These
are wonderful creatures created
through the hybridisation
of two North African species
of hedgehog, pygmies have been
selectively bred for their
small size and offer a variety
of different colour phases
such as albino, apricot, salt
and pepper, pied and chocolate
forms.
African Pygmy Hedgehogs are
members of the Insectivora
- a subdivision of the mammals
that is generally thought to
include the most primitive
of the so-called higher mammals.
Although they will consume
a variety of invertebrates
with relish, including live
mealworms and similar creatures
it is essential that they are
provided with a varied and
balanced diet. There are a
limited number of off-the-shelf
dried foods formulated for
hedgehogs both wild and captive
bred species/ varieties but
many people use dried cat foods
as a staple diet and enrich
the variety the animal receives
with mealworms, meaty foods
and so on.
African Pygmy Hedgehogs do
not hibernate and require warm
temperatures year-round if
they are to be discouraged
from entering a pseudo-hibernation
phase which will inevitably
be to their detriment. Housing
them is usually undertaken
in an indoor rabbit cage which
are easy to clean and secure.
Suitable substrates include
non-clumping cat litter that
can also help to absorb odours.
For more information on the
captive care of African pygmy
hedgehogs please request
our care sheet and, of course,
undertake further research
before making a purchase. These
are relatively easy animals
to care for but as with all
pet animals they represent
a long-term commitment.
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