Care guide for African pygmy hedgehogs
When their needs are met, the pygmy hedgehog can make an excellent pet and companion! Below is a guide to the most basic principles of their care, so that you can prepare for welcoming one of your own.
Be sure to message us for more information; we are passionate about spreading information on their care, and we have much experience under our belts for sharing all the tips and tricks.
Enclosure size
In nature, hogs spend their nights walking vast distances. As a result, pygmy hedgehogs require enclosures with a minimum size of 4 ft by 1.5 ft. All enclosures should have a solid base, to protect their feet, and should be out of direct sunlight/drafts. Wooden vivariums retain heat best, with wire enclosures having a risk of broken limbs, and the humidity levels being too high in glass enclosures.
Temperature
When in their enclosures, African pygmy hedgehogs require temperatures inside their enclosures of between 22-28°C, and no less than 21°C, as this can be dangerous for them. As a result, an essential part of their set up involves heating, ideally a CHE set up (see our recommended products below), to prevent hibernation attempts. It's good to have spare heat bulbs, and safe microwaveable heat pads (such as the "snugglesafe") on hand for emergencies.
Diet
Pygmy hedgehogs have a diet consisting primarily of high-quality, poultry-based cat food, 1-2 tbsp per day. Ideally, this food will have no more than 15% fat, over 30% protein, and minimal "filler" ingredients. As a treat, hogs love insects (alive or dried), and there are a number of other safe foods (for list, see: https://www.hogspot.co.uk/african-pygmy-hedgehog-diet) in small amounts to supplement their main diet.
Enrichment
Hedgehogs love any form of enrichment that stimulates their natural instincts to forage, dig, and explore. Treats that stimulate their smell and taste (e.g., mint), dried worms buried in foraging strips, dig boxes, tunnels, and safe toys are all great options. The most important form of enrichment, however, is the wheel. This is a necessity for hedgehog care, as it allows them to exercise and simulates the experience of walking for miles every night in nature.
Solitude
Hedgehogs are not social creatures, and whilst daily handling/bonding efforts tend to make them much friendlier, they will have a preference for solitude. Hedgehogs (especially males) must be housed alone, except for uncommon cases in which females can cohabit as bonded pairs.
Hygiene
Hedgehogs require varying degrees of hygiene maintenance, with some being messier than others. Generally, they have a foot bath whenever their feet get too dirty, and a regular bath (using a toothbrush for their quills) monthly. Their enclosures should be spot cleaned daily, and bedding washed weekly. Their wheel should be cleaned once every day or two, as this is where they like to do their business!
Our recommended products and companies
Wheel (12"/33cm) and litter tray
https://www.tictacwheels.co.uk/bucket-wheels
Fleece bedding (and much more!)
https://www.thehoghouse.co.uk/
Thermostat
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08DG6ZD5C?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1
Heating dome
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004IAABFW?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1
Ceramic heat emitter (CHE) bulbs
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4DW2HXV?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4&th=1
Snugglesafe for emergencies
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Snuggle-Safe-316-SnuggleSafe-Microwave/dp/B006HFCANC?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A26BQ5MCC4RYES&th=1
Foods (which we mix together 50/50)
https://www.animed.co.uk/royal-canin-first-age-mother-and-babycat-dry-food
https://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/dry_cat_food/purina_one/purina_one_adult/195928?variantId=195928.18&abd=true&activeVariant=195928.18
Dried insects
https://www.beakybites.co.uk/dried-calci-worms-bird-food-small-bag?srsltid=AfmBOopmlYWYXPlRImjr4gblecOFBFrGBU2cixDg_2xrn8NYSezxCBowa-s
Food dispensers
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08C7DPVQT?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
Aspen wood shavings (for litter or bedding)
https://smallpetselect.co.uk/products/aspen-shavings-bedding
Collapsible washing bowl (for baths)
https://www.outdooraction.co.uk/outwell-collaps-washing-bowl-p9379/s87515?cid=GBP&glCurrency=GBP&glCountry=GB&srsltid=AfmBOopeSoqo4peWkqKTHXuXVFj2OJ4SRGYe1AAkNEkfMsJTLFYZ7q18IU4
Play pen
https://www.amazon.co.uk/EUGAD-Exercise-Enclosure-Hedgehog-Included/dp/B083DPY37F?pd_rd_w=kR2lk&content-id=amzn1.sym.ba9df2de-0963-4a6d-8e5d-5b05f435a528&pf_rd_p=ba9df2de-0963-4a6d-8e5d-5b05f435a528&pf_rd_r=8CG6V3G1KFJ1FSQD1WXY&pd_rd_wg=znMSe&pd_rd_r=5fb8573c-067e-426f-ac1f-715ba8e86154&pd_rd_i=B083DPY37F&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_1_ec_pr_t&th=1
Vivariums/enclosures, second hand
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/?locale=en_GB