If you’re looking for an exotic pet, hedgehogs may be the perfect choice for you. There are a few different types of hedgehogs that can be kept as pets, and they all have unique personalities. So, if you’re thinking about getting a hedgehog of your own, here’s what you need to know about the different types available.
Types of Hedgehogs You Can Own
There are three main types of hedgehogs that are commonly kept as pets: African pygmy hedgehogs, European hedgehogs, and Chinese pygmy hedgehogs.
African pygmy hedgehogs
African pygmy hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals native to Africa and parts of the Middle East. These curious creatures have become popular pets in recent years, thanks to their docile nature and relatively low-maintenance care requirements. African pygmy hedgehogs typically live for 5-7 years in captivity and can reach lengths of up to 8 inches.
They are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. In the wild, African pygmy hedgehogs eat a diet of insects, reptiles, and small mammals.
However, captive hedgehogs can be fed a diet of commercially available hedgehog food, supplemented with occasional treats of fruits and vegetables. If you’re considering adding an African pygmy hedgehog to your family, be sure to do your research to ensure you can provide the proper care for this unique pet.
Unique Attributes:
- Docile nature
- Low-maintenance care requirements
- Nocturnal
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European hedgehogs
European hedgehogs are the largest type of hedgehog and can reach lengths of up to 12 inches. They are native to Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, and have been introduced to many other parts of the world as well. European hedgehogs are not commonly kept as pets, but they have become popular in recent years as pest control animals.
Like African pygmy hedgehogs, European hedgehogs are nocturnal animals that eat a diet of insects, reptiles, and small mammals in the wild. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of commercially available hedgehog food, supplemented with occasional treats of fruits and vegetables. If you’re considering adding a European hedgehog to your family, be sure to do your research to ensure you can provide the proper care for this unique pet.
Unique Attributes:
- Can reach lengths of up to 12 inches
- Pest control animals
- Nocturnal
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Chinese pygmy hedgehogs
Chinese pygmy hedgehogs are a hybrid of African pygmy hedgehogs and European hedgehogs. They have become popular pets in recent years due to their small size and docile nature. Chinese pygmy hedgehogs typically live for 5-7 years in captivity and can reach lengths of up to 8 inches.
Like other types of hedgehogs, Chinese pygmy hedgehogs are nocturnal animals that eat a diet of insects, reptiles, and small mammals in the wild. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of commercially available hedgehog food, supplemented with occasional treats of fruits and vegetables. If you’re considering adding a Chinese pygmy hedgehog to your family, be sure to do your research to ensure you can provide the proper care for this unique pet.
Unique Attributes:
- Hybrid of African pygmy hedgehogs and European hedgehogs
- Small size
- Docile nature
- Nocturnal
“Russian” Variant Long-Eared Hedgehog
The “Russian” Variant Long-Eared Hedgehog is a hybrid of the European hedgehog and the Chinese long-eared hedgehog. This type of hedgehog is relatively new and not yet widely available as a pet. However, those who have been lucky enough to add one of these unique creatures to their family report that they make great pets.
“Russian” Variant Long-Eared Hedgehogs typically live for 5-7 years in captivity and can reach lengths of up to 12 inches. They are nocturnal animals that eat a diet of insects, reptiles, and small mammals in the wild. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of commercially available hedgehog food, supplemented with occasional treats of fruits and vegetables. If you’re considering adding a “Russian” Variant Long-Eared Hedgehog to your family, be sure to do your research to ensure you can provide the proper care for this unique pet.
Unique Attributes:
- Hybrid of European hedgehog and Chinese long-eared hedgehog
- Relatively new
- Not yet widely available as a pet
- Nocturnal
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Choosing the Right Hedgehog for You
Now that you know about the different types of hedgehogs available, it’s time to choose the right one for you. Consider your lifestyle and what you’re looking for in a pet before making your decision. African pygmy hedgehogs, European hedgehogs, and Chinese pygmy hedgehogs all make great pets, but it’s important to choose the right type for you.
Do some research on the different types of hedgehogs to find out which one is the best fit for you and your family. Once you’ve made your decision, be sure to do some more research on care and purchase your supplies before bringing your new pet home.
