🐇 Small Pets

African Pygmy Hedgehog

Spiky, solitary and endlessly charming.

Pet hedgehogs are nocturnal insectivores that roll into a ball when nervous. With patience they become comfortable being handled. They are illegal in some states and cities — check before you buy.

Lifespan4–6 years
SizeTiny · 0.5–1.3 lb
Care levelModerate
Typical cost$30–60 / month
Great for
Patient adultsNight owlsSolitaryShyNocturnal
African Pygmy Hedgehog

Photo: Jkasvi (talk · contribs) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

At least 4 sq ft enclosure kept at 72–80°F with a solid 12-inch wheel.

Quality hedgehog or low-fat cat food plus live insects as treats.

Nightly wheel running and supervised exploring.

Occasional foot baths; trim nails monthly.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Wobbly hedgehog syndrome
  • Obesity
  • Mites
  • Dental disease
  • Cancer
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Exotics vet annually.

Find a vet near me

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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.