Atelerix albiventris most commonly known as African pygmy hedgehogs, are a tame breed developed using the African White Bellied hedgehog and Algerian hedgehog, the breed were bred in the US about 20 years ago. They have been pets for about 15 years in America and only 5 in the UK, they are still quite rare. There are only 8 breeders in the UK and due to the demand a hoglet could cost you any where between £80-£150. Many members of the APH community are working hard to stop these hogs becoming bred badly by “farmers” (think puppy farm – not good) who are only out to make money and do not care about raising healthy friendly hogs who will make good pets.

African Pygmy Hedgehogs live between 4-6 years of age and an average a pygmy hedgehog weighs between 12-18 ounces – but there is a big variation. APH’s prefer to be on their own, females can get along with each other but males will fight. They don’t hibernate like wild British and they need to be kept warm, at least 22°c; if it gets too cold they might try to hibernate, which will make them ill and then die.  

Hedgehog makes great pets for adults and older children who are patient enough to care for them. They do take quite a bit of care and tolerance, but it certainly pays off. They are curious and interesting pets, they are pretty smart (well smarter than a hamster, rabbit of guinea pig) although daft and a bit clumsy sometimes too. All of this as well as being as cute as a button! Even Mr Toffee, who is pretty grumpy, is adorable and does the funniest things, I wouldn’t change him for the world.

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