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Hedgehogs are rapidly increasing in popularity as pets! Atelerix albiventris, the species most commonly known as the African, four-toed and white-bellied hedgehog is the only hedgehog legally sold as a pet in this country. There are also European hedgehogs that are not routinely kept as pets in this country. They have short, prickly spines (not barbed like the porcupine) covering their backs with soft white fur on their bellies. Most spines are brown and white, but there are some color variants that have been bred.

Hedgehogs are insect eating animals and are most active at night. Hedgehogs enjoy crickets or mealworms (and other insects native to their natural environment) and hard-shelled insects provide mechanical teeth cleansing properties. Live insects will provide variety and behavioral enrichment. They can and do eat fruits, vegetables, and pelleted food. Feedings should be provided in the evening and any uneaten food should be removed promptly in the morning to prevent spoilage. Fresh water should be plentiful in bottles with sippers to prevent contamination and changed often. Some hedgies will never learn to drink from a sipper and must be provided water in a shallow dish. Hedgehogs have a propensity to become overweight and careful monitoring of weight and diet are important in having a healthy hedgehog.

They can be very friendly pets if socialized properly, handled as youngsters, and bred in captivity. Wild-caught hedgehogs are not used to being handled and will "ball up" revealing its prickly erect spines. Careful handling involves "cupping" the animal within your two hands gently. If the hedgehog rolls into a tight ball, it will eventually unroll when it begins to feel safe-usually after lying on a flat surface undisturbed for a few minutes. Avoiding loud noises will help support the hedgehog into feeling more comfortable. Hedgies can bite and inflict a painful wound, but rarely do. Washing hands after handling hedgehogs decreases any possibility of a skin reaction from being "pricked" by a spine. Careful hygiene will also prevent the transmission of Salmonella bacteria from hedgehogs that have contracted the disease or show signs of diarrhea to humans.

Only one male should be housed in a group of females because the males will fight inflicting serious wounds on each other. Wire-bottom cages should be avoided to avoid toe and foot injuries. Just about any enclosure will work as long as it provides amply room, ventilation, and is easily cleaned. The temperature in the environment should be kept at 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Hedgies do not tolerate lower (colder) temperatures and will slow down, even hibernate and become susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections. Shredded newspaper, pelleted bedding (wood, cellulose or plant fibers) or wood shavings are appropriate substrates but must be kept clean and free of mold. A box big enough to "hide" in must be provided. Always be sure to remove any residue of disinfective agents from food, water, and cage materials when cleaning.

Males can be distinguished from females by an external penis. Testicles are located inside the abdomen and cannot be seen. Females reach sexual maturity at about 2 months of age and males between 5-8 months of age. Gestation is 32-37 days and litter sizes are 1-7 "pup"s. Females should be isolated to avoid cannibalism of the young. It is best to leave mom and offspring alone for the first 14 days, with spot cleaning of the cage. Baby hedgies are weaned at about 4-6 weeks of age and soft foods (moistened pelleted food, baby food, or fresh fruits) can be offered.

Common medical problems in hedgehogs are parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, and some internal parasites), cancer (wide variety), dental problems (periodontal disease, infections of the gums or mouth tissue, etc), and neonatal death (maternal neglect, cannibalism, too much disturbance, poor nutrition/health, lack of milk production, poor suckling reflex, genetic defects, prematurity, infections, etc.

For much more information on hedgehogs, or to check into hedgehog groups and organizations, visit: www.hedgehogclub.com