Domesticated Hedgehog

From Freepedia

The most common species of domesticated hedgehog is a hybrid of the White-bellied or Four-toed Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and the Algerian Hedgehog (A. algirus). It is smaller than the European Hedgehog, and thus is sometimes called African Pygmy Hedgehog. Other species kept as pets are the Egyptian long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus auritus) and the Indian long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus collaris).

Hedgehog domestication began in the early 1980s. They still have much of their wild behavior, including a fear of predators - especially humans. Since domestication began, different colors of hedgehogs have appeared, including rare albino hedgehogs.

All three species prefer a warm climate (above 72°F) and do not hibernate. Attempts to hibernate are commonly fatal. They eat a diet of mainly insects, catfood, and ferret food.

Contents 1 Roman domesticated hedgehog 2 Legality 3 Enclosures 4 Food 5 Allergies 6 Sickness

Roman domesticated hedgehog

The Romans domesticated a relative of the Algerian hedgehog in the 4th Century BC. They were raised for meat and quills. The quills were used in the training of other animals, such as keeping a calf from suckling after it has been weened. The quills also used for card paper and dissection pins long after the Romans actively bred and raised hedgehogs.

The remainder of this article is about the modern domesticated hedgehog, which is not directly related to the Roman domesticated hedgehog.

Legality

Because a hedgehog is commonly kept in a cage or similar enclosure, it is allowed in some residences where cats and dogs are not allowed.

It is illegal to own a hedgehog as a pet in some US states and some Canadian municipalities, and a license is needed to legally breed them. No such restrictions exist in Europe. Residents of the US should check with animal control before considering having a hedgehog as a pet.

The following lists refer to legal issues which will change over time. The legality of owning a pet hedgehog should be verified with the prospective owner's local animal control office.

The following is a list of locations where it is illegal to own a hedgehog. By African Pigmy hedgehog, this list is referring to the domesticated hedgehog commonly bred and sold as pets, not a specific breed of hedgehog from Africa.

• California, USA
• Denver, Colorado, USA
• Georgia, USA
• Hawaii, USA
• New York City, New York, USA
• Fairfax County, Virginia, USA
• Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Other legal issues:

• Finland: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. African Pigmy hedgehogs may legally be kept as pets.
• In Arizona, USA, A permit is required. The permit is very difficult to obtain.
• In Idaho, USA, European hedgehogs are illegal. African Pigmy hedgehogs are legal.
• In New Jersey, USA, A permit is required.
• In Oregon, USA, European hedgehogs are illegal. African Pigmy hedgehogs are legal.
• In Pennsylvania, USA, Hedgehogs may not be imported into the state, but existing hedgehogs (and offspring) are allowed.
• In Quebec, Canada, European hedgehogs are illegal. African Pigmy hedgehogs are legal.
• In Wyoming, USA, A permit is required.

There are no laws banning domesticated hedgehogs in:

• Brazil
• Japan
• Portugal

Enclosures

In the wild, a hedgehog will cover many miles each night. Keeping this in mind, a hedgehog requires as much room as possible. Without room, a hedgehog will show signs of depression, such as excessive sleeping, refusal to eat, repetitious behaviour, and self mutilation.

24"x24" pet cages are common for pet hedgehogs. Multi-level ferret or rabbit cages allow a hedgehog more room to explore without taking up extra floorspace. When using multiple levels, keep in mind that a hedgehog can climb easily, but has difficulty descending.

A wheel is necessary to provide hedgehogs with exercise. Some hedgehogs refuse to run in a wheel, so other forms of excersize must be substituted. When choosing a wheel, it must have a solid floor. If an open-wire wheel is used, the hedgehog will continually fall between the bars and possibly break a leg.

Vellux is preferred for bedding because it does not fray. Strings from frayed edges on blankets have been known to wrap around hedgehog's legs, causing amputation. Wood-chip bedding often has wood oils that hedgehogs are allergic to. This causes them to scratch continually.

The enclosure should be kept above 75°F or the hedgehog will attempt to hibernate, which is fatal for domesticated hedgehogs.

Food

Hedgehogs are insectivores and require a diet that is high in protein. Some believe that a high fat diet is also healthy for hedgehogs, but is not present in an insect-based diet.

In the wild, a hedgehog is opportunistic and will eat anything that it finds. Sweet or fatty foods are very attractive to them, especially dairy products. Being lactose intolerant, eating dairy products will make them sick.

Cat food is often suggested for hedgehogs. Cat food is normally high in fat and iron. Some believe that there is a relation between a high fat diet and fatty liver disease in hedgehogs. Therefore, it has been suggested that low-fat cat foods should be used. There are many foods specifically for hedgehogs and insectivores.

Hedgehogs are naturally attracted to anything that is sweet. Many fruits may be used as treats. Depending on the hedgehog, a sugar addiction can easily occur. For that reason, mealworms are commonly used as treats. They are high in protein and fat and come in live or freeze dried forms. Crickets are also available at many stores. Keep in mind that insects from a bait shop may have been contaminated with insecticides and should not be fed to hedgehogs.

Allergies

Many people who claim to be allergic to cats and dogs are actually allergic to the dander produced by them. Hedgehogs do not produce dander. It is possible to be allergic to items surrounding the hedgehog, such as the hedgehog's food or bedding, but it is rare that a person would be allergic to the hedgehog itself.

After handling hedgehogs, some have claimed that pink dots on their hands is an allergic reaction. This is more likely caused by small pricks from the hedgehog's quills. If a hedgehog is not clean, the pricks can become infected. The infection is from contaminants on the hedgehog, not from an allergic reaction to the hedgehog.

Hedgehogs are commonly allergic to wood oils. Wood bedding should be avoided.

Sickness

Hedgehogs are highly prone to two diseases: cancer and wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS). There is no cure for either disease. Cancer spreads quickly in hedgehogs. WHS is simlar to multiple sclerosis, and slowly deteriorates the hedgehog's muscle control.

Hedghogs usually react to stress by having temporary digestive disorders that including throwing up and green feces.