What’s an African Pygmy Hedgehog?

African Pygmy Hedgehogs belong to the subfamily Erinaceinae, and is one of the very few domesticated species of hedgehogs in the world. Some call these the White-Bellied Hedgehogs (with reference to the white fur underneath), and has began to grow popular as pets in countries like US, Canada and many other European countries in the early 2000s.

African Pygmy Hedgehog is the most commonly found hedgehog species in Malaysia, although they still remain an uncommon pet in households in this country.

The thorny outlook of hedgehogs often prevents people from understanding the gentle behavior of this little mammal. Despite being solitary animals, hedgehogs are generally very calm and good-tempered in nature, and will rarely threaten to attack unless being provoked forcefully. Hedgehogs will erect its quills to act as a defense mechanism from intimidations, and once it realizes that the subject meant no harm, it will then lower its quills.

Hedgehogs generally are nocturnal animals, and you’ll likely find them tucked nicely in their hideboxes or under shades sleeping during daytime. Some hedgehogs are friendlier than others and will bond well with pet-owners, and are able to recognize their owners’ smells. But there are also hedgehogs which are grumpy and dislike handlings or noises.

It should come as amusing to read that hedgehog temperaments are inherited, but in truth that’s what the fact is. Parents with good tempers usually have good-tempered hoglets, and vice versa. However, it does not mean that the hedgehog will forever have bad temperament. Some just require more time and handling to bond with its owner, and as bad as its temper could be, slowly the hedgehog will have a certain level of attachment to its owner.