Hedgehogs feature smooth spines on their fur, similar to bristles on a brush. In comparison with porcupines which have sharp quills, hedgehogs are more approachable and safer as pets.
African Pygmy Hedgehogs (four-toed hedgehogs) are among the smallest of hedgehog species, often sold for the pet trade as quiet yet active entertainment. You can find these animals in various color patterns including salt and pepper, snowflake and cinnamon hues. Hedgehogs make great pets but require extensive care: spacious housing must be cleaned often while feeding nocturnal animals will need evening care too!
African Pygmy Hedgehog Behavior and Temperament
Requiring moderate care and being active mostly at night, African pygmy hedgehogs make an excellent pet for those who work 9-to-5 jobs. Being quiet solitary creatures who do not crave human companionship or other animal company; African pygmy hedgehogs will take some time getting used to humans but with regular, gentle handling they can eventually be hand-tamed with handling; their spines provide their main form of defense from bites from potential attackers.
Hedgehogs have an intriguing “self-anointing” habit that may be disconcerting to witness for the first time. When introduced to new scents or foods, hedgehogs begin frothing at their mouth and spreading saliva all over their back. No one knows why hedgehogs do this, with some more often doing so than others; experts think it may act as either stress release or protection mechanism.