African pygmy hedgehog care sheet diet the staple diet of african pygmy hedgehogs aph is non fish based flavoured cat biscuits. The hedgehog was treated for a prolapsed intervertebral disc and at first improved dramatically, but died 2 weeks after initial evaluation. They originate primarily from nigeria and the african continent, where they were brought over and quickly became popular pets, with breeding pairs selling for. Many animals are independent and can go through life with little handling without a care in the world however african pygmy hedgehogs are not this kind of pet. I will place babies in homes that i believe will provide a lifelong commitment of love, care and appreciation, including adequate vet care. The romans also used hedgehog skins to clean their shawls, making them important to commerce and causing the roman senate to regulate the trading of hedgehog skins. It is easy to follow and a musthave for anyone with a pet hedgehog, i. African pygmy hedgehogs cant be kept in pairs or groups. However, a small number of hedgehog keepers have claimed to keep a small number of females together without experiencing any problems providing ample space is. I decided to get this book and wow was it a good read. Apr 30, 2019 if you want to care for an african pygmy hedgehog, youll need to give it plenty of space to roam in a cage at least 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. Explore 44 listings for african pygmy hedgehog for sale at best prices.
Jun 19, 2018 african pygmy hedgehogs are becoming increasingly popular in the exotic pet world, and if you too are considering adding a hedgehog to your household, consider yourself in good company. West coast hedgehogs pet african hedgehogs a complete guide to care electronic book was by far the most valuable resource we have found on the web. Hedgehogs are timeconsuming and require a daily routine to keep them in a friendly and healthy condition. Huckstar hedgehogs began with a dream of two lifelong friends. Four to six years is a normal life span, but a pet hedgehog can live up to ten years. The african pygmy hedgehog is either of two closely related hedgehogs. Breeder do and use things slightly different to one anougher so always ask your breeder also.
African pygmy hedgehogs are classed as an exotic pet and many small animal practice vets are unfamiliar with aphs so a vet specialising in exotic pets needs to be located. When looking for suitable biscuits you should be looking at the fat percentage and the protein percentage. Their backs are covered with rows of short prickly spines and their bellies are covered with soft fur. A more recent report involved an african pygmy hedgehog owned by a private breeder. Newly borne hedgehogs sleep a lot in their first month, so. Their legs are very short, and the hind feet have four toes.
It has told me everything i need to know about african pygmy hedgehogs and now i feel knowledgeable enough to own one thanks to this book. Buy the guide to owning an african pygmy hedgehog re series by kelseywood, dennis isbn. Explore 43 listings for african pygmy hedgehogs for sale uk at best prices. Keeping and caring for african pygmy hedgehogs as pets. Pygmy hedgehogs may eat insects in the wild, but they are prone to obesity in captivity. Possessing incisor teeth, the optimum diet for a pygmy hedgehog is much more similar to that of a cat or a ferret. Ours is called biscuit and shes the cutest ball of quills ever. As well as being incredibly cute and friendly, they are extremely easy to care for and can be housed in a regular hamster cage as. With new hedgehogs, it best to place them in their cage and leave them alone for a day or two. African pygmy hedgehogs do not hibernate like a normal hedgehog, if african pygmy hedgehogs hibernate they are at huge risk of death.
Pet african hedgehogs a complete guide to care by kimberly. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to edit the linking article so that it links directly to the intended article. A hedgehog can be just as restricting as a dog or cat when you want to go on holiday but with the added problem of no kennels to leave them in. They are primarily insectivores, as insects make up the largest part of their natural diet. 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 following. The romans domesticated a relative of the algerian hedgehog in the 4th century bc to use for meat and quills as well as pets. Hedgehogs have coarse hair on the face limbs and underbelly, and.
African pygmy hedgehogs aph information care guide. However, if you are looking to have a hedgehog as a pet, african pygmy hedgehogs are your best choice. How to care for an african pygmy hedgehog pets4homes. These are simply the most basic of care requirements, some of the other things you should consider.
Our homes have a removable base, coated with 2 coats of clear, matt, petsafe varnish, so this will help prevent the bottom from getting soaked and stained. Even today, english breeders still have trouble keeping up with the demand for these delightful little pets, and often they have long waiting lists of people dying to own a pygmy hedgehog. Hedgehogs in the wild are shy, nocturnal, insectivorous mammals. African pygmy hedgehogs have become the latest exotic pet craze with hundreds of people falling in love with the tiny spiked creatures.
Hedgehog book for housing, care, training, husbandry, diet and health. May 22, 2016 things to know before owning an african pygmy hedgehog as a pet. Care, breeding, cages, owning, house, homes, food, feeding, hibernation, habitat all covered. African pygmy hedgehogs are solitary animals in nature and only meet up together in order to mate and so it is advisable to house them separately. They can be found in europe, asia and africa, and they are an invasive resident of new zealand.
