I keep a number of African Pygmy Hedgehogs in a range of different colours including pintos. I breed my hedgehogs two to three times a year, and sell
the babies. African Pygmy Hedgehogs are often referred to using the acronymn APH.
African Pygmy Hedgehogs are domesticated animals which should not be confused with wild hedgehogs like the British Hedgehog. The British Hedgehog is
sadly threatened but it is possible for people to help hedgehogs.
If you see a wild hedgehog, enjoy watching it but keep your distance as they are wild animals. In addition, if you see a wild hedgehog in trouble, contact your
local hedgehog conservation society which is the British Hedgehog Preservation Society in the UK.
Keeping African Pygmy Hedgehogs
African Pygmy Hedgehogs make wonderful pets but like all animals, they have their own particular
requirements to be healthy and happy. It is essential to understand their needs before acquiring an APH.
Housing
African Pygmy Hedgehogs can be kept in a wide range of cages - they really aren't fussy - so they can be as happy in a wooden hutch
as in a fancy expensive vivarium as long as the base is solid and not wire. A cage of around 1m in length is a good idea as it provides an APH with room to
move around freely, although the bigger the better.
The cage should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from draughts.
Feeding
African Pygmy hedgehogs need a high protein, low fat diet; a good quality chicken-flavoured, dry cat food is ideal. As commercial hedgehog foods
are designed for wild hedgehogs which need a high fat diet, they should be avoided.
Breeding
African Pygmy Hedgehogs can be kept in a wide range of cages - they really aren't fussy - so they can be as happy in a wooden hutch
as in a fancy expensive vivarium as long as the base is solid and not wire. A cage of around 1m in length is a good idea as it provides an APH with room to
move around freely, although the bigger the better.
The cage should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from draughts.
Health
APHs can be prone to certain skin problems especially ringworm (a fungal skin infection) and mites. They are also prone to obesity, dental disease, and
tumours. Some individuals may need regular claw clipping - this is easily done in the same manner as with guinea pigs.
If you have small animals that you no longer can care for, regardless of the reason, I will happily take them in and rehome them. If I cannot
find them a new, good home, they will
live their days out at The Farm at 64.
