I was going to do this post on Sugar Gliders, but then I remembered that I had already written about these adorable marsupials here, so I'm writing about hedgehogs, or, more specifically, the African Pygmy Hedgehog.
First of all, it may interest you to know (or maybe not) that the African Pygmy Hedgehog was never a wild animal. As before stated, they are domesticated, and they were originally hybrids of the Four-toed (white-bellied) Hedgehog and the Algerian Hedgehog (actually domesticated by the Ancient Romans). Other hedgehogs are sometimes kept as pets, but these are hard to find and more expensive.
A cage meant for a guinea pig or rabbit will suffice for a Hedgie, as hedgehogs are sometimes known, as long as it doesn't have a wire floor. Also, the "c and c cage" which you can read about here works well for them. Actually, a lot of the supplies needed for a guinea pig or rabbit will work for hedgies.
For food, good hedgehog specific food can be hard to find (some PetSmart locations carry hedgehog food, but only one brand, and it currently has a low rating) and when it can be found, it is quite expensive. A lot of hedgehog owners feed their hedgie high quality (expensive, but hedgehogs are tiny) dry cat food, about four tablespoons a day is a good amount. Also, some leafy greens, meats, fruits, vegetables, and feeder insects can be given to hedgehogs as treats.
Legal issues: African Pygmy Hedgehogs, as far as I can tell (but don't take my word for it), are illegal in only three states: California, Hawaii, and Georgia, as well as parts of some other states. A handful of states have permit requirements. Remember, never get an exotic pet without first making sure that it is legal.
Hedgies can be tamed, and a tame hedgehog will let you hold it without rolling into a ball. They can make fun and entertaining pets (as well as being adorable) and are one of the easiest to care for of the exotic pets.
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