The popularity of the hedgehog appears to be increasing. Our inspectors have taken in African pygmy hedgehogs that were no longer wanted by their owners, or when owners have realised they cannot care for them properly. Be wary of the spacing if you are using wire-sided cages. This small hedgehog bed: a tiny teepee with five walls is decorated with pom pom trim and equipped with natural wooden poles. £40. Are you lucky enough to have a hedgehog visiting your garden? A solid surfaced wheel with open sides has to be large enough to give your hedgehog a space to run with comfort. (838) £4.49 FREE UK delivery. Add a cardboard box or other enclosed spot to serve as the sleeping place for your hedgehog. Healthy hedgehogs do not have body odour. The wild species we have in the UK and Ireland is the west European hedgehog, which is a dark brown colour. Most of them naturally do not like handling; however, they can learn to tolerate it. They are not naturally aggressive, which means that their spines are only used for protection and defence. This means gardens can be an important refuge for the species. They are known for being timid little animals, but as any hedgehog owner will tell you, hedgehogs respond to their owner’s voice and appearance and are very interactive if socialized properly. The reason for this habit is still unknown. … [Read More...]. Vivexotic Viva terrestrial vivarium medium oak (with added air holes - suitable for pygmy hedgehog) Walthamstow, Waltham Forest. However, it took a lot of years for them to be finally domesticated. Hedgehog Statistics. A regular veterinary visit would help identify signs of the possible medical condition, which can be treated before it worsens. Living World Deluxe Cage. In the UK, it is legal to own a pet hedgehog so long as it is the African pygmy hedgehog. Our team has also been called to capture and collect stray African pygmy hedgehogs that have been deliberately abandoned - mostly likely after their owner realised that they couldn't look after them properly. No restriction exists in most European countries. Do hedgehogs make good pets? Plus, as these species are solitary by nature, if you were to house two together it's likely that they would fight. Brighton, Brighton and Hove. These … CottonOnCards. Here are additional tips when practising handling a hedgehog: Running is a big help for a hedgehog to exercise. Annual veterinary visits are very helpful to ensure a healthy hedgehog. Untamed hedgehogs have the tendency to curl themselves into a spikey ball, making it difficult for you to pick them up. Most of them only need weekly cage cleaning. "They're adorable balls of love," says Emma Crossan. Spikes Delicious Dry – Best Overall. Despite their size and appearance, these animals have complex needs that can only truly be met in their natural environment. Hedgehog owners should be aware of the fact that hedgehogs are prone to cardiac and cancerous conditions. Pet hedgehogs are quiet, active, entertaining, and require a lot of care. Since hedgehogs are not rodents, they do not gnaw or chew that could possibly destroy their homes. African Pygmy Hedgehogs, are a non-native species of miniature hedgehog which are sometimes kept as pets in the UK and around the world. he is very inquisitive and … Beautiful happy friendly pygmy miniature hedgehogs we have 4 boys 1 is a black nosed with black and white quills. First, it is well ventilated as … Some hedgehogs are more prone to doing this than others. Sadly, many hedgehogs that are kept as pets are fed a diet too high in fat, which can cause obesity and other health problems. Most of the APHs for sale are captive-bred and some can tolerate handling, but there are also many who are vicious bombs of … Therefore, we can't fairly recommend keeping African pygmy hedgehogs as pets. So when planning to keep one, be considerate. It’s a little-known fact of hedgehog ownership, but it’s true. As standard vet insurance won't cover the costs, caring for an African pygmy hedgehog can also prove very difficult and costly. 6-year-old vivarium previously used to house our pygmy hedgehog. Add to Favourites. Name: African pygmy hedgehog. HEDGEHOGS The Latin word for hedgehogs is Erinaceus and our own British hedgehog is scientifically known as Erinaceus europaeus; it is the same species that occurs throughout most of Europe. 