Care Guide for African Pygmy Hedgehogs (APH)

Hedgehogs are currently ILLEGAL to own in California, Georgia, Hawaii, New York City, Omaha, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, & Washington D.C. Sales to people in these states will NOT be permitted. Sorry for any inconvenience.

• Enclosures:

Hedgehogs are solitary creatures. This means only one can safely be kept per enclosure. If you have more than one hedgehog, you will need at least two of everything and they should know little to nothing of each others existence.

Per every hedgehog you own, you will need a minimum of a 4 square foot enclosure with 6 square feet being the recommended size. Common cages to use are customizable C&C enclosures, Midwest Guinea Habitat, Critter/Ferret Nation, XL Living World Deluxe Habitat, Midwest XL Wabbitat, or 200 QT+ Sterilite Bin.

I do not recommend using a cage with multiple levels and/or ramps due to hedgies being very clumsy animals with poor eyesight. If you do have multiple levels or ramps, they will need to be modified to ensure your hedgehog will not fall & be injured.

If your cage has wire bars, they will need to be covered 10" high with coroplast, plexiglass, or another kind of safe plastic to prevent climbing & help hold in heat.

• Heating:

Hedgehogs Need a heat source. Their enclosures will need to consistently be 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and no, unfortunately just keeping a warm house is not enough. For any of my hedgies I will require a Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) & a thermostat upon arrival.

If your hedgehog attempts hibernation it can be deadly and after one attempt, they are more likely to continuously try.

For your CHE you will need an 8.5-10" dome, a 100-150 watt emitter (Not a bulb that gives light), and a thermostat to regulate the temperature.

• Other Necessary Items:

-Wheel -- Not just any will do!! You will Need a bucket wheel, GIANT Kaytee Comfort Wheel, or Large All Things Living Wheel. Hogs can run a couple miles a night, ensure the one you purchase is safe! NO KAYTEE SILENT SPINNERS!

- Hides/Beds -- They are nocturnal pets, offer at least two hides!

Food/Water Bowl or Dish -- Ceramic dishes, Stay Bowls, Living World Economic Dish, DIY Chicken Nipple Bottles

- Grooming Supplies -- Nail Clippers, Soft Brush/Toothbrush, Aveeno Baby Wash NOT Soap or Hedgehog & Friends Hogwash. Bathe once a month or as needed so you don't dry out skin

• Things you can Add/Have:

- Litter Box -- Yesterday's News Unscented Litter

- Sand/Dig Box -- Play Sand Only!!!

- Cuddle Sack/Bonding Bag/Pet Pouch

- Playpen

- Fleece Forest/Clutter -- 4"+ PVC Pipe, Ping Pong Balls, Crinkle Balls, 1"+ Puff Balls, Mint Sticks (Cut Mesh Off), Plush Toys, Fleece Strips, Cat Toys, Rubber Ducks/Toys, Etc

• Diet:

Your hog should have 2-3 tablespoons of fresh high quality cat food per night. Hedgehog labeled foods are junk, please avoid them!!

Hedgehogs are insectivores, so live bugs should be a large part of their diet!! Your goal should be around Twenty a day! So, if bugs gross you out, this may not be the right pet for you.

Most Commonly Fed Feeder Insects:

• Super Worms

• Wax Worms

• Phoenix Worms/BSFL

• Dubia Roaches

• Horn Worms

• Grasshoppers

• Dubia Roaches

• Crickets

• Meal Worms

Other treats they can have are wet cat food, baby food without fruits or veggies, chicken/quail eggs, & pinky mice

Unseasoned cooked meats they can have are chicken, beef, venison, liver, other organs, etc.

I also mix a few drops of Salmon Oil in their food every other night to help prevent dry skin.