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In Photos: African pygmy hedgehog, the latest must-have pet!

Posted By: Subhobrata Basu | 5 months ago

The African Pygmy Hedgehog is a curious species found in central and eastern Africa. The latest must-have pet is also known as the four-toed hedgehog. It is basically a nocturnal animal that likes to live alone. Though it can climb and swim, it also loves to move along the ground. It is a bundle of energy as it can spend long hours searching for insects, grubs, snails, spiders and plants. The most striking feature of these animals is the high tolerance levels towards toxins. There has been reports of African Pygmy Hedgehogs consuming scorpions even. These cute little animals can be scooped up in a tablespoon. They are very popular with pet shops in UK.

African pygmy hedgehogs
African pygmy hedgehogs

Found throughout much of central and eastern Africa
Found throughout much of central and eastern Africa

Oval bodied animal
Oval bodied animal

15 and 25 centimetres in length
15 and 25 centimetres in length

Weighing between 250 and 600 grams
Weighing between 250 and 600 grams

It has short legs
It has short legs

Is a solitary, nocturnal animal
Is a solitary, nocturnal animal

They are carnivorous
They are carnivorous

Smaller than a normal hedgehog
Smaller than a normal hedgehog

Originally from Egypt
Originally from Egypt

Looks like a prickly customer
Looks like a prickly customer

It can vary greatly in colouration
It can vary greatly in colouration

It generally moves along the ground
It generally moves along the ground

They can even have dog food
They can even have dog food

Live on insects and slugs
Live on insects and slugs

Baby hedgies cost from around £120
Baby hedgies cost from around £120

Become the latest must-have handbag accessory
Become the latest must-have handbag accessory

The must have pet
The must have pet

Prefer a warm climate
Prefer a warm climate

After seeing all these pictures you might be tempted to keep an African Pygmy Hedgehog as a pet. However, there are certain tips for keeping these pets. These hedgehogs cannot be friends with your dog or cat as they may feel distressed. You may come across several websites or books wherein there will be picture of pygmy hedgehogs playing with other animals but that is a rarity. Again, they are used to human handling but don't overdo it. Now the most important question. How much do they cost and where will you find them? The diet of a Pygmy Hedgehog consists of food which are usually given to cats or ferrets. The baby hedgehogs cost around GBP 120 but there can be other ancillary expenses like feeding costs and installation cost. You can contact your nearest pet shop for a Pygmy Hedgehog.

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