African Pygmy Hedgehog Care Guide

[@okiepokeyhogs752]

Also remember to not anthropomorphize - their defensive behaviors have nothing to do with "liking" you (or any other human emotions). They're an instinctive reaction meant to intimidate you. Your job is to ignore them and handle them with confidence so they learn that they aren't effective. On the other hand, if you're timid in response, put them away, etc, you reinforce them. Don't try to avoid the huffiness by stopping whatever it is that sets it off - in fact, continuing to do things that seem to bother them will help them become desensitized and less reactive.

[@annalynnn9189]

Hi, I’m a 13 year old (almost 14). I’ve been dying to get a hedgehog for around 3 years now. I had one as a class pet in the second grade and have been interested ever since. I have done a lot of research on African Pygmy Hedgehogs and even hedgehogsat a friend’s hedgehog for a month. I loved the experience and I’ve convinced my mom but my dad isn’t so sure. He made me calculate the lifetime cost and when I did he resorted to asking what the purpose of it was. Does it produce food? Does it kill pests? Does it make us money? Does it guard the house? I have done everything I possibly could. All I can do is hope that I’ve gotten through to him. I don’t know why I wrote this. I think I just want to get something in recognition of all that I’ve done to get a hedgehog.

[@lemond4264]

Do you think its ok to keep a hedgehog if I own a cat? I'm thinking about getting a hedgehog. Also, if I went on vacation for 7-10 days, would it be ok for somebody to come everyday and take care of them, or leaving them in someone else's house so they get taken care of? Great video by the way!

[@okiepokeyhogs752]

Manhandling is the best way to form a strong bond with your hedgehog and create trust in the long run. (Manhandling means confident, assertive, hands-on interaction in all different ways. Mess with them, push back the visor quills, move them around, turn them on her back, back and forth in your hands, upside-down. Engage them fully with your palms. Do things that make them defensive and continue anyway. Show them that you're in charge and not afraid.)You have to desensitize them to things they are inclined to feel wary of in order to gain their trust and allow them to feel safe with you. If you manhandle confidently every day, they'll learn that nothing bad will happen to them and they will begin to relax and not feel so vulnerable. It's all about trust.

[@isaacgreen8512]

Why so little views? You put a lot of work into your videos! Keep it up!q

[@okiepokeyhogs752]

The video has only been up for a week, I'm sure it will get more views in time. I made it for my customers who are interested in purchasing hedgehogs from us, so as long as they see it I'll be happy 😊

[@isaacgreen8512]

+Okie Pokey Hogs I might want a hedgehog in the future, right now I have a mouse. Where should I go to purchase one?

[@okiepokeyhogs752]

+Isaac Green That depends on where your located and if your only looking locally or if your wanting to have one shipped.

[@isaacgreen8512]

+Okie Pokey Hogs I live in Indiana state...

[@okiepokeyhogs752]

If your wanting to purchase one from us our website is listed at the bottom of the video description. We have an adoption application that needs to be filled out prior to placing a deposit or being placed on our waiting list for future litters. We offering shipping thru United Airlines for $175. www.hedgehogbreeders.org/usa.html is a great place to look for breeders and I believe Hoosier Hedgehogs is located in your State. You can also go to www.hedgehogwelfare.org/adoptions.asp and fill out their application to to be put in contact with a rescue facility that may have hedgies who need homes in your area.

[@lanawesterfield4408]

Great video, thank you for making this

[@staceymartin3303]

Do you think a 11 year old kid could take care of a hedgie I really want one and I feel like I can take care of one I need to convince my mom that I can take care of one also can a hedgehog be in the same house with a cat?

[@hannamoen1657]

will a hedgehog be okay in 80 degrees room? my room always stays this warm. if it isn't how do I get it lower? and do I absolutely need a thermostat for my lamp heater? thanks !

[@okiepokeyhogs752]

Yes 80F is fine. We keep our whole hedgehog room 80 all year round. The ambient air temperature usually differs from actual cage temp so the room may be 80 but the cage will be 75-78 depending on its level in the room (warmer up higher cooler down lower).

[@okiepokeyhogs752]

Hedgehogs are not companion animals like dogs or cats. They are a prey animal and are biologically engineered to not trust us. They are also solitary animals, so they prefer being alone. Manhandling is the only way you'll be able to form a bond with your hedgehog. If the hedgehog had it their way, they'd probably never ever want you to touch them. Think of it like training. Once they know they're safe, they'll learn to trust you. They will try to intimidate you to get you to go away. Just ignore it, don't take it personally, and remember that it's an intentional strategy meant to scare you. If you act scared by it, you encourage it.

[@argelize]

can i keep heat on my hedgie if i use a lot of layers of fleece in his bag?

[@okiepokeyhogs752]

Argel Gasca yes, you want to make sure their cage temp is 75-80f degrees year round so they will still be a comfortable temperature even when they aren't in their cuddle bag.

[@argelize]

In my town there are low temperatures, just sometimes a little cold as 71-72 degrees and not see much need to buy a heat source, also my room is warm

[@maizuraelianaabmalik6631]

😓😓😓😓😭 i use the cage with holes....😟😟😟😟😟😟😟😦😿😾

[@avieirebornchannel3753]

Can you send me this video

[@FrkMoerck1990]

It's illigal to have egyptian longeared in US?

[@rubyduncan8725]

Bob Arnold she has a permit so she can own one and not get in trouble

[@miufke_]

Pet transsss

[@ACockatielsSong]

They are native to AFRICA, hence the name African Pygmy Hedgehog. Why did you say they are not 'natively found anywhere" And you are trying to sucker people into sending you money for one?! OMG

[@okiepokeyhogs752]

No.. This species is waaaaaay to temperature sensitive to roaming around in the wild. Under 70 degrees they hibernate and die, over 85-90 degrees they have a heat stroke and die. Also the term Pygmies is misused, they are not a smaller version of an African Hedgehog, it's an entirely different species. There are 15 some different species of hedgehogs. The African Pygmies are a cross between the white bellied & Algerian species of hedgehogs.

[@okiepokeