African Pygmy Hedgehog Care Guide
Complete care guide covering grooming, exercise, nutrition, environment, and preventive healthcare for African Pygmy Hedgehog.
Daily Care Requirements
| Exercise Needs | High - needs wheel (solid surface, min 30cm) and exploration time nightly |
|---|---|
| Grooming Frequency | Low - occasional foot bath (running on wheel dirties feet); nail trims; no quill brushing |
| Annual Exam Focus | Skin/quill condition (mites common), weight (obesity epidemic), oral exam, tumor screening |
Nutrition & Weight Management
| Obesity Risk | Very High |
|---|---|
| Ideal Body Condition | 3 |
Environment & Housing
| Temperature | 24-27°C (75-80°F) CRITICAL - hibernation attempt below 20°C can be fatal in captivity |
|---|---|
| Humidity | 40-60% |
| Diet Type | Low-fat high-protein kibble (cat food or hedgehog-specific); insects (mealworms, crickets) as treats; occasional fruits/vegetables |
Size & Physical Characteristics
| Adult Weight | 0.3–0.6 kg |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 3–6 years |