African hedgehog - Atelerix algirus
The African hedgehog (atelerix algirus) is becoming increasingly popular as a pet among our homes.
They are quite long-lived mammals ( average life 8/10 years ) weighing 800gr and are native to central Africa.
Features
African hedgehogs are crepuscular / nocturnal animals, very sociable and curious, over time they will be the ones to seek your company and your attention.
Like the European hedgehog , when it feels endangered it is able to curl up, exposing its spines.
It is important to get our hedgehog moving because one of the main diseases that they can encounter is obesity. To allow the hedgehog to do physical activity it is necessary that there is a wheel in the cage, of adequate size for the animal, with a full bottom.
If the ambient temperature is adequate, it can also be left free to roam in a room, under surveillance (underfloor heating is ideal in winter!).
What does the African hedgehog eat
Its diet is mainly insectivorous : flour moths, caimans; but they should also be provided with good quality cat food.
Occasional prizes can be given bits of fruit, cooked beans and carrots, raw vegetables, cooked meat, hard-boiled eggs, crickets. Milk can cause diarrhea and is to be avoided, as raw meat and eggs can transmit salmonellosis.
Accommodation
The cage should be of the right size to be comfortable for the animal and contain a shelter.
Cleaning
Change the litter box once a week and disinfect the bottom of the cage. Always keep bowls and drinking bottles clean.
Health
Being native to warm areas, it requires a warm environment between 25-30 ° C, in the cold season it is advisable to place a heat source that heats a part of the cage . If the temperature is not sufficient, the animal becomes numb and is more prone to respiratory infections.
Main diseases to watch out for: obesity, skin diseases, mites, respiratory infections.
It is possible to see African hedgehogs live in our Pet department.
If you decide to take care of one of them in our department you will find everything you need, or click HERE to see on our site.