The African Hedgehog is a nocturnal insectivore found throughout central Africa. It is a smaller animal than the European Hedgehog with an adult weight ranging from 250 grams to 600 grams. A wide variety of vocalizations made by hedgehogs include grunts. squeals, snuffling and sneezing. One of the most frustrating behaviors of hedgehogs is the defensive posture of rolling itself in a tight ball exposing only spines to potential attackers. This position makes the animal difficult to handle, examine and treat. The most obvious unique feature of the hedgehog is a collection of spines which range in size from 0.5 to 1 cm. in length. In the African species, the spines are absent from a small area over the head. The legs and ventral surface are covered with light colored hair. The male hedgehog has an external penis located midway up the abdomen. Most adult males have a large percentage of elongated purely white spines which are rare or absent in the female.

Housing

A wide variety of caging has been used successfully to maintain hedgehogs. In general. the walls and floor of the enclosure should be smooth. non-climbable and easily cleaned. Wire is not recommended because animals may catch toes or limbs in the wire. The height of the enclosure is not critical provided the animal cannot climb out. Animals should be provided with ample floor space allowing freedom of movement and ability to exercise. A soft absorbent bedding material should be used to absorb urine and feces. Hedgehogs are very susceptible to dermatitis from urine or fecal contamination if housed on non-absorbent material or if bedding is not changed frequently. Cloth or towels should not be used to prevent string ingestion or strangulation of limbs. Cage furnishings such as plants, logs, plastic pipes etc. are generally well tolerated and provide needed hiding areas. Hedgehogs may be housed singly or in groups provided no more than one adult male is present in any group. Males may fight inflicting serious damage on each other with their teeth and spines.

The temperature in the enclosure should be kept between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature falls below this. the activity levels will decrease and the animals become more susceptible to respiratory and other infections. If the temperature falls below 65 degrees, the hedgehogs may go into a state of induced torpor.

Diet

The exact nutrient requirements for hedgehogs are unknown. At the Santa Barbara Zoo, hedgehogs have been maintained successfully on a diet of commercial dry dog or cat chow, commercial cooked meat mixture(Bird of Prey Diet), a small amount of diced fruit and vegetables, crickets and meal worms. Many other diets have been used at other institutions and include hard boiled eggs, evaporated milk, small mice and vegetable/beef baby food. It is important that the diet provide adequate protein, vitamins and minerals and be balanced for calcium and phosphorus levels. It is also important for caretakers to routinely monitor the animal's weight, since they are extremely susceptible to obesity and malnutrition. Most hedgehogs will learn to drink from water bottles, however some individuals never learn to use a water bottle properly. It is therefore wise to provide water in a dish until it is certain that the animal is using the water bottle properly.

Breeding

The exact reproductive cycle of the African Hedgehog has not been determined.. They are year-round breeders and may reach sexual maturity as early as two months of age. The gestation length is 34-37 days and litter sizes range from 1 to 7 pups with 3 being the average. The birth weight of the pups averages 10 ounces and their eyes open within 13 to 16 days after birth. Animals are weaned at 4 to 6 weeks of age.

Diseases

Hedgehogs are susceptible to many of the same conditions as other mammals, but several conditions are seen with great frequency.

1. Parasitism: Hedgehogs are susceptible to a large number of internal and external parasites. External parasites consist of fleas, ticks and several species of mites. A variety of nematode, cestode and protozoa internal parasites have been identified in hedgehogs.

2. Neoplasm: A wide variety of tumors have been described affecting almost every body system. Animals over 3 years of age are particularly susceptible.

3. Respiratory Infections: As mentioned previously, animals kept at low environmental temperatures are particularly susceptible to respiratory infections including rhinitis, laryngitis, tracheitis and pneumonia.

4. Dental Problems: Fractured and/or abscessed teeth are a relatively common cause of anorexia, weight loss and excess salivation in hedgehogs.

Questions should be directed to our office, 502-245-7863