Please continue to do further research on African Pygmy Hedgehogs as they are an exotic species and information is always changing.

Scientific Name: Atelerix albiventris
Lifespan: 3-7 years in captivity
Size: 7-9 inches Weight: 300-500 grams

Bringing Home an African Pygmy Hedgehog

Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 75°F to 84°F

Humidity: Keep humidity between 30-50%.

1. Enclosure:
   • Plastic tote-minimum 110 qt storage tote (50gal is ideal)
   • C&C Cage
   • Critter Nation
   • 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
2. Bowls/Bottle:
   • Food and water bowls or a water bottle with poultry nipple
   • Insect feeder bowls
3. Bedding:
   • Litter- equine pine pellets, aspen bedding- avoid cedar shavings and paper bedding, hemp
   • Fleece- Anti-Pill Fleece
   • Highly recommend Pistachio’s Place on Facebook for custom fleece bedding and snuggle sacks made by Janice Dale
4. Hides:
   • Multiple hides of various sizes (Igloos and Soft hides from Amazon are suitable)
   • Limit any sharp edges to prevent eye injuries.
5. Wheel:
   • Carolina Storm Wheel or Kaytee wheel (minimum 12 inches to prevent injury)
   • Night Angel
   • Avoid the Kaytee Silent Spinner wheel- they must be solid plastic
6. Enrichment:
   • Variety of toys, ball pit, cat toys, herbs for scents, sand baths, and new treats
7. Treats:
   • Live insects, freeze-dried bugs (in moderation), wet cat food, eggs, boiled meats, pinkies, berries, watermelon, carrots, and broccoli, MASH(check out our recipe)
8. Food:
   • High-quality indoor cat food with high protein and low fat (a mixture of Hedgehog Precision and various cat food such as Nulo)
   • Avoid cat foods with Peas- can cause issues with calcium absorption
9. Heat Source:
   • Individual heat source to maintain a temperature between 75-80 degrees (ceramic heat bulb and lamp with a temperature gauge)
10. Health:
    • Baby WASH (Aveeno Baby Wash, etc.)
    • Toothbrush or baby brush for occasional baths
    • Kitchen scale to monitor weight gain/loss (measured in grams)
    • Supplements: Reptile calcium with Vitamin D, cricket powder, and pet-friendly CBD

Don’t Forget About the Quilling Process!

• During the quilling process (during the first 6-12 weeks old), occasional baths are recommended. Continue handling your baby during this time.
• Hedgehogs go through another shorter and less intense quilling process around a year old.

Additional Recommendations:

• Join Facebook groups such as “Hedgehogs of the Pacific Northwest” for community support and advice.

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Please note that this checklist represents the bare minimum for hedgehog care.