WHAT IS A HEDGEHOG
Hedgehogs are a small, insectivorous mammals that can be found throughout the world. They are native to England, Europe, Africa and Asia. The hedgehog that is now kept as a pet in North America is the African Pygmy Hedgehog. It originated from central Africa, ranging from Senegal on the west to Tanzania on the east.
Since there are no native species of hedgehogs in either Canada or the US, many people mistake the domestic hedgehog for a porcupine. Porcupines are an entirely different and unrelated animal. While porcupine quills are extremely sharp, barbed, and extremely dangerous, the hedgehog quill is smooth and not nearly as sharp. Many people compare petting a friendly hedgie to a hairbrush.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures that are very cautious. A hedgehog huffs and rolls into a ball because he is frightened. This is how a hedgehog protects themselves from predators. To the hedgehog, you are a possible threat until he learns you are a friend. Around dusk, they become more friendly and be more amenable to handling.
In order to get their trust, you must be patient. They are very intelligent creatures. Some will take time before they trust you, while others will open up to you quite quickly.
In the wild, a hedgehog will eat anything from worms and bugs, to small mice and frogs. It also eats fruits, seeds, and roots. Hedgehogs that are kept as pets will usually feed on dry cat food. Their nose is much more sensitive than it's eyesight which helps in aquiring food. A hedgehog can smell an insect that is a few inches underground. Their sense of smell is also what will help them bond with you as a companion.
Since there are no native species of hedgehogs in either Canada or the US, many people mistake the domestic hedgehog for a porcupine. Porcupines are an entirely different and unrelated animal. While porcupine quills are extremely sharp, barbed, and extremely dangerous, the hedgehog quill is smooth and not nearly as sharp. Many people compare petting a friendly hedgie to a hairbrush.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures that are very cautious. A hedgehog huffs and rolls into a ball because he is frightened. This is how a hedgehog protects themselves from predators. To the hedgehog, you are a possible threat until he learns you are a friend. Around dusk, they become more friendly and be more amenable to handling.
In order to get their trust, you must be patient. They are very intelligent creatures. Some will take time before they trust you, while others will open up to you quite quickly.
In the wild, a hedgehog will eat anything from worms and bugs, to small mice and frogs. It also eats fruits, seeds, and roots. Hedgehogs that are kept as pets will usually feed on dry cat food. Their nose is much more sensitive than it's eyesight which helps in aquiring food. A hedgehog can smell an insect that is a few inches underground. Their sense of smell is also what will help them bond with you as a companion.
GENERAL HEDGEHOG INFO
The African Pygmy Hedgehog tends to be a solitary animal. They reach sexual maturity at 2 months of age, and usually reach adult size by 6 months.
The average African Pygmy Hedgehog weighs about 0.5 - 1.5 lbs, and is 5-9" long (approx. Guinea Pig size). There are some that will grow to as much as 1.75 - 2 lbs (without being fat), while others are as little as 6-7 oz..
Hedgehogs have an amazing immunity to most things that are toxic. Quantities of many toxins that would kill a human hundreds or even thousands of times over will often have no noticeable effect on a hedgehog at all. This trait has insipired both legends and scientific research, with no conclusive answers other than it is true.
The average African Pygmy Hedgehog weighs about 0.5 - 1.5 lbs, and is 5-9" long (approx. Guinea Pig size). There are some that will grow to as much as 1.75 - 2 lbs (without being fat), while others are as little as 6-7 oz..
Hedgehogs have an amazing immunity to most things that are toxic. Quantities of many toxins that would kill a human hundreds or even thousands of times over will often have no noticeable effect on a hedgehog at all. This trait has insipired both legends and scientific research, with no conclusive answers other than it is true.
Below video shows the behaviour you can expect from a pet hedgehog. Some huff and puff a little more than others but the more you allow your hedgehog to explore, the more you will have an adventurous pet.