When fossils of this mammal are compared to a hedgehog s skeleton, many homologous structures can be examined. Perfect for anyone looking to own, breed and care for african pygmy hedgehogs as want to read. The hedgehogs commonly kept as pets in north america appear to by a mix of species, originally native to africa. A hedgehog breeder sent me an email saying the correct name is in fact atelerix albiventris so the various sources are all over the place. Hedgehogs are fairly low maintenance pets, and while they dont mind handling once used to it, they dont really seem to crave human interaction. Aug 01, 2012 buy african pygmy hedgehogs and hedgehogs. The closest living animal related to the hedgehog is the shrew hedgehogs are more closely related to shrews and moles than rodents like porcupines, rats, mice, or hamsters. Featuring the african pygmy hedgehog by hathai ross from waterstones today.
However, a small number of hedgehog keepers have claimed to keep a small number of females together without experiencing any problems providing ample space is provided. Breeder guarantees that the hedgehog is in good health and condition at the time of sale. I feed my hedgehogs a mixture of iams, james wellbeloved, purina one and go cat. The wild african pygmy hedgehog generally has brown or grey spines with whitish tips, a white belly, speckled grey fur with a white face and a brown snout. There are two other more rare types of domesticated hedgehogs. We had each fallen in love with them and wanted to create a breeding program with the best possible lines. African pygmy hedgehogs are beautiful, inquisitive little animals that require a highprotein diet in order to thrive many people struggle to realize that hedgehogs are, in fact, not even related to hamsters, mice or rats. Pygmy hedgehogs were first bred in captivity in the united states around 20 years ago but have only been in england for a much shorter time. The african pygmy hedgehog is a hybrid of the four toed hedgehog and the algerian hedgehog, and is the most popular species of domesticated hedgehog in the world. Although theyre low maintenance, africa pygmy hedgehogs are solitary animals and dont crave human interaction. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. About african pygmy hedgehogs as pets the pleasantries. The african pygmy hedgehog evolved from a number of organisms.
Due to these environmental factors, hedgehogs have had to accommodate to the adaptations of. Your guide to enriching your hedgehogs life through outstanding care exotic pet success series book 1 ebook. The practice of domesticating hedgehogs and keeping them as pets began in the 1980s, a relatively recent timeframe in animal husbandry terms. An estimated 40,000 americans have found themselves smitten with these tiny, spiny creatures. In 2011 we started communicating with breeders from around the country and built our program. Click and collect from your local waterstones or get free. The african pygmy hedgehog is very different to the european hedgehog and is believed to be a hybrid of the algerian atelerix algirus and four toed hedgehog atelerix albiventris. The african pygmy hedgehog s body is 5 to 8 inches long and can weigh between 12 to 1 12 pounds. African pygmy hedgehogs are becoming increasingly popular in the exotic pet world, and if you too are considering adding a hedgehog to your household, consider yourself in good company.
African pygmy hedgehog facts african pygmy hedgehog care. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions. African pygmy hedgehogs are bred domestically in the united states. The book was very informative about maintaining the health of african pygmy hedgehogs. About the african pygmy hedgehog hedgehog care 101. The algerian hedgehog atelerix algirus is a separate species of hedgehog the domesticated hedgehog kept as a pet is typically the african pygmy hedgehog atelerix albiventris. Jun 29, 2012 this is the most complete and most uptodate hedgehog guide available. African pygmy hedgehogs do not need leaf and wood bedding, nor do they need natural material from outdoors. One of many hedgehog species found in africa, europe, asia, and the middle east.
They are naturally insectivorous animals and cannot be fed a rodents diet nuts, seeds and grains. 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 by far the most common species of domesticated hedgehog. This mammal is accountable for the hedgehogs current size and shape. It is easy to follow and a musthave for anyone with a pet hedgehog, i have referred to it often. Hedgehogs as pets the african pygmy hedgehog is the most common type sold as pets. Apr 21, 2020 they are naturally insectivorous animals and cannot be fed a rodents diet nuts, seeds and grains. One particular hedgehog i had with this was diagnosed with a fungal infection. About african pygmy hedgehogs as pets the pleasantries of. African pygmy hedgehogs how to provide a great home. However, there are some fairly common hedgehog health issues to be aware of.
