Types of Hedgehogs Keep as Pets

Are There Hedgehog Breeds?

Hedgehogs are prickly mammals of the subfamily Erinaceinae, and compared to other exotic pets, they are very popular. Hedgehog ownership is common enough that commercial food for them can be found in chain pet stores. There are many hedgehog breeders and even hedgehog shows.

Often confused as relatives of porcupines or even rats, they are more closely related to moles and shrews. Some species can be considered domesticated. They can be charismatic, lovable, even very messy, pets to own.

Types of Hedgehogs You Can Own

In the United States, only one breed of hedgehog has dominated the exotic pet trade since the 1980s. Since then, there have been more imports of new hedgehog species that are now regularly available. Care between these species is slightly different, so it’s important to know what you’re getting before considering them.

African Pygmy Hedgehog

The most commonly owned type of hedgehog is often referred to as an “African pygmy hedgehog” (APH). These hedgehogs are a species of the genus Atelerixhowever, it is not clear whether these widely available hedgehogs are central African hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris, also called four-toed hedgehog), Algerian hedgehog (Atelerix algirus), a hybrid of these two species, or a mixture of all three.

Regardless, they are widely raised in captivity and “managed” under most definitions of the word, as the importation of hedgehogs has been restricted in the past due to their ability to carry foot and mouth disease.

Natural Range

Hedgehogs live in different parts of Africa.

Diet

They eat some plant matter but mainly eat insects and vertebrates such as lizards and snakes in the wild. In captivity, a commercial pelleted diet is formulated for them, and it is usually supplemented with various insects.

Unique Characteristics

Domestic hedgehogs can be shy and often roll into a ball with their quills extended as a defense against biting or running. They are poor climbers and can become docile only with repeated handling and socialization. Cage recommendations for this species are generally smaller than others. They are poor climbers, so it does not need to be accommodated in their enclosure.

Hedgehog Morphs

• Hedgehogs don’t really have “breeds,” rather, the “African pygmy hedgehog” comes in different colors or “morphs,” as is the case with ball pythons, red foxes, and domesticated skunks. These hedgehogs have no standard for morphology or temperament, unlike dog breeds.
• Some hedgehog colors include salt and pepper, which is the most common color, white belly, cinnamon, chocolate, Cinnicot, pinot, Champagne, apricot, and albino.
• Other hedgehog species have entered the pet trade. They are genetically distinct animals that evolved in separate places. Some hedgehogs of the same species can differ in appearance based on the locale they come from.

Long Eared Hedgehog

The second most popular hedgehog species, and a recent introduction to the pet trade in America, is the long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus is golden). These animals stand out because of their long ears and higher activity level.

Because of their more active nature, many breeders recommend larger enclosures for them (about 5-6 feet long) and periods outside the cage to get exercise. Unlike APHs, they will chase and play with cat toys. Breeders also recommend feeding them more insects and raw meat than APHs, which are mainly fed kibble designed for hedgehogs, however, this is not supported by any scientific evidence.

Natural Range

Central Asia, Afghanistan, Russia, Mongolia, Egypt, Chinese Turkestan.

Diet

Insects, including grasshoppers and beetles, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and small vertebrates such as lizards and snakes.

Unique Characteristics

They live, on average, for about seven years. They can survive for weeks without food or water (not that you should try this). They have evolved long ears that tend to tolerate heat radiation. Their high prey drive allows them to display interactive behaviors in captivity, such as playing with cat toys.

“Russian” Long-Eared Hedgehog Variant

This hedgehog is the same species as the “Egyptian long-ear,” however, the hedgehog population originating from Russia is somewhat larger and softer due to their long fur. They are a recent introduction to the hedgehog trade, imported by breeders.

Desert Hedgehog

Desert hedgehogs (Paraechinus Aethiopicus), which may also be called the Sonoran desert hedgehog, is another newcomer to the captive hedgehog trade in the United States. The new population was imported from Europe. Currently, the population has dark marks on their face and spines. Their care appears to be similar to that of other long-eared hedgehog species.

Natural Range

North Africa; From the Sahara to Morocco, Egypt, Syria, and Iraq

Diet

Insects, small vertebrates including snakes, and scorpions. Didn’t think to eat plants.

Unique Characteristics

They can live about 10 years in captivity

Indian Long-Eared Hedgehog

This is a very rare proprietary species name Hemiechinus collaris. It is a close relative of the more common Egyptian long-eared, although it is distinguished by its small size of less than 7 inches long. Like other long-eared hedgehogs, it has modified its large ears to cope with extremely hot temperatures. It can also sustain itself by eating insects without a water source. They are currently very rare in the United States.

Natural Range

Endemic to India and Pakistan

Diet

Insects

Unique Characteristics

Many Indians long ears are lighter in color. They are also smaller than other commonly owned hedgehogs.

Tenrec

This strange creature will be mentioned here although it is not a hedgehog nor is it closely related to them. Tenrecs are a diverse species of the Tenrecidae family, and they are endemic to the island nation of Madagascar. In the American pet trade, there are two types of animals; the common lower tenrec (Echinops telfairi) and the greater tenrec (Setifer setosus) which is a recent introduction. The striking striped tenrec (Hemicentetes semispinosus) have not been preserved and are difficult to preserve, but they are preserved abroad.

Despite their distant relationship, tenrecs have similar care to hedgehogs, although their toilet habits are cleaner, and their caging must accommodate their climbing ability.

Natural Range

Madagascar

Diet

Insects and small vertebrates.

Unique Characteristics

Tenrecs are physically equipped for climbing and are more likely to bite when threatened (if they are desocialized). They are more insectivorous than omnivorous. Tenrecs can live 10+ years, with one individual recorded living more than 20 years.

Deeds mentioned

1. Ballenger, L. 1999. “Hemiechinus auritus” (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed June 10, 2022 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Hemiechinus_auritus/
2. Graesser, Donnasue, et al. “Wobbly hedgehog syndrome in African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix spp.).” Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine 15.1 (2006): 59-65.
3. Hall, D. 2002. “Paraechinus aethiopicus” (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed June 11, 2022 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Paraechinus_aethiopicus/
4. Heavenly Hedgies. Hedgehogs vs. Tenrecs.
5. Molur, S. (2008). Hemiechinus collaris. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2.
6. Pollock C. Parmentier S. Basic Information sheet: African pygmy hedgehog. February 14, 2010. LafeberVet Web site. https://lafeber.com/vet/basic-information-for-hedgehogs/
7. Santana, EM; et al. (2010). “Atelerix albiventris (Erinaceomorpha: Erinaceidae)”. Mammalian Species. 42 (1): 99–110.
8. Sharma, A. & Mathur, RS (1974). “Histomorphological Changes in the Female Reproductive Tract Hemiechinus golden-collaredGray in Relation to the Estrous Cycle”. Acta Zoologica. 55 (4): 235

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. The content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for personal advice or professional advice on business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

© 2022 Melissa A Smith

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