Keeping pygmy hedgehogs is a prickly prospect warns RSPCA
CONCERNS have been raised about a new craze of keeping African pygmy hedgehogs as pets.
The RSPCA says the exotic animals are a considerable commitment and need a large temperature-controlled enclosure to mimic where they come from in the wild, with space for digging, foraging and exercise
Nicola White, RSPCA exotics senior scientific officer, said: “It is difficult to adequately meet the animal’s needs in a household environment and, where these needs can’t be met, the animal really should not be kept.”
The warning about the craze comes after one hedgehog was found abandoned at a London Underground station. Now named Paddington, it was spotted at Edgware Road on August 11. Jill Sanders, RSPCA animal collection officer, said: “I was relieved that the little hedgehog was still alive as it was far too cold for him. He was crammed into a tiny cage and must have been very disoriented and frightened.” It is not clear if someone accidentally left the animal behind or abandoned it on purpose.
The animals need an enclosure of between 75F (24C) to 86F (30C). Anything hotter and the animal is likely to suffer heat stroke while a temperature lower than 64F (18C) can induce torpor.
The hedgehogs are nocturnal, with the result that owners can grow bored of them. They are also messy, meaning their cages need cleaning daily.
They are solitary by nature and keeping two males or two females together can lead to fighting.