A Hedgehog for a Pet?
Say hello to Mochi.
A pet African Pygmy Hedgehog.
About Hedgehogs
African Pygmy hedgehogs are small, usually weighing about 16 oz., and curl up into a ball about the size of a softball. These hedgehogs usually have a lifespan of about 4-6 years. They are nocturnal, so they are awake and active during the evening. In the wild, they are solitary animals and do best by themselves in captivity also.
Can Anyone Get a Pet Hedgehog?
Check the requirements in your state. African Pygmy hedgehogs are considered exotic animals, and some states consider them illegal to own and breed. However, in states where owning a hedgehog is legal, you can purchase them from licensed breeders. Mochi is from a breeder located near San Marcos, TX and was born in May 2022.
What are Hedgehogs Like?
Hedgehogs are cute and inquisitive pets, but due to being prey animals in the wild, they are also incredibly cautious and easily scared. When frightened or angry, they raise their quills and ball up. They aren’t animals that naturally want human attention, so being patient is a must for hedgehog owners. They have to learn your scent and you have to spend time bonding with them before they’re comfortable with you. This usually involves sitting with an angry spiky ball of a hedgehog and letting them learn to tolerate you. This can take months to achieve and is sometimes a frustrating process, but once they start to trust you, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Who Should Get a Hedgehog?
Due to the fact that they require a lot of patience, tolerance, and gentle care, I wouldn’t recommend hedgehogs for very young children or people that are inexperienced with pets. But for someone who is willing to put in the time and effort to bond with them, they’re lovely little animals, even if they’re not the most cuddly!
Caring for a Hedgehog
When it comes to hedgehog care, they do need a bit more care than other small animals. Most importantly, they need to be kept at a warmer temperature, usually between 72-76 degrees F. If they get too cold, they will attempt to hibernate like their Northern European hedgehog cousins. However, through evolution, the African Pygmy species have lost the ability to come out of hibernation, so the cold is quite dangerous for them as they will start to hibernate and not be able to wake themselves up again. It can be fatal. Mochi lives in a cage that has a heat lamp set to a thermometer. So if her room gets too cold, the heat turns on, and it shuts off when she is warm enough.
Grooming
Hedgehogs also need to have their nails regularly trimmed, which can be difficult with how small their nails are and because hedgehogs tend to curl up when flipped upside down. But over time, you will figure out how best to work with your hedgehog and get their nails trimmed. They will also need to be taken to a vet that works with exotic animals since they are unique little creatures with specific needs.
Food
Hedgehogs eat a protein-rich insectivore diet. They make hedgehog-specific kibble but some owners will also feed them high-protein cat food. For snacks, they love mealworms, apples, bananas, and super worms.
Life with Mochi
Mochi is a cute but feisty little girl! She loves to climb up to your shoulder and sleep under your chin. But if you disturb her, she’ll let you know! Although we have spent a lot of time bonding, she is still very easily startled and can be pretty grumpy. My previous hedgehog, Pippin, was much more relaxed and easy going. But like all animals, hedgehogs each have their own personalities and temperaments. Mochi can be temperamental, but she can also be a sweetheart. We like to watch tv together and she will burrow under my throw pillows and explore the couch. She loves calming music and is obsessed with snacks! Overall, hedgehogs are great pets, but you do need to be educated in their needs before you adopt one. If cared for properly, they can lead happy and long lives with you!
Erin Wolter
Erin Wolter is a State of Texas HHS employee and amateur artist. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Texas State University and a Master’s of Science in Museum Studies from the University of Glasgow. She currently lives in Austin, TX and in her free time can usually be found painting, reading books, or spending time her hedgehog, Mochi.
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