Before you take a hedgehog as a pet you should read this:
The African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), or simply the African hedgehog , is becoming increasingly popular as a pet. It is also called the four-toed or white-bellied hedgehog (albiventruscan be translated as 'white belly'). It should not be confused with the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). Some states and municipalities have restrictions regarding the ownership or breeding of hedgehogs, so before considering one for a pet, check your local regulations.
Needs
A hedgehog needs attention, much attention. During the day he sleeps, he does not like to be waken up so he can be a little bit grumpy when you wake him to clean the cage (or for whatever reason you wake him.) At the evening you have to make sure you get him out of his cage for a few hours so he can walk around and get a little bit attention of you. Make sure that he has his running wheel at night so he can work out when you are sleeping. Running is very important for your hedgehog! If he doesn't run enough he will get to fat, if this happens he can die.
Characteristics
The African hedgehog is small, the males weighing approximately 600 grams or 1/4 of a pound, and the females reaching up to 400 grams or 1/5 of a pound, making them slightly larger than pet rats.
The color of African hedgehogs varies from brown to almost black. The spines are short, from 1/4 to almost one inch in length, and are unlike those of porcupines, in that they do not have barbs. The muzzle and abdomen do not have spines. The spines normally lie flat and completely cover the back and sides of the animal. Each spine has a life span of about 18 months, and are shed individually and replaced. Hedgehogs generally live 4-6 years, but some have been known to live up to 8 years. Most hedgehogs want to run all the time others prefer to sit with you on the couch but every hedgehog is different. You need to see what your hedgehog likes and then adjust to his preferences.
The color of African hedgehogs varies from brown to almost black. The spines are short, from 1/4 to almost one inch in length, and are unlike those of porcupines, in that they do not have barbs. The muzzle and abdomen do not have spines. The spines normally lie flat and completely cover the back and sides of the animal. Each spine has a life span of about 18 months, and are shed individually and replaced. Hedgehogs generally live 4-6 years, but some have been known to live up to 8 years. Most hedgehogs want to run all the time others prefer to sit with you on the couch but every hedgehog is different. You need to see what your hedgehog likes and then adjust to his preferences.
Behavior
When alarmed, a hedgehog will roll into a ball, with his head and limbs tucked in, and his spines pointing outward, resembling a spiny ball. A hedgehog can remain in this position for hours. One should never try to force a hedgehog out of this rolled position. Hedgehogs rarely bite, but if frightened, especially males, may hiss.
An interesting behavior of hedgehogs is called "anting" or "self-anointing." When a hedgehog encounters an unusual or unfamiliar smell, or the presence of new food, she will place the new material in her mouth and start to salivate excessively, creating a foamy saliva. She spits this foam onto herself and spreads it over her quills. The reason for this behavior is unknown.
An interesting behavior of hedgehogs is called "anting" or "self-anointing." When a hedgehog encounters an unusual or unfamiliar smell, or the presence of new food, she will place the new material in her mouth and start to salivate excessively, creating a foamy saliva. She spits this foam onto herself and spreads it over her quills. The reason for this behavior is unknown.
Temperature
The natural environment of hedgehogs is warm, so cage temperatures of 74 – 78°F (22- 26 degrees celcius) should be maintained. African hedgehogs can hibernate if the cage is to cold. Temperatures over 85°F can lead to heat stress so you have to make sure it won't get to hot for your hedgehog.
Baths
Your hedgehog needs a bath very often I recommend once a week or more. Your hedgehog will cover his spines in his spittle (nobody knows the exact reason for that) but that is why you need to give him a bath very often. When you give him a bath you have to make sure your hedgehog won't get any water inside his nose or eyes and that the water is not to warm or to cold it has to be lukewarm.
You have to give him a footh bath more than once a week (his feet will get very dirty because of all the poo in his running wheel)
If you give him a bath make sure the shampoo is safe for animals. I use baby shampoo to wash my hedgehog.
(You can find more details of the supplies you'll need under 'supplies' and videos of how to give your hedgehog a (foot)bath on my youtube page)
You have to give him a footh bath more than once a week (his feet will get very dirty because of all the poo in his running wheel)
If you give him a bath make sure the shampoo is safe for animals. I use baby shampoo to wash my hedgehog.
(You can find more details of the supplies you'll need under 'supplies' and videos of how to give your hedgehog a (foot)bath on my youtube page)
Price
buying a hedgehog can be really expensive, you have to make sure you want to spend a lot of money for your hedgie. If not I would recommend to buy an animal that is cheaper.