Complete Guide to Caring for a Pet Hedgehog

The African pygmy hedgehog is the only species suitable for keeping as a pet in captivity, being a hybrid of two African species. These charming little creatures are increasingly popular in the UK and worldwide, and bring much joy to their owners. Responsible pet ownership entails selecting only captive-bred pygmy hedgehogs and never wild UK hedgehogs, as wild ones do not thrive in captivity and are vital to local ecosystems.

If you're considering a pygmy hedgehog as a pet, this guide will provide comprehensive advice on their care, from handling to health.

Getting to Know Your African Pygmy Hedgehog: Handling and Temperament

Pygmy hedgehogs need gentle, consistent handling starting young to become tame. Hedgehogs can be timid and will curl into a spiky ball when scared—approach calmly and quietly, moving slowly to avoid alarming them. To pick one up, scoop from underneath supporting their belly and sides. With time and patience, your hedgehog will become comfortable sitting in your hands or lap.

Because hedgehogs have poor eyesight, they rely heavily on smell to recognise their handler. The person who handles them most often will usually receive their fondest attention and trust.

Creating the Ideal Home: Housing and Environment

African pygmy hedgehogs are solitary animals best kept alone to prevent fights. Providing as large an enclosure as possible is crucial to allow ample space for natural activity. Avoid wire flooring; instead, opt for soft substrates like shredded paper to protect their delicate feet. Wood shavings, especially cedar or pine, can cause respiratory irritation and should be avoided.

The enclosure should maintain a temperature between 22-29°C (72-85°F) to keep your hedgehog comfortable and prevent hibernation attempts, which can be dangerous. Include a cosy hideaway where your pet can retreat for privacy and sleep.

Routine cage cleaning—spot cleaning daily and a thorough clean including bedding change weekly—is essential for hygiene and to prevent infections.

Providing for Exercise and Enrichment

In their natural environment, hedgehogs are active nocturnal foragers, covering significant distances nightly. Domesticated pygmy hedgehogs can become obese without sufficient activity, so providing an exercise wheel (flat surface preferred) and enrichment like tunnels and climbing toys is important.

Supervised time out of the enclosure within a safe home space allows for exploration and stimulation. Regular physical activity supports both physical and mental wellbeing.

Nutrition and Feeding

Pygmy hedgehogs are insectivores, naturally feeding on insects, slugs, and snails. In captivity, a balanced diet designed specifically for hedgehogs is ideal. However, specially formulated hedgehog food is not always available, so high-quality cat food can be an alternative, although less optimal.

Supplement their diet with live or dried insects such as mealworms, crickets, or earthworms as occasional treats, limiting intake to prevent obesity. Always ensure fresh, clean water is accessible via a water bottle or shallow dish.

Health and Veterinary Care

Not all UK vets have experience with hedgehogs, so find a qualified exotic or small mammal vet for routine health checks and emergencies. Hedgehogs are generally low maintenance but prone to certain issues including obesity and foot infections (pododermatitis), often from inappropriate bedding or inactive lifestyles.

Regular grooming includes monitoring nail length as their nails grow continuously; your vet can show you how to trim them safely or provide this service. Hedgehogs may also carry fleas, so coordinate flea treatments alongside any other pets with veterinary-recommended products.

The typical lifespan of a pet pygmy hedgehog ranges from three to five years, and monitoring weight and behaviour will help catch health concerns early.

Further Tips and Responsible Ownership

Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so plan for evening interactions when they are awake and most alert. Socialisation through regular gentle handling and mental stimulation helps build a trusting relationship.

Never attempt to keep wild UK hedgehogs, which are a protected species and face environmental pressures. Instead, support conservation efforts and enjoy the companionship of your well-cared-for African pygmy hedgehog.

By following these care principles—appropriate housing, balanced diet, regular exercise, gentle handling, and veterinary support—you will provide your pet hedgehog a safe, enriching, and loving home for a healthy life.

For those seeking to find a pygmy hedgehog or learn more about their care, always look for reputable breeders committed to ethical practices ensuring your pet's wellbeing from the start.