Are there hedgehog breeds?
Hedgehogs are spiny mammals of the Hedgehog family, which are very popular compared to other exotic pets. Keeping hedgehogs is common, and chain pet stores sell commercial food for hedgehogs. There are many hedgehog breeders, hedgehog show.
They are sometimes confused with porcupines and rodent relatives, but are more closely related to moles and shrews. Some species may be considered domesticated. They can be charismatic and lovable pets to keep, albeit very messy.
Types of hedgehogs you can keep
In the United States, just one species of hedgehog has dominated the exotic pet trade since the 1980s. Since then, imports of new species of hedgehogs have increased and are now regularly available. Care varies slightly between these species, so it’s important to know what you’re getting before considering.
African pygmy hedgehog
The most commonly kept hedgehog species is often referred to as the “African pygmy hedgehog” (APH).These hedgehogs are species of the genus AtelerixHowever, it is unknown whether these widely available hedgehogs are Central African hedgehogs (Aterrix albiventris, Also called four-fingered hedgehog), Algerian hedgehog (Aterrix algirus), hybrids of these two species, or mixtures of all three.
In any event, hedgehogs have been extensively captive-bred and are “domesticated” under most definitions of the word, as their importation has been restricted in the past due to their ability to transmit foot-and-mouth disease.
natural range
Hedgehogs live in different parts of Africa.
diet
They consume some plant matter, but mainly feed on wild insects and vertebrates such as lizards and snakes. In captivity, commercial pelleted diets have been developed, which are usually supplemented with a variety of insects.
unique attribute
Domesticated hedgehogs are shy and often curl up on their wings rather than bite or run. They are not good at climbing trees and only become docile with repeated handling and socialization. Cages recommended for this species are generally smaller than for other species. They are also poor climbers, so there is no need to keep them in enclosures.
hedgehog morph
- Hedgehogs don’t really have “breeds”, just as there are ball pythons, red foxes and domesticated skunks, “African pygmy hedgehogs” come in many different colors and “morphologies”. These hedgehogs, unlike dog breeds, do not have standards regarding morphology and temperament.
- Several hedgehog color The most common colorings include salt and pepper, white berries, cinnamon, chocolate, sinicotte, pinot, champagne, apricot, and albino.
- Other species of hedgehogs are also entering the pet trade. These are genetically distinct animals that evolved in separate regions. Hedgehogs of the same species may look different depending on where they come from.
long-tailed hedgehog
The second most popular species of hedgehog, recently introduced to the American pet trade, is the long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus). These animals are distinguished by their long ears and high activity level.
Due to their more active nature, many breeders recommend larger enclosures (about 5-6 feet in length) and exercise out of the cage for a period of time. Unlike APH, they will chase and play with cat toys. Breeders also recommend feeding more insects and raw meat than feeding APH with kibble designed primarily for hedgehogs, but this is not backed up by scientific evidence.
natural range
Central Asia, Afghanistan, Russia, Mongolia, Egypt, China Turkestan.
diet
Insects such as grasshoppers and beetles, eggs, fruits and vegetables, and small vertebrates such as lizards and snakes.
unique attribute
They live on average about seven years. They can survive for weeks without food or water (not that you need to test this). They have evolved long ears that seem to withstand thermal radiation. Their high predatory appetite allows them to exhibit interactive behaviors such as playing with cat toys even in captivity.
“Russian” variety long-tailed hedgehog
This hedgehog is of the same species as the ‘Egyptian long-eared’, but the Russian hedgehog population is slightly larger and has longer fur, which makes it fluffy. These are imported by breeders and recently introduced into the hedgehog trade.
desert hedgehog
desert hedgehog (Paraechinus aethiopicus)Also known as the Sonoran Desert Hedgehog, this hedgehog is another new entry into the US captive hedgehog trade. A new population was imported from Europe. Residents now have black markings on their faces and spines. Their care seems to be similar to other long-eared hedgehog species.
natural range
North Africa.From the Sahara Desert to Morocco, Egypt, Syria and Iraq
diet
Small vertebrates such as insects, snakes, and scorpions. It is not considered to eat plant matter.
unique attribute
Can live up to 10 years in captivity
indian hedgehog
This is a species with a very unusual name Hemiechinus corys. This is the more common Egyptian long-eared relative, it is distinguishable Due to its small size, less than 7 inches long. Like other long-eared hedgehogs, they evolved large ears to cope with extremely hot temperatures. Also, even if there is no water source, you can live on insect food. Now very rare in the US.
natural range
Endemic in India and Pakistan
diet
insect
unique attribute
Many Indian long ears are dark in color. They are also smaller than other commonly kept hedgehogs.
tenrec
This unique creature is not a hedgehog, nor is it a close relative of the hedgehog, but we’ll cover it here. Tenrecs are a diverse species of the Tenrec family and are endemic to the island nation of Madagascar. He has two species in the American pet trade. Common Himetenrec (Echinops terfari) and the larger tenrec (Setifer Setosus) is a recent introduction. Impressive streak tenrec (semispinatus semispinatus) has not yet been kept and care is difficult, but it is being kept overseas.
Despite their distant relationship, tenrecs require similar care to hedgehogs, but their toileting habits are much more neat and their cages should accommodate their ability to climb.
natural range
Madagascar
diet
Insects and small vertebrates.
unique attribute
Tenrecs have good physical abilities for climbing and (if poorly socialized) are more likely to bite when threatened. They are more entomophagous than omnivorous. Tenrecs can live for over 10 years, and individuals have been recorded living over 20 years.
works cited
- Ballenger, L. 1999. “Hemiechinus auritus” (online), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed 10 June 2022 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Hemiechinus_auritus/
- Glesser, Donasu, et al. “Wobbling Hedgehog Syndrome in African Pygmy Hedgehogs (Atelerix spp.)”. Exotic Pet Medicine Journal 15.1 (2006): 59-65.
- Hall, D. 2002. “Paraechinus aethiopicus” (online), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed 11 June 2022 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Paraechinus_aethiopicus/
- heavenly hedge. Hedgehog vs. Tenrec.
- Moller, S. (2008). Hemiechinus corralis. Source: IUCN 2012. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2.
- Pollock C. Parmentier S. Basic Information Sheet: African Pygmy Hedgehog. February 14, 2010. His website on LafeberVet. Basic information on https://lafeber.com/vet/hedgehogs/
- Santana, EM; (2010). ”Aterrix albiventris (Erinaseomorpha: Erinaseoaceae)”. species of mammal. 42 (1): 99-110.
- Sharma, A. & Mathur, RS (1974). “Histomorphological changes in the female reproductive tract” Hemiechinus auritus corralisGray on the estrous cycle”. Acta Zoologica. 55 (4): 235
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. The Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for personal advisors or professional advice in business, financial, legal or technical matters.
© 2022 Melissa Smith