PRICKLY PETS

By Rosie Smith.

African pygmy hedgehogs became popular as exotic pets in the 1980s. Since then, interest in the species has grown alongside knowledge of their care requirements. It is generally agreed that the name “African pygmy hedgehog”, is a term used to describe a domesticated “four-toed hedgehog” (Atelerix albiventris). This is the smallest species within the Atelerix genus. Although, some argue that the African pygmy hedgehogs found in the pet trade today are a hybrid of Atelerix albiventris and Atelerix algerus, however, more research would be needed to prove this theory. The following feature looks at their care and keeping in captivity.

About the author: Rosie Smith is a teacher of Animal Science and Advanced Practitioner at Nottingham College. She is passionate about the role hedgehogs can play in the Animal Science Education Industry, their role as companion and hobby pets and their ability to engage the public in conservation initiatives. Rosie spent two years on The African Pygmy Hedgehog Club committee, has judged numerous hedgehog shows and has 9 years of experience keeping five species of hedgehog and three tenrec species. Rosie has one of the largest private collections of Long Eared Hedgehogs, as well as African Pygmy Hedgehogs, Desert Hedgehogs and a North African Hedgehog. Rosie has experience volunteering in 2 zoos and working within private animal education before she joined the team at Nottingham College.

Diet

Feeding commercial dog food has become popular amongst keepers. The high phosphorus content of meat can be balanced by calcium-supplemented, gut-loaded insects. However, hedgehogs do have small delicate teeth, so pinkie mice or the finely-ground commercial blocks (without visible bone/offal pieces) are more appealing to the hedgehogs.

African pygmy hedgehogs became popular as exotic pets in the 1980s. Since then, interest in the species has grown alongside knowledge of their care requirements. It is generally agreed that the name “African pygmy hedgehog”, is a term used to describe a domesticated “four-toed hedgehog” (Atelerix albiventris). This is the smallest species within the Atelerix genus. Although, some argue that the African pygmy hedgehogs found in the pet trade today are a hybrid of Atelerix albiventris and Atelerix algerus, however, more research would be needed to prove this theory.

Following 40 years of domestication, the African pygmy hedgehog can be a friendly companion animal. They are popular in the US states where they are legal, across

Europe, Russia, Asia (mainly Japan and Thailand) and of course, the UK. More domesticated animals typically show fewer defensive behaviours; with handling possible without the hedgehog curling into a defensive ball.

In order of popularity, the African pygmy hedgehog, longeared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus), desert hedgehog (Paraechinus aethiopicus) and North African hedgehog (Atelerix algirus) are all kept privately in the UK. The lesser hedgehog tenrec (Echinops telfairi), greater hedgehog tenrec (Setifer setosus) and common tenrec (Tenrec ecaudatus) are also popular amongst hedgehog keepers. Despite not being genetically related to hedgehogs, their care needs are similar.

All the African hedgehog species are opportunistic omnivores, with studies showing their diet is comprised of insects, bird eggs, small mammals, lizards, frogs and even plant matter on occasion. This can be simulated reasonably easily in captivity by providing a varied diet with plenty of live foods. As African pygmy hedgehogs are unable to break down cellulose, the feeding of plant matter (including grains and potatoes in commercial food), is not beneficial to the diet of captive hedgehogs. Small bird eggs such as quail and cooked chicken eggs are popular protein options. There is a widespread fear of feeding morio worms to hedgehogs because they can bite, however, all feeder species are enjoyed by hedgehogs and a varied diet is important. Even the use of very active insects, such as roaches and locusts, allows for enriching hunting and exercise behaviours.

The African Pygmy Hedgehog Club recommend feeding flaxseed/fish oil supplements 1-2 times a week as well as a mix of high-quality cat biscuits as a primary part of the hedgehog’s diet. Exotic vets prefer to recommend specialist insectivore foods, which can be high in fat. A high-protein diet can be damaging to a hedgehog’s delicate kidneys, and carbohydrates can result in obesity. Therefore, the benefits of feeding a small amount of kibble as part of a balanced and varied diet to maintain teeth and provide a less perishable food option must be carefully balanced by feeding a more natural diet of small whole prey, raw/cooked meats, insects and eggs.

Heating and Seasonality

Both the four-toed and long-eared hedgehogs are nocturnal. UV lighting and basking heat are not often utilised by these species in captivity, as they hide in burrows or hollows to avoid sunlight in the wild. Due to numerous years in captivity, the African pygmy hedgehog now struggles to tolerate temperature drops. If the keeper allows the animals to cool they will likely attempt to hibernate and cannot always be awakened. Therefore, most keepers opt for a 24-27°C constant temperature maintained by a ceramic heat emitter, guarded with a cage and on a pulse-proportional thermostat. Positioning this at one end of the enclosure allows the hedgehog to select its preferred temperature.