5 out of 5 stars. A pet hedgehog should drink at least 2 ounces of water everyday. The popular African pygmy hedgehog that is mostly kept as pets in North America is a mix of two species. African pygmy hedgehogs are natural omnivores in the wild, mostly eating small invertebrates like spiders and insects, as well as plants, small vertebrates and bird eggs. Are African pygmy hedgehogs currently legal to own in the UK? In Britain it is found almost everywhere except some of the Scottish Islands, but tends to be scarce or absent from wet areas and pine forests. Hedgehogs are low-maintenance. Hedgehogs, like all other small animals, are complex and unique individuals who require a lifetime of special care, food, and supplies.So before you go looking online for a hedgehog because you love Sega’s classic blue guy and want to buy your own Sonic on a whim, read on to find out why a hedgehog is anything but an ideal “pet.” Will They Get Along With Other Pets? All rights reserved. Actually, You Can Pet a Hedgehog. Evidence suggests this decline is most severe in rural areas and hedgehogs are actually faring better in our towns and villages than the countryside. This is definitely a great cage for a hedgehog. A bigger cage is better. Since their domestication in the 1980’s, the popularity of these semi-arid dwellers has taken off by storm. They may also be stressed out from changing environments. Unfortunately, It's currently legal to own an African pygmy hedgehog as a pet, however under the Animal Welfare Act, owners must be able to meet the animal's full welfare needs, which includes allowing the animal full opportunity to display normal behaviour. The wild African pygmy hedgehog's natural habitat is the steppes, savanna and grassy areas of West, central and East Africa. All rights reserved. The most popular hedgehog species to be kept as pets in the UK is the domesticated African pygmy hedgehog. Compared to companion animals, caring for African pygmy hedgehogs is very difficult and meeting their legal needs under the Animal Welfare Act is no easy task in a typical household. However, make sure that it is the grain-free variety. Sadly, we have attended properties where hedgehogs were being kept in completely unsuitable conditions; in enclosures which are far too small, where hedgehogs have been neglected or were being fed an inappropriate diet, resulting in serious health problems. For your hedgehog’s litter area, provide a shallow pan with. Hedgehogs are believed to have come from Africa. There is high-quality food specifically made for hedgehogs that are available in the market. The fashion for keeping African Pygmy Hedgehogs as pets in the US has collapsed, leaving rescue centres to clear up the mess. Additionally, African pygmy hedgehogs are naturally nocturnal and so must be left alone during the daytime. However, in most US States, restrictions in owning hedgehogs are enacted due to some hedgehog species possibly being carriers of foot and mouth disease, which are believed to be contagious diseases of cloven-hooved animals. Cat food is also a common choice. The most common species of domesticated hedgehog is the four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).The Algerian hedgehog (Atelerix algirus) is a separate species of hedgehog.. The hedgehog bed has a soft pad attached to the bottom of the teepee so that it stands still at all times. Before you consider bringing a hedgehog into your home, there are several things to be aware of. Copyright © 2021 UKPets. They need small living space, similar to how much guinea pigs require. Baby food, fruit, and small pieces of the hardboiled egg are good treats but these should be given occasionally and in moderation. If such is the case with your pet then consider changing the water. Hedgehogs - baby African pygmy hoglets in Brighton. Your cage should have a minimum of two to three feet of floor space. African pygmy hedgehogs are solitary, wild animals that are nocturnal by nature. wearing thick gardening gloves, pick it up by holding it in both hands round the middle, scooping it up. Pet hedgehogs have an average life span of four to six years and weigh about a … They are actually hybrids of the white-bellied or four-toes hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and the Algerian (A. algirus) hedgehog.It is called African pygmy due to the fact that it is smaller than another popular pet hedgehog species known as the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). Mealworms will definitely help. Thankfully, unlike our native porcupines, hedgehogs cannot shoot their quills out in defense. Some hedgehog carers will take in injured or sick hedgehogs, but with the intention of reintroducing them back into the wild. You can try using aspen shavings for bedding, as well as recycled paper bedding. They may also provide hedgehogs with appropriate nutrients. Registered charity no.219099. These are now becoming very popular as pets across the world and within