African mini hedgehog is short and fat, with a prominent nose and a very sensitive sense of smell. It will be familiar with the smells everywhere with its nose. Its claws are sharp, but its limbs are short, and its maximum weight is about 1 kg. Its abdomen has soft hair, and when the whole body is curled up and connected with the head and tail, it will become a ball full of hard thorns, which can resist the enemy's attack and is very agile and dexterous. African mini hedgehogs are divided into white, brown, white, gold, black, chocolate, apricot, champagne and other colors, and the face is white to the abdomen. The simple and lovely appearance of African mini hedgehog is loved by more and more people, and its life span is generally 4-5 years [1].
Somatotype characteristics
White or cream hair on the abdomen and face, white thorns mixed with black or brown; The face may be darker, like a mask. The lower part of the foot usually shows a darker color. The height of the ear is shorter than the length of the thorn, and there is hair around it. Many individuals are hybrids of two species, which is difficult to distinguish. The body length ranges from15.5cm to 23cm, and the weight ranges from 3 1 1 g to 566g.
Distribution and life span
Africa; 3-9 years (maximum 10 years).
Living habits
Hedgehogs are omnivores. In the wild, it mainly feeds on various invertebrates and small vertebrates, as well as grass roots, fruits, melons and other plants. Family feeding can be prepared by yourself, with meat residue, grain and by-products, vegetables and so on in proportion. In addition, caterpillars, beetles, snails, earthworms and other small animals and fruits can also be fed. But it must be clean, or you will get a lot of diseases. It is recommended not to eat three months before birth, which is easy to be picky about food. It can not be used as the daily food of hedgehogs, which will lead to diseases such as iron deficiency and easy shedding of thorns. Fruits and vegetables should not be irritating, otherwise they may die on the spot.
Hedgehogs hibernate in winter because they can't regulate their body temperature stably and keep it at the same level. When the enemy is injured, they will huddle together to protect themselves. Hedgehogs are timid, easily frightened, like quiet and annoying, like darkness and fear of light. It moves slowly and usually doesn't sleep at night. It has a keen sense of smell and a small appetite, and usually eats at dark.
African mini hedgehog is an animal that likes quiet and is afraid of light and heat. It is hungry and drought-tolerant, and it snores when sleeping, which is very interesting. This hedgehog is a bit withdrawn and timid. When frightened, it will run around and incontinence. African mini hedgehogs love to move at night, and sleep for more than 10 hours a day, so they sleep almost all day and eat and play everywhere at night [1].
The optimum temperature for raising African mini hedgehogs is 20-27 degrees Celsius. When the temperature drops to 7 degrees Celsius, hedgehogs usually go into hibernation, and the hibernation time can last for four or five months. However, African mini hedgehogs live in hot Africa and rarely hibernate. After hibernation, they will die of hunger or hypothermia. Therefore, when winter comes, the owner will provide African mini hedgehogs with insulation lamps or electric blankets for small pets. Surprisingly, when it is very hot in summer, the African mini hedgehog will take a nap in summer and hide in a cool place to enter a state of suspended animation to resist the hot weather. [2]
Growth and reproduction
The breeding period of hedgehogs is from June to August every year, the annual output is 1~2, and the gestation period is 35~37 days, with 3~7 nests per nest. Newborn cubs are pink all over, with soft white bristles and closed eyes, weighing about 13~ 15g. After about 20 hours, the bristles began to stand up and make a squeaking sound. /kloc-Open your eyes after 0/0, and begin to teether after 20 days, showing the color of thorns. During this period, it is recommended not to disturb the hedgehog and change anything, as long as the time is fast. Sexual maturity is about 1 year; Pinto and Pinto are easier to reproduce and produce Pinto (reference data: one quarter).
Protect knowledge
Hedgehogs have strong adaptability and low requirements for the environment. But hedgehogs have the habit of being quiet and afraid of light. They don't sleep during the day and go out at night. It is best to choose a quiet place with less human interference for family breeding. Because it is not very active, you can use cages to keep birds or cats, or you can use wooden boxes or cartons as hedgehogs' homes. The box can be covered with hay, pine leaves or straw, but it is best to use pine sawdust of about 5 cm, as long as the size of the box does not make it feel cramped and there is enough room for activities. In addition, put a cat toilet and cat litter in the corner of the box as its bathroom, then its smell will be much smaller. Usually you can put it on the floor at home and watch it play. It should be noted that due to its heterogenicity, although it can withstand low temperatures, it should be kept warm in winter. Generally, the temperature is controlled between 23~27℃, and the humidity is controlled below 40%, so it will not choose to hibernate. Such a simple life demand is also the advantage that hedgehogs are different from other pets.
Hedgehog is Nocturnal Animals, which feeds in the early morning and dusk, sleeps at other times, and sleeps for more than 10 hours every day. However, because hedgehogs have a fast metabolism, they need a lot of food to supplement calories. Hedgehog is an omnivore, which can be fed by itself at home, and meat, grain, by-products and vegetables are matched in proportion. Mainly animal feed, earthworms, breadworms, crickets can be used, and minced beef and mutton can also be used, but it must be fresh, hygienic and small. Some big pet shops also have special feed for hedgehogs with balanced nutrition. Sometimes cat and dog feed is also a good staple food, and drinking water can be supplied through rabbits' drinking tanks. Plant food can be fed with fresh and clean fruits and vegetables. Soak in water 1 hour before feeding to prevent gastrointestinal digestive system diseases. If the food is put in its feeding box, the remaining uneaten food should be washed safely and the box should be kept clean.
Getting close to hedgehogs is indeed a problem, but there is always a way. The hedgehog is not afraid of being stung. For an adult hedgehog, you can cross your hands and carefully hold its bare belly from below, because its belly is covered with hair and has no thorns, as long as it is honest and does not move. Of course, it can only do this after it is familiar with you. If you are still afraid, put on rubber gloves.
I hope it helps you. Hedgehogs in the wild don't have much contact. There are many parasites.