If either species curls into a ball and has a cold stomach or appears to have difficulty waking up at night, the temperature may be too cold. Also, if the animal is laying on its stomach with stretched-out legs (that many people on social media refer to as the “sploot”), it could be an indicator that the animal is overheating. With climate change bringing more unpredictable weather patterns, Some keepers provide cool tiles/chinchilla marbles in the summer to allow their hedgehogs to thermoregulate when the ambient temperature is high.

In the wild, long-eared hedgehogs, live as far East as Mongolia and will often hibernate in the cooler months. Decreasing temperatures to the low 20s for long-eared hedgehogs between November and February can encourage breeding in the spring. During times of cooler temperatures, the hedgehog’s appetite and activity levels will decrease. There is a fine balance between adjusting the temperature to decrease activity and inducing hibernation. The latter can be dangerous and therefore seasonal fluctuations should be reserved for the more experienced breeder.

Wild four-toed hedgehogs do not breed throughout winter, but their domesticated relatives, the “African pygmy hedgehog” have now adapted to breed all year. Therefore, they should not be exposed to temperature drops.

Exercise and Enrichment

The travelling distance of a wild four-toed hedgehog is around 300-500m per evening. The long-eared species have longer legs and a faster running pace and therefore may travel even further. Hedgehogs in large, naturalistic zoo exhibits can often be observed pacing in circles, as their naturalistic desire to run and forage is still present despite having consumed sufficient food. Therefore, most keepers opt to use a smooth, hole-free bucket wheel as running apparatus. For decades, hedgehog keepers have observed a calmer demeanour from pregnant and nursing mothers that have access to a wheel. These animals are less likely to destroy their litter. The benefits of having access to a “running wheel” have also been recorded in several other species including mice, frogs and even snails. Although this may not fit in with the traditional “natural aesthetic” of keepers wishing to provide a wildtype habitat, they are a valid option to provide physical exercise and improve the animals’ well-being. Larger hedgehog species such as the desert hedgehog and North African hedgehog also opt to use their wheels as enrichment. However, for these larger animals, a larger wheel should be provided. A desert hedgehog requires a wheel of at least 14-inch diameter, while a North African hedgehog would require a wheel of around 16 – 18-inch diameter to avoid spine curvature issues.

There are many other ways to provide enrichment to pet hedgehogs. Sand baths are popular and allow the animal to roll and exfoliate amongst the sand. Foraging trays can also be used. These are shallow trays with soil, leaves, edible herbs and live prey that provides smell enrichment and prompt natural hunting behaviours.

Tunnels and hides allow hedgehogs to enact natural hiding tendencies. A range of these throughout the enclosure can help the hedgehog to feel safe and allows them to nest in an area with the temperature they feel most comfortable in. Hedgehogs “anoint” by chewing unfamiliar smells, mixing these with spit, and covering themselves with this spit. This can be inconvenient and unhygienic if done with a pinkie or chick, however fresh food items such as strawberries, cooked sweet potato, fresh basil and mint and others can provide smell enrichment despite having little dietary benefit.

Handling and PPE

Handling blankets are the most used form of protection when manoeuvring hedgehogs. Scooping the animal up from underneath to support it and then allowing it to uncurl is the accepted method. Some hedgehogs will even approach their owner when spoken to. This is a good method of calming the animal, as their eyesight is poor. Protective gloves should be avoided as this will prevent the hedgehog from becoming familiar with the keeper’s smell which helps with bonding. Giving a hedgehog a smelly sock to keep is a common way to build up familiarity with its owner and they will chew and anoint with these thanks to their excellent sense of smell. There has even been one example of successful “clicker” training. African pygmy hedgehogs usually ball when startled. Some long-eared hedgehogs will curl,

Socialisation

Keeping female African pygmy hedgehogs together successfully across the hobby is now common, and rarely results in conflict. However, this is not allowing them to express their natural solitary behaviours. As an induced ovulator, males and females only meet to mate and this can result in injury and conflict, therefore most breeders supervise pairings.

Long Eared Hedgehogs are generally aggressive and territorial, meaning they are best housed individually. Mating should be supervised and sadly, biting injuries to the genitals, ears and torso are common. Mating in the common territory can help to reduce territorial behaviours, and a light-coloured, washable floor covering can be used to quickly spot any blood from fighting injuries.