HeHo my pet hedgehog

**JENUINE** · 08-01-2010, 09:31 PM

Hey, does anyone out there have a pet african pygmy hedgehog? I bought mine a couple of years ago now and he's a real cutie. Of course, they aren't cuddly, what with quills and all, but have the cutest little faces with little pointed noses. The pet store I bought him from no longer carries them as they weren't too popular, and if you don't handle them often, they do revert back to their wildness. These guys are especially good for night owls as being nocturnal they do their thing most of the night. Well, I was just curious if anyone else had exotic pets like him. I, also, have 2 parakeets, 2 cockatiels and 1 blue singing canary, along with my 2 fish tanks-a 20 and 50 gal tropical assortment. Write back if you have any questions.

**arcruz** · 08-01-2010, 10:11 PM

Where did you get it... I used to see them in pet stores, but now it's hard to find them. I always wanted one, but never got the courage to buy one :( Anyways, the only place that I know that sells hedgehogs near me (not sure if they are pygmy or not) is Pet Land. Man, I wish I had one :)

**Rue** · 08-02-2010, 03:31 AM

I had one years ago...it was a breeder from someone who was selling out. He was very sweet, but had some health issues I didn't know about and didn't make it...

We know a lot more about care now too...and they're actually rather complicated to look after properly.

How often do you feed him crickets and mealworms?

**JENUINE** · 08-02-2010, 04:43 PM

I bought my pygmy from a local petstore-Fenton's Pet Harbor, Winter Haven, Fl but they have since stopped stocking. They are a little pricey @$200. but can find them thru breeders on line.
Soon after I got HeHo he developed ear mites; went to an exotic vet. and after trial and error hit onto the correct treatment. He perscribed Revolution used for kitten fleas, etc. the biggy was trying to adjust the dosage for this little guy. At the time he only weighed 6 ozs. But, treatment was successful and he's a happy little 8 ozs and fully grown.
I actually raise superworms for him. They are gross little beastlies, but it's his special treat, so well worth time and effort. He would eat all at one time if permitted, but usually give him 1 or 2 a week. He has a stable diet of dry food and occasionally I give him some fresh small vegetables.
When you first get them as pups, they have to have special diets, he ate high protein kitten food for the first 6 months, then I switched him to a store bought hedgehog food. Considering his size, he's a pretty hardy eater. They also require exercise and a wheel works just fine. I have it attached to the side of his crate and he runs for hours each nite.
I wouldn't recommend one for most people. It does take dedication and one has to recognize the fact that they aren't cuddly little creatures. Like most of mother nature's gifts, we have to learn to accept them for what they are.
So, if you have any questions, I'd be happy to try to give an answer.