the UK, and are undeniably adorable and highly entertaining little animals! It is common for hedgehogs to not drink enough water if they do not like the taste. There is only one species of hedgehog that is designed to be kept happily in captivity, and that is the African pygmy hedgehog, a hybrid breed of two other African hedgehog species. The UK … However, it is highly recommended for them to get annual veterinary check-ups. African pygmy hedgehogs (also known as the white-bellied or four-toed hedgehog) are growing in popularity and are sometimes wrongly portrayed and misunderstood as making suitable domesticated pets. Hedgehog Bed, Hedgehog House, Hedgehog Teepee with Pad, Small Pet Bed, Small Animal House, Pet Teepee. Doing so (releasing an African pygmy hedgehog intentionally) is a punishable offence under the Animal Welfare Act. Hedgehogs are adorable little insect eating mammals that live, on average, 4-7 years when kept as pets. Our team sadly see hedgehogs kept in small rodent cages, which is a completely unsuitable environment for this very active species. The Pros and Cons of Having Ferrets as Pets, Sneaky Dog Embezzles Money from Her Family to Buy Treats, British Shorthair Cats & Kittens for Sale. Miniature Pygmy Hedgehogs Albino twins with unique Angkwxx x. Spaying will prevent and eliminate the risk. If you are using fleece fabric or AstroTurf to line the cages rather than loose bedding, make sure that there are no loose threads to avoid getting your hedgehog tangled in it. Unlike most household pets, hedgehogs do not need vaccinations and routine shots. In her new video, Dr. Laurie Hess talks about hedgehog care, food, health and more. Popular Hedgehog Species . Spike Delicious Dry is a food for hedgehog that can provide all … Put it into a cardboard box lined with newspaper and give a small towel or tea towel for it to hide under. You can use various types of cages; however, wire floors should be avoided. Pine shavings are fine, although there are better alternatives. African pygmy hedgehogs travel large distances in the wild and it's therefore not kind to keep these animals in small enclosures in captivity. £220. With positive reinforcement, hedgehogs are capable of learning particular behaviours, although it is limited to a basic level. Length/depth/height 86cm (2ft,10)/49cm (1ft, 7)/50cm (1ft, 7) we … The African pygmy hedgehog is a wild animal that - despite their small size -  has a wide range of needs that must be met in order for the animal to be healthy and happy. Other species kept as pets include the Egyptian long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus auritus) and the … Wolverhampton, West Midlands. Hedgehog fabric UK Fat Quarter 20" x 22" or 50cm x 56cm 100% Cotton woodland animal Material Classic. If you can get a hedgehog relaxed enough with you to let you roll … This advert is located in and around Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. It is best to try to practise handling them when they are wide awake. Here are seven reasons that will prove that hedgehogs can be good pets: Frequent handling is necessary to be able to tame a hedgehog. Once they realise that you mean no harm, they will start to explore more. Know more about it here. If, this is not possible due to severity of the case, they will cared for permanently for their few years. Although hibernation is a natural occurrence for … Just as with other companion animals, it's important to do your homework before buying a hedgehog. A hedgehog’s intelligence is comparable to that of a hamster. You can also supplement cat food with crickets, mealworms, and other treats. Of course, this means they'll also keep you up in the late hours! … Hedgehogs, being unique creatures, also have their own interesting habit known as ‘self-anointing.’ Certain smells will trigger a hedgehog to salivate and spread the saliva over its back; this might be surprising the first time you witness it. Their poop can stink really badly! The African Pygmy variety is the favorite of most hedgehog owners. Information on keeping a non-domestic animal as a pet, plus care sheets for more common species. Unfortunately, It's currently legal to own an African pygmy hedgehog as a pet, however under the Animal Welfare Act, owners must be able to meet the animal's full welfare needs, which includes allowing the animal … Other treats, and cinnamon more prone to developing uterine tumours that may cost their lives a! Vet insurance wo n't cover the costs, caring for an African pygmy that. The night while they 're awake hedgehogs we have 4 boys 1 is a mix of two species water... 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