CARING FOR AND FEEDING YOUR PYGMY HEDGEHOG

The pygmy hedgehog is an uncommon miniature species of hedgehog that can be very endearing. There’s always something cute about a miniature animal, and hedgehogs are no different. You will have a tough time finding a cuter pet to have as a companion.

But you may wonder if the pygmy hedgehog require special care. What does it eat? Here are a few things to help you get started.

Caring for Your Pygmy Hedgehog

First of all, it is important to know that this is a tiny and fragile animal. It is, therefore, not the greatest pet for kids, who at times can be fairly rough. The hedgehog also take a little bit of time to tame, and you don’t want a child being bitten if the animal gets hurt.

This is a pretty solitary animal, so unlike many other animals, you don’t need to get a few so they can keep each other occupied. Even if you decide to get more, you want only one per 3 x 1.5-foot cage, at a minimum. Make sure it doesn’t have a wire floor for the hedgehog to get hurt on. If the cage does have a wire floor, cover it with a flat walking surface. Make sure the wires are close enough together so this tiny guy won’t get his head stuck or even be able to sneak out. Also, make sure the bars are vertical, not horizontal. The hedgehog might try to climb horizontal bars and get hurt. An exercise wheel is a great toy. Just make sure the running surface is flat and not just horizontal bars.

Feeding Time

Hedgehogs need a well-balanced diet. Fortunately, a high-end dry cat food with plenty of protein may do the trick. Make sure the food is meat and not fish-based. In the wild, this little guy usually eats insects, so if you want it to feel like home, you should include mealworms, silk worms, wax worms, or other insects from a hedgehog’s natural diet.

Pygmy hedgehogs take a little TLC, and you may have to search to find a vet with experience, but they are an adorable and enjoyable little pet.