Research Sites

I recommend the following sites for further hedgehog research:

The African Pygmy Hedgehog

Picture
Hannah with her hedgie Tagliente
African Pygmy Hedgehogs are a small insectivore, about the size of a softball.  They are covered in quills, but the quills are not barbed like the American porcupine nor are they released when touched. A hedgehog can roll into a ball drawing its face belly and feet into the center.  One of the preschool students at my school best described the feel of a balled up hedgehog.  “He’s not covered in needles; he’s covered in toothpicks!”  When a hedgehog lays its quills flat, it feels like running your hand through a bowl of rice.

I find hedgehogs to be wonderful charming pets, but they are not for everyone.  Hedgehogs are nocturnal and will sleep the day away while you are at work or school.  They are not demanding, yet a well socialized hedgehog is a fun interactive pet without many of the draw backs of other exotic pets.  They are easy to care for, and incredibly cute.  They do not have any offensive odor, nor do they make much noise.  Some of the more vocal hedgies will make a small huffling noise when first handled or disturbed, and a squeaky wheel is noticeable at 2:00am.  In addition hedgehogs are quite solitary and don’t need the company of another hedgehog. 

Luckily there is quite a bit of information on hedgehogs and their care.  Rather than try to rewrite what others have written so well, I will refer you to the links to the left for basic care, questions, and research.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions.