two species - the Four-toed and Algerian hedgehogs. Their wild
counterparts cover miles of ground each day in the wild where they
can be found throughout Gambia, Mozambique, Somalia, and other
African nations. In the wild they also live primarily off of small insects,
grubs, snails, spiders, and small vertebrates - a diet we strive to mimic
in captivity.

Hedgehog Diet
Unlike most other pocket pets, hedgehogs are considered insectivores
and these snouted critters have quite the taste for things that creep
and crawl. Mealworms and crickets are the most commonly fed insects
in captivity but the staple diet for a hedgehog should be a store-
bought, specially formulated hedgehog kibble. It's important,
especially if your kibble brand doesn't have insects in the pellets, to
supplement with live insects, such as mealworms and crickets, and
veggies.

Many owners and breeders still feed kitten food to their hedgehogs but

this is not ideal because cat food does not contain blood meal and
chitin in it.

Keeping Hedgehogs as Pets

Cages made for guinea pigs and rabbits are suitable for hedgehogs but
wire-grate cage bottoms should be avoided since hedgehogs have
small feet that will be injured if they fall through these grates. A soft
bedding such as a recycled paper material or towels that are changed
out regularly are best for the sensitive feet of a hedgehog. Good
padding for the cage is key; wire-bottom or plastic grates can lead to
callus formation on the feet, which can lead to foot infections known as
pododermatitis. You might consider fleece or dog-training potty pads
over the soft padding or fleece to easily clean certain areas.

A large enclosed running wheel should be kept in the cage for your

hedgie to exercise in along with a hide box, food bowl, and water
bottle. Make sure the running wheel is cleaned regularly to avoid fecal
matter from building up which can cause foot infections or infections in
humans upon handling them.1

Hedgehogs are very active at night and will run several miles a day on
their wheel or in their enclosed play area. If they are unable to get the
large amount of exercise they require they may become depressed,
overweight, and develop foot sores. Exercise and activity is very
important to hedgehogs so potential owners should be able to commit
to be able to provide a hedgehog with the space necessary to do so.