Hedgehog InformationTips, tricks and help to setting up and maintaining a healthy hedgehogThe FactsScientific Name: Atelerix albiventris Hedgehog EnvironmentBefore you house your African Pygmy Hedgehog, the following should be taken in to consideration. Living AreaAPH's need a large living space, the minimum size for a cage would be about 3ft x 1.5ft. However the ideal space would be 3ft x 2.5ft as they love to run around for most of the night and forage. TemperatureAs their name suggests they come from a warm continent and thus would need a stable temperatured environment. Ideally about 23°C (73°F) though a few degrees either side is acceptable. Too cold and the hedgie may go into hibernation and subsequently die. If your house temperature drops at night, there are heat discs (microwaveable/re-useable) available that stay warm for 10 hours. See below products. Light and AiryHogs need to have a natural day/night cycle and should not be placed where there is draughts. HousingAlthough they're active at night, African Pygmy Hedgehogs need a place to nustle down like they would in the wild. They can sleep up to 22 hours a day so this place really needs to be cosy. Lining/LayersWhole newspaper sheets are good for lining the cage. It is quite absorbant and easy to roll up when the cleaning day comes. On top of the newspaper should be a layer of Dust Extracted Sawdust. This must be dust extracted as any other sort can cause respiratory problems and may cause infections in the hedgies sensitive regions. Absorbant and easy for the hedgehog to dig and forage. Finacard is another more favourable option. It is quite cheap, very absorbant for both smells and liquids. It is less messy and favourable by the hedgie as it offers easier hiding and foraging opportunities. Sleeping QuatersAfrican Pygmy Hedgehogs love their sheltered burrows. Just a few pointers on the size. The hedgie needs to be able to turn around inside it's nest as it has to enter and exit head ways. The ideal space would be 20cm in diameter and the entrance height around half this. As APH's are quite tidy pets, they like nothing more than order in their living area. So it would only make sense to place the food in one corner and the litter tray in the oposite. As hogs are quite clever and tidy, they would be more inclined to go to the toilet in the spot furthest away from their food and sleeping areas. Though often can poop in other areas, you can move this to the litter tray to help remind the little hedgie where it's supposed to be doing it.
Care and FeedingAll pets need caring for, and though they may sleep up to 22 hours a day. The other 2 hours need to be taken up by love, play and food. Sensory CareIf your APH isn't already tame when you get him/her, then a steady routine needs to be in place. It is essential your hedgehog spends an hour or so out of the cage getting used to your smell and being picked up. They should be picked up and supported from underneath. When you approach your APH it may ball up and hiss or jump at you. If you put on a soothing deep voice calling your hedgies name and rest your hand near the APH's nose, it will eventually come out of it's ball and become familiar with your voice, smell and touch. Hedgies hearing is incredibly sensitive and any loud noises or knocks may upset your hedgehog and send him/her into a ball of hissing fury. Treat your hedgie how you would like to be treated when you have a hangover. Cleanliness and Up-KeepAlthough hedgehogs don't roll around in muck like dogs, it is advised to give them a shallow bath every week in warm water and brush the spines with a cheap toothbrush. A bath will help prevent build up of any nasties which may cause infection. Please also keep an eye on the length of the hedgehogs claws. Trimming them after a bath is the best time when they are soft. Be careful not to go down to the membrane. Once out of the shallow bath, be sure to wrap them up in a old flannel or t-shirt making sure to remove as much moisture as possible as the hedgie will get cold once out. Putting the hedgie on a heat disc would be a good way to sooth and keep the hedgie warm. The best time to give them a bath is at the same time the APH is having his/her house cleaned out. You should keep the hedgies home clean daily by moving poo to the litter tray and removing soiled bedding. You should give your APH a fresh home everyweek. This will maintain your African Pygmy Hedgehogs happiness and cleanliness. FeedingThe spikey little critters have been known to eat poisonous snakes in the wild by constantly biting the snake and rolling up in a ball. Though I think that may be a little expensive and quite dangerous. African Pygmy Hedgehogs are Insectivores and love all creapy crawlies like mealworms, waxworms, beatles and spiders. Dried or live! Although high in protein, they are also high in fat and should be given as a treat only. The main part of the diet should be high quality, poultry based cat food. Our hedgehogs eat Iams Cat food and really like it and I would highly recommend it. It is essential that the hedgehog never runs out of water and that it has a steady supply of food. You may give your hedgie meats such as lamb, beef and chicken but in moderation as these are also high in fat. Off cuts of fruit and vegetables are OK for you hog as long as they're not too acidic (Apples, lemons and limes etc). |
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