What are hedgehogs?

Answer 1

A hedgehog is a small, nocturnal, insectivorous (sometimes almost omnivorous) mammal of the family Erinaceidae, with 17 species in 5 genera. While many people think they are related to Porcupines, they are actually most closely related to shrews and are not rodents.

They are most commonly known for their exotic quality of having quills.

The hedgehog is a smaller mammal, walking very close to the ground on four long and thin legs. They commonly have a "tear drop" shape when viewed from the top and sides. Their backs and the tops of their heads are completely covered in short quills. They can completely roll into a ball to protect themselves from predators. While these quills do prick tender hands, they have no venom, are not barbed, and are not projectile in any way. Their face is elongated, almost like a shrews, with beady black eyes and a adorable button nose at the end. They have 36-44 teeth.

Pet Hedgehogs

One species, The "African Pygmy", is domesticated. It's actually a hybrid of the Whitebellied hedgehog and the North African hedgehog. They typically weigh 1/2 pound to 1 1/2 pounds, and are adored as exotic pets due to the fact they are considered "relatively low maintenance". They come in a wide variety (135 colors, with dilutes being developed).

Their diet consists of high quality cat food, along with various enrichments such as meal worms, wax worms, silk worms, repti worms, cooked and unseasoned meats, berries, fruits, and vegetables.

In most ways, the domesticated hedgehog can be compared to other wild species, though their temperaments have been modified through breeding and they come in a very wide range of colors. They are nocturnal but have been known to adapt to their handlers routines.

They aren't technically considered an affectionate animal, since they do not seek out affection from their owners, but they do enjoy the company and usually a good cuddle while watching movies.

Wild Hedgehogs

Although formerly classified in the insectivore family Insectivora, hedgehogs are almost omnivorous. Hedgehogs feed on insects, snails, frogs and toads, snakes, bird eggs, carrion, mushrooms, grass roots, berries, melons, and watermelons. In fact, berries constitute a major part of an Afghan Hedgehog's diet in early spring after hibernation. The hedgehog is occasionally spotted after a rainstorm foraging for earthworms. Although forest hedgehogs, most well known to Europeans, are indeed mainly insectivores, this is not necessarily true for other species.

In areas that have hedgehogs in the wild, they are often welcomed as a natural form of garden pest control. Many people leave food out to attract hedgehogs. Although hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, they will eagerly consume cheese, milk, and dairy products, causing illness. The common pet hedgehog (Four-toed Hedgehog) can however have a small portion of cottage cheese as a dietary supplement.

Fresh water all year round will also prevent dehydration in summer months. Please make sure that all ponds have an exit route. Hogs can swim but they will eventually tire and drown.