Hedgehog Care
What is a Hedgehog?
Hedgehogs are a small, insectivorous (insect eating) mammal that can be found throughout the world. They are native to England, Europe, Africa and Asia. The hedgehog that is now kept as a pet in North America is the Pygmy Hedgehog from Central Africa. Since there are no native species of hedgehog in either Canada or the United States, many people still mistake the domestic hedgehog for the porcupine - an entirely different and unrelated animal. While porcupine quills are extremely sharp, barbed and very dangerous, the hedgehog quill is smooth and not nearly as sharp. Petting a friendly hedgehog can be compared to petting a hairbrush - bristly, not prickly.
The average African Pygmy Hedgehog weighs about ½ to 1 ¼ pounds and is 5 to 8 inches long - about the size of a Guinea Pig. There are some that will grow to as much as 1 ¾ to 2 pounds (without being fat) while others are as little as 6 or 7 ounces.
Choosing a Healthy Hedgehog
Look at the hedgehogs face. Are his eyes nice, round, beady, wide open, and bright, without discharge?
Is his nose clean and not running?
Are his ears short, clean, with no discharge or crustiness behind them? Sometimes an ear has been chewed on by a sibling. As long as it has healed, this is not something to worry about.
Is his fur on his belly soft and not matted?
Are the spines all there with no bare spots? Bare spots indicate an unhealthy animal.
Is there any sign of mites, fleas, or crustiness on his back?
Check the pen, is there green droppings or diahhrea?
Is his body plump? (not fat)
Place him on a flat surface such as a table and watch him walk. Does he wobble or have difficulty staying upright? A healthy hedgehog should have a stride that is somewhere between a walk and a shuffle
Can you here a rattle when he is breathing or does it seem okay? (do not mistake normal hedgehog "talk" such as chirping, purring or cheeping for a pneumonia-related rattle)
I realize that it will be very hard to check all these points but most of these things are very basic. In fact, you will probably notice many of these things without even realizing it. Most hedgehogs are healthy and they suffer very few serious ailments, so it’s usually not a problem. But, if you do notice any of the problems listed here, have a qualified veterinarian check your choice before taking it home.
By following these guidelines, you will be helping to ensure that the pet you choose will live a long and healthy life.
Ask the person you are purchasing the hoglet from if they have any guarantees. They should at least guaranteed the hoglet from genetic defects that will show up in the next month. If something does go wrong with your new pet (which rarely ever does), have your vet check him so that you will have some proof of the problem to show to the person you bought him from.
Please Click on the Following for More Information
Hedgehog Facts
Hedgehog Variations
Hedgehog Housing
Hedgehog Bedding
Hedgehog Nutrition
Hedgehog Toys
Sexing Your Hedgehog
Litter Training Your Hedgehog
Hedgehog Grooming
Hedgehog Handling
How to Deal with an Aggressive Hedgehog
Hedgehog Health
Helpful Links