Please continue to do further research on Long Eared Hedgehog as they are an exotic species and information is always changing.
Scientific Name: Hemiechinus auritus
Lifespan: 3-7 years in captivity
Size: 6-11 inches long Weight: 230-400 grams
Bringing Home a Long Eared Hedgehog
- Temperature: Maintain a range of 75°F to 85°F .
- Humidity: Keep humidity around 40-60%.
Lighting:
- A natural light cycle is ideal, but avoid direct sunlight. A low-wattage light for 12 hours a day can simulate day/night cycles.
Enclosure:
- Plastic tote-50gal
- C&C Cage- 3×6 is ideal
- Critter Nation with multiple safe levels
- Custom-made enclosure with a solid bottom- avoid wooden enclosures
- Wire cages with a solid bottom- only approved if covered with panels to prevent climbing and keep in heat
- Vision Cages/ PVC cages
- No glass tanks
Hiding Places:
- Provide multiple hiding spots using tunnels, igloos, or small boxes to create a secure environment.
Bedding:
- Use 2-3 inches of substrate for burrowing.
- Litter- equine pine pellets, aspen bedding- avoid cedar shavings and paper bedding, hemp
- Bioactive Bedding
Primary Diet:
- Offer a high-quality, insect-based diet. Commercial hedgehog pellets, cat food (high in protein), and insects.
- Occasionally offer small amounts of fruits and vegetables (e.g., apples, carrots). Avoid high-sugar fruits.
- MASH
Water:
- Provide fresh water daily in a shallow bowl. Ensure it is clean and accessible.
- Chicken nipple water bottle
Social Interaction:
- They must be solitary as they can become territorial.
Handling
- Experience owning and handling African Pygmy hedgehogs is a must.
- Long eared hedgehogs are more “bitey” than the APH. I jokingly call them “werewolf -hedgehog-chihuahuas”.
- With early handling and constant socialization leading up to adulthood these animals are capable of bonding with their owner.