The recommended fat percentage is 10% 15%, and the minimum 30% protein range. The guide to owning an african pygmy hedgehog re series. The pet african pygmy hedgehog is probably descended from hybrids of. Read, enjoy, and share this site with other owners. Things to know before owning an african pygmy hedgehog as a pet. Welcome to the world of the pet african pygmy hedgehog. Including facts and information about care, breeding, cages, owning, house, homes, food, feeding, hibernation, habitat, lifespan, colours, diet. But note that it may take the pet more than a week to begin to feel at home. African hedgehog care sheet this information sheet is designed to give caregivers basic information regarding the care of hedgehogs. Nov 15, 2016 the african pygmy hedgehog is very different to the european hedgehog and is believed to be a hybrid of the algerian atelerix algirus and four toed hedgehog atelerix albiventris.
The term african pygmy hedgehog is a descriptive term coined by breeders, rather than a true species name. African pygmy hedgehogs are rather messy animals, although they can be litter trained, so and you will need to clean their cage and contents on a regular basis to keep them happy and healthy. Start by marking the ultimate pygmy hedgehog guide book. I am about to own an african pygmy hedgehog and therefore i needed to read up about them before i received it. In this book, the reader will learn everything there is to know about taking care of a hedgehogfrom helping it acclimatize to its new home. Their habitats are semiarid areas and dry savannahs. Like shrews and moles, hedgehogs have poor eyesight and use a keen sense of.
Her parents were asymptomatic, and cultures of stool samples from both were negative. African pygmy hedgehog care sheet ravens hedgehogs. This page is an index of articles on animal species or higher taxonomic groups with the same common name vernacular name. When they first appeared, they were considered as quite rare, as such people eager to own one would be willing to pay upwards of. Although theyre low maintenance, africa pygmy hedgehogs are solitary animals and. The african pygmy hedgehogs scientific name is erinaceus albiventris or alelerix albiventris depending on which source you believe. The most common species of domesticated hedgehog is the fourtoed hedgehog atelerix albiventris. The african pygmy hedgehog is a native of west and central africa. African pygmy hedgehog faq pygmy hedgehog for sale. Our short and simple guide to african pygmy hedgehogs as pets. Is a african pygmy hedgehog the right pet hedgehog for you. African pygmy hedgehogs by colin bradbury is a hog for me. That animal was initially brought for treatment of acute posterior ataxia, which rapidly progressed to paresis. We are the only tax registered african pygmy hedgehog rescue charity in the uk, we specialise in the rescue rehoming and.
Any hedgehog sold will be sold under the following conditions. 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. But in spite of this, it is very popular amongst pet enthusiasts across the world. Everything you want to know about african pygmy hedgehogs and more. Another care video, this week featuring african pygmy hedgehogs. Enter your email address to receive alerts when we have new listings available for african pygmy hedgehog for sale.
Mar 28, 2014 another care video, this week featuring african pygmy hedgehogs. African pygmy hedgehogassociated salmonellosis washington, 1994. Although the african pygmy hedgehog is an unusual pet, ownership of these animals is reportedly increasing in the united states 2. The african pygmy hedgehog is a descriptive term coined by breeders, rather than a true species name. The most important thing you can give your african pygmy hedgehog is a good quality cat biscuit food, this should be free fed unless your hedgehog is on a diet. They require daily handling, patience, enrichment and most of all love, as i said earlier a poorly handled hedgehog is a huffy hedgehog. These answers are given from my years of owning and breeding. You can choose any flavour but avoid anything fishy such as salmon, tuna, herring etc. African pygmy hedgehog for sale in uk view 74 bargains. This book covers the aspects of keeping a pet hedgehog that a new owner most needs to know, and gives a very accurate and reliable account. Occasionally i see a hedgehog with a crustlike formation on its feet.
This is the most complete and most uptodate hedgehog guide available. Ask if your vet has a monthly payment plan for routine care as this can reduce costs. African pygmy hedgehogassociated salmonellosis washington. When fossils of this mammal are compared to a hedgehogs skeleton, many homologous structures can be examined. Guaranteed to answer all your questions, this book is a must have for anybody passionate about hedgehogs and african pygmy hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are not rodents, they are seventeen species of small animals in their own family. For more indepth information, several web links are provided at the end of this article.
African pygmy hedgehog atelerix albiventris native to west and central africa. As an owner of several african pygmy hedgehogs i like the cutesy pictures, and especially the wall poster included with the book. They live in brush piles, rock crevices, and burrows. The african pygmy hedgehog is the species of miniature hedgehog most commonly kept as a pet. As well as being incredibly cute and friendly, they are extremely easy to care for and can be housed in a regular hamster cage as long as they get plenty of daily exercise. African pygmy hedgehog care sheet diet homelesshogs. The african pygmy hedgehog has a long and pointed snout, small beady eyes, and relatively large, ovalshaped ears. Ability to roll into a ball secured spines that point upwards when threatened long snout for strong. Mammalia photo courtesy of karen marzynski habitat in the wild. Pet african hedgehogs a complete guide to care book.
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