COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN:
North Africa, Morocco, Libya, Spain, Southern France and several island groups north of Africa
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Adults weigh approximately 1 pound and are 4 to 6 inches in length. They are basically nocturnal animals that have gained popularity as exotic pets because of their small size and ease of care.
FEEDING:
When feeding your hedgehog be sure to remember that you CAN give too much food. Each hedgie should only get one cup of pellets a day. Here at 88 Pet World we recommend Hedgehog Complete for their everyday diet. Also we recommend that you feed the insectivore-fare wet diet 2 times a week. Only feed about ½ a cup of this food each time it is given. In the wild hedgehogs eat mainly bugs so it is always good to provide them bugs in captivity. Each day you should offer a few live mealworms or crickets for them. We normally do not feed live insects on the days the wet food is given. Scrambled/hard boiled eggs and apples can also be fed as treats. A calcium supplement and a vitamin supplement should be given to your hedgehog weekly. We recommend calcium 2 times a week and vitamins once a week to prevent WHS or other diseases caused by lack of vitamins. Both can be sprinkled on the wet food as well as the eggs or apples.
HOUSING:
When picking out a home for your new hedgehog there are a few things you should think about first. The first thing would be whether or not the cage is safe for them. Any cages with wire mesh floors or ramps should not be used. Hedgehogs have very thin legs, which can break if caught between the bars. Another thing to consider is bar spacing. No cages bar spacing should be more than ½-1 inch. If any bigger your hedgie may be able to squeeze through the bars and get out of his cage. Next you should consider what should go in the cage. We recommend at least one bottle of water, two small bowls, a hide box with a large opening, and the wobust wodent wheel. Also you may want to consider the wheel insert for nail trimmings as well. Lastly, you need to think about which bedding you will use. We recommend the natural colored care fresh because it is the safest. Some pines and cedars can cause upper respiratory infections in hedgehogs. Your hedgehog can be potty trained. We use a small litter box with the critter bedding that is scented to make the animal want to use it.
TEMPERATURE:
The ideal temperature ranges from 70 degrees to 90 degrees F. All hedgehogs will hibernate when the environmental temperature drops below 65 degrees F. In the wild, hedgehogs hibernate from November to March. Heat exhaustion can be a serious problem if proper shade or temperature controls are not provided.
REPRODUCTION:
Gestation ranges from 35 to 42 days with litter sizes of 2 to 6. Young hedgehogs can be weaned at 5 to 6 weeks and can begin breeding as early as 3 months of age.
SOCIALIZING:
An untamed hedgehog is very shy and will roll up and spike out his spines defensively. Frequent handling will gain trust and develop and inquisitive, and likeable pet.
LONGEVITY:
6 to 10 years
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT US AT 732-899-1920. You can also email us at 88petworld.net or visit us on facebook at 88 Pet World!