African Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) are popular exotic pets known for their curious personalities and unique appearance. With proper nutrition, housing, and veterinary care, they can make rewarding companions for many years.
Understanding their dietary, environmental, and health needs is essential for keeping them healthy.
Lifespan
With proper care, African Hedgehogs can live:
Up to 10 years
Diet
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining a healthy body weight and supporting normal activity.
Recommended foods include:
- Commercial hedgehog food
- Crickets
- Bee moth larvae
- Other suitable insects
- Small amounts of diced fruits
- Small amounts of vegetables
For an average-sized adult hedgehog fed once each evening, the diet should consist of:
- 50% commercial hedgehog food
- 25% fruit and vegetable mixture
- 25% crickets, bee moth larvae, or other insects
Fresh water should always be available using either:
- A water bottle
- A sturdy water crock
Housing
Proper housing is important for maintaining both physical and behavioral health.
Wire cages are not recommended.
The enclosure should have:
- Smooth walls
- Smooth flooring
- Non-climbable surfaces
- Easy-to-clean materials
Provide soft, absorbent bedding such as:
- Carefresh® bedding
- Shredded newspaper
A nest box should always be available.
The nest box should be only slightly larger than the hedgehog to provide a secure resting area.
To prevent aggression, no more than one male should be housed within the same enclosure or social group.
Temperature
African Hedgehogs require warm environmental temperatures.
Maintain enclosure temperatures between:
75–85°F
Maintaining proper temperatures helps reduce the risk of illness, particularly respiratory disease.
Reproduction
African Hedgehogs may reach sexual maturity as early as:
2 months of age
Average gestation length is:
34–37 days
Typical litter size ranges from:
1–7 pups
Males should be removed from the enclosure before birth because cannibalism of newborns may occur.
Young hedgehogs are generally weaned between:
4–6 weeks of age
Common Health Problems
Internal and External Parasites
Parasites may affect both the skin and internal organs.
Veterinary examination is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections may occur if environmental temperatures are too low or husbandry is poor.
Risk can be reduced by:
- Maintaining temperatures between 75–85°F
- Providing clean, dry, absorbent bedding
- Keeping the enclosure clean
Cancer
African Hedgehogs are susceptible to several different forms of cancer.
Routine veterinary examinations help detect abnormalities as early as possible.
Preventive Veterinary Care
Routine wellness examinations are recommended to monitor your hedgehog’s overall health.
Providing:
- A balanced diet
- Proper environmental temperatures
- Clean housing
- Fresh water
- Regular veterinary care
can help support a long, healthy life.
