What is african pygmy hedgehog?
The African pygmy hedgehog, also called the four-toed hedgehog, is smaller in size and, as its common name suggests, unlike related species, the four-toed hedgehog usually has only four toes on its feet and lacks the hallux. However, in some hedgehogs, a small bony lump may appear in place of the big toe, or there may even be a well-developed toe, especially on the hind feet.
What does african pygmy hedgehog look like?
The belly and face are white or cream-colored with white spines mixed with black or coffee; the face may have a darker mask-like color. The lower part of the foot usually also takes on a darker color. The height of the ears is shorter than the length of the spines, and they are covered with hair. There are many individuals that are hybrids of the two, and it is difficult to distinguish. The body length ranges from 15.5 cm to 23 cm, and the weight is 311 grams to 566 grams.
african pygmy hedgehog living habits
Hedgehogs are omnivores, and in the wild they mainly live by preying on various invertebrates and small vertebrates, as well as grass roots, fruits, melons and other plants. Family feeding can be self-prepared feed, with meat offal, grain and by-products, green vegetables, etc., in proportion. In addition, caterpillars, beetles, snails, earthworms and other small animals and fruits can also be fed. But it must be clean, otherwise it will get a lot of diseases. It is recommended not to eat it before 3 months of birth. It is easy to be picky eaters and cannot be used as the hedgehog’s daily food, which will cause the hedgehog to lack iron, and the spines will fall off easily. Fruits and vegetables must not be irritating or you may die on the spot.
Since hedgehogs cannot stably regulate their body temperature to keep them at the same level, they hibernate in winter. When attacked by the enemy, they huddle into a ball to protect themselves. Hedgehogs are very timid and easily frightened. It moves slowly and is generally nocturnal. It has a keen sense of smell and a small appetite, generally foraging when it is dark.
African miniature hedgehogs are animals that like quietness, are afraid of light and heat, and are resistant to hunger and drought. They also snore when they sleep, which is very interesting. This hedgehog has a somewhat withdrawn personality and is very timid. When frightened, it will run around and become incontinent. African miniature hedgehogs are nocturnal and sleep more than 10 hours a day, so they sleep almost all day, eat and play around at night.
The best temperature for African miniature hedgehogs is 20-27 degrees Celsius. When the temperature drops to 7 degrees Celsius, general hedgehogs will enter a state of hibernation. This period can be as long as four or five months, but African miniature hedgehogs live in hot Africa. Rarely hibernates, and will die of starvation or hypothermia after entering hibernation, so when winter comes, the owner should provide African miniature hedgehogs with heat preservation lamps or small pet electric blankets. It is amazing that when the summer is very hot, the African miniature hedgehog will go into aestivation and hide in a shady place to enter a state of suspended animation to resist the hot weather.
african pygmy hedgehog rearing
Hedgehogs are very adaptable and not strict with the environment. However, hedgehogs have the habit of being quiet and afraid of light, and they are nocturnal and nocturnal. It is best to choose a quiet place with less human interference for family breeding. Because it is not very mobile, you can use the cages used for raising birds or cats, or you can use wooden boxes or cardboard boxes as the hedgehog’s home. The box can be covered with hay, pine leaves or straw, but with about 5 cm Pine chips are best, as long as the box is not cramped and has enough room to move around. In addition, put a cat toilet and cat litter in the corner of the box as its toilet, then its smell will be much less. You can usually put it on the floor at home and watch it play with it. It should be noted that due to its isothermal properties, although it can withstand low temperatures, it is still necessary to keep warm in winter. Generally, the temperature should be controlled between 23 and 27 degrees Celsius, and the humidity should be controlled below 40%. would not choose to hibernate. Such simple living needs are also the advantage of hedgehogs different from other pets.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, mostly active in the early morning and dusk to forage, and sleep at other times, and sleep for more than 10 hours a day. But because hedgehogs have a fast metabolism, they need a lot of food to supplement their calories. Hedgehogs are omnivorous animals, and they can be fed with their own feed when they are raised at home. Animal feed is the main feed, earthworms, mealworms, and crickets can all be used. You can also use minced beef and mutton, but you must ensure freshness, hygiene and small pieces. Some large pet stores also have special feed for hedgehogs with balanced nutrition. Sometimes cat and dog feed is also a good staple food, and drinking water can be supplied from the rabbit‘s drinking tank. Plant food can be fed with fresh and clean fruits and vegetables. Before feeding, it must be soaked in water for 1 hour to prevent gastrointestinal diseases. If food is placed in its brood box, the remaining uneaten food should be cleaned up safely, keeping the box clean.
Getting close to a hedgehog is really a problem. However, there is always a way. A small hedgehog has soft thorns. For an adult hedgehog, you can cross your hands and carefully hold its bare belly from below, because Its belly is full of hair, without the slightest thorn, as long as it is honest and does not move around, of course, it can do this after it is very familiar with you. If you are still afraid, then wear rubber gloves.
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