El Cuidado Del Erizo Pigmeo Africano ( Atelerix Albiventris)

Hedgehog Pet Care
*Adapted from Exotic DVM Volume 9.1 © Zoological Education Network, 2007

Vital statistics, Common species, Behavior, Housing, Environmental enrichment, Diet, Sexing and reproduction, Restraint, Blood chemistry reference ranges, Preventive care, First visit/examination, Dental care, Blood collection sites, Injection sites, Radiography, Surgery, What to Look for in a HealthyHedgehog, Common clinical conditions, Special considerations, References and further reading

By Cathy Johnson-Delaney, DVM, Dipl ABVP-Avian Practice Reviewed by Jack Kottwitz, DVM Rob Coke, DVM

UNUSUAL PET CARE - VOL II

Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris/ Erinaceus europaeus)
By Cathy Johnson-Delaney, DVM, Dipl ABVP-Avian Practice

Hedgehog Pet Care
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© Sean Sosik-Hamor /HamorHollow.com

COMMON SPECIES
African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) Several colorations have evolved, including animals with white and gray/brown ticked quills (“chocolate” commonly referred to as “salt and pepper”) and white quills (“snowflake”). European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)

PET APPEAL AND BEHAVIOR
African pygmy hedgehogs’ behavior is generally that of non-domesticated animals.While many young hedgehogs do not mind being held, many adults (especially males) resist handling and struggle to be free. Many adults do not interact with humans no matter how much handling they received when they were young. Very few hedgehogs bite, but they might “puff up,” and adult males may hiss. Hedgehogs are nocturnal. If they are allowed freedom in the home, they tend to hide in cornersor under furniture. Many hedgehogs dig in carpets, houseplants and dirt, and will forage for spiders and insects indoors.

VITAL STATISTICS
Average life span (African) 3-5 years (6-10 recorded in captivity) Adult size 6-14 inches (16-35 cm) Adult body weight African (male) 800-1200 g African (female) 250-400 g European (male) 500-600 g European (female) 400-800 g Dental formula I 3/2, C 1/1, P3/2, M 3/3 = 36 Rectal temp African European Sexual maturity Breeding Clutch size Birth weight Gestation Weaning age 36.1-37.2°C (97-99°F) 35.1°C (95.2°F) >2 months Year-round 1-7 pups (avg 3) 8-13 g (depending on litter/dam size = avg 10 g) 34-37 days 4-6 weeks of age

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*Adapted from Exotic DVM Volume 9.1 © Zoological Education Network, 2007

2UNUSUAL PET CARE - VOL II

Europeanhedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)

African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) chocolate or “salt and pepper” color

Hedgehogs

When encountering something new in the environment, a hedgehog may “taste” it, then begin hypersalivating and create a foam, which is then spit onto itself. European hedgehogs hibernate; African pygmy hedgehogs do not.

HOUSING
Hedgehogs are solitary animals, exceptfor mating, and usually must be housed individually. A smooth-walled enclosure is preferred over wire and must be high enough to prevent escape. A 20-gallon or larger size aquarium is acceptable. The optimum environmental temperature is 75-85°F (2430°C). Supplemental heat may be necessary under one section of the enclosure. Preferred bedding is newspaper or recycled pelleted/ absorbable material,which should be changed frequently and kept dry. Cedar shavings should be avoided. Most hedgehogs prefer quiet, dim environments and may react with fright at loud noises or bright sunlight.

African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) albino color

Algerian hedgehog (Atelerix algirus) chocolate color

Plastic and paper tubes provide environmental enrichment for hedgehogs.

ENVIRONMENTALENRICHMENT
Environmental enrichment should include a hiding place, such as a cut-out box, plastic log or flower pot. Hedgehogs will use an exercise wheel with a solid floor. A pan or shallow tub with warm water in a warm ambient temperature may be provided for swimming. For bathing, a mild pet shampoo safe for kittens or ferrets is suitable. The hedgehog should be kept in a warmed environment...