African Hedgehog
Facts about the African Hedgehog
Growing in popularity as a household pet, the African hedgehog is an unusual animal that is ideal for those seeking a small pet with a relatively long lifespan.
The pet world is filled with exotic and unusual animals that, because of their appearance or size are highly desirable as pets. Some of these animals are not deemed to be appropriate as pets regardless of their popularity, mainly because of their dangerous nature as they mature. Tigers, lions, monkeys and alligators are just a few examples of animals that many have attempted to take on as pets, often having sad or disastrous results for both owners and the animals themselves. There are other wild animals that adapt well to their new role as household pets once their needs and habits are acknowledged and met. The hedgehog is one such creature.
This animal is not indigenous to the United States. Rather, they are found in habitats in Africa, Asia and Europe where they live in the wild. Many breeders now exist in the United States to supply the demand for these small creatures, which has grown since their introduction to this country in 1990. Since the animals are no longer able to be exported from Africa to preserve the populations, a closed breeding stock has grown for the purpose of perpetuating the US populations. The International Hedgehog Association has emerged to control the quality of the breeding and to learn more about the animal through its member breeders. The success of the conversion of a wild animal to a pet is largely dependent upon the understanding of its requirements for food, space, climate, social life and health concerns. Considering that the animal is suitable for human companionship, once these requirements are learned and acquired, a great relationship can then be formed between pet and human.
The African hedgehog is not considered to be a social animal when living in its natural habitats. Typically loners, the animals feed upon insects, invertebrates and plant material in desert biomes. As pets, cat food for indoor cats serve as food for the hedgehog, along with fruits and vegetables from your table. This fact, combined with the fact that they can live as long as 8-10 years in captivity, shows that it is evident that the hedgehog can be an easy and enjoyable pet.
Present since the early prehistoric days, the hedgehog retains many of its original characteristics. Spines cover the body, with the exception of the belly. The spikes covering the body are with the hedgehog from birth, although covered by a membrane to make the birth more comfortable for the mother. It is thought that these quills are the main reason that the hedgehog has such a long history as they are used as a protective measure against predators. This variety of hedgehog has the capability of rolling itself into a ball about the size of a softball, making the spines stand out stiffly at all angles. These quills are also helpful in keeping the animal from harm if they fall from the trees which they love to climb into in the wild.
When kept as a pet, the African hedgehog will require adequate room for exercise as they are very active creatures. Their cages should be enclosures with smooth walls to prevent them from climbing and possibly injuring themselves. They are clean animals; with their ability to be litter trained, cleaning up after the small animal can be as easy as keeping a cat. It is wise to provide a small “cave” for the hedgehog to use as a retreat and sleeping area.
Hedgehogs are unusual and interesting creatures that have gained popularity as pets in the US. They may be difficult to obtain, but they are also fun and remarkable creatures to own.