What Do African Pygmy Hedgehogs Eat? Lifespan, Odor, and Price Explained

The African pygmy hedgehog, also called the four-toed hedgehog, has white or cream-colored fur on its belly and face. It is native to Africa and is increasingly popular because it is small and cute. So what food does the African pygmy hedgehog eat? Does it smell? How long does it live? How much does one cost?

What food does the African pygmy hedgehog eat?

Diet: Hedgehogs are omnivores. In the wild they mainly live by preying on various invertebrates and small vertebrates, as well as plant matter such as grass roots, fruits, and melons. For home keeping, you can prepare your own feed, mixing meat scraps, grains and grain by-products, and green vegetables in proportion. In addition, small animals such as caterpillars, beetles, snails, and earthworms, as well as fruits, can also be fed. But they must be clean, otherwise the hedgehog will get many diseases. It is recommended not to feed these before 3 months of age, as the hedgehog easily becomes picky. They cannot be used as the hedgehog's daily food, as this will lead to iron deficiency, easy quill loss, and other diseases. Fruits and vegetables must not be irritating, otherwise the hedgehog may die on the spot.

How long does the African pygmy hedgehog live?

3-9 years (up to 10 years).

How much does one African pygmy hedgehog cost?

In China, genuine African pygmy hedgehogs are truly rare, so the price is not at all like the 500 or 600 yuan each, or even just over 100 yuan each, that some online sellers claim. The market price is generally 1000-2000 yuan.

Does the African pygmy hedgehog smell?

The African pygmy hedgehog has no body odor.

Differences between the African pygmy hedgehog and the common hedgehog

1. Body size: African pygmy hedgehogs can generally be sold after weaning. At this time they are about the size of an egg, and as adults they are about the size of a palm, with a body length of 15-20 cm.

Domestic hedgehogs sold on the market are generally palm-sized, and quite a few people pass off hedgehogs of this size as adult African pygmy hedgehogs. As adults they can reach a body length of about 30 cm.

2. Smell: African pygmy hedgehogs have no body odor (at least the human sense of smell cannot detect any body odor). Of course, their waste still has some smell, but their body absolutely has no odor.

Domestic hedgehogs have body odor, and their waste smells even worse. Many people who bought fake pygmy hedgehogs surely know this well.

3. Face: African pygmy hedgehogs have less and shorter facial down, and the fur is white, shorter and neat, looking very clean and comfortable.

Domestic hedgehogs have more and longer facial down, and the fur is mostly grayish-white or grayish-yellow, looking abundant and messy.

4. Front paws: The African pygmy hedgehog's paws are relatively plump, short, and thick. The toes spread only a small amount, looking chubby and very cute.

Domestic hedgehogs' paws are relatively thin and long, and the claws are generally longer too. They spread widely and look like a set of sharp weapons.

5. Hind paws: The African pygmy hedgehog has only four toes on its hind legs, plus another degenerated toe behind the sole that resembles a paw pad and has no claw.

Domestic hedgehogs clearly have five toes on their hind feet, and they also have paw pads.

6. Belly: The belly fur of the African pygmy hedgehog is snowy white and smooth. Note, snowy white. It feels delicate, like silk.

The belly of domestic hedgehogs is mostly grayish-white or grayish-yellow, and occasionally white, but white is relatively rarely seen.

Care Guide

1. The African pygmy hedgehog is an omnivore and can be fed mealworms, fruits, cooked meat, and so on. Avoid irritating foods such as garlic, chili peppers, and onions. It is best to feed around 8 p.m., and be sure to cut the food into small pieces before feeding.

2. The suitable temperature for the African pygmy hedgehog is 20-32°C. In winter, a heating pad needs to be placed in the cage for warmth, and in summer an electric fan or air conditioner is needed to help it cool down.

3. Picking up a hedgehog by grabbing it from the back downward easily makes it nervous and frightened, and a person can easily be hurt by its quills. You should first put your hand in front of the hedgehog's nose, and it will first lick it with its mouth. Once it is familiar with your scent, use both hands to lift it up from the sides of its body. If you are accidentally pricked by a hedgehog, you can rinse the wound with clean water and apply iodophor to the wound to disinfect it.

4. You can give the little hedgehog a bath once a week. Prepare a basin of warm water at about 37°C, with the water level able to submerge about 1/3 of the little hedgehog's body. Then pour in pet shampoo and gently brush it with a toothbrush. After washing, dry the water off with a towel and a hair dryer. Note that the hair dryer should be more than 20 cm away from the hedgehog to avoid burns.

Key Points for Selection

1. It is best to choose a little hedgehog about one month old. Little hedgehogs are very dependent and easily become close to their owner. Do not choose hedgehogs older than two months, as they find it hard to build a bond with their owner.

2. If it does not struggle when you hold it, and lies on the ground motionless when being fed, then it is best not to buy such a hedgehog.

3. Signs that an African pygmy hedgehog is unhealthy include the following: a lot of dandruff, which indicates skin disease; traces of broken quills; small white spots in the eyes; and dirty, matted fur on the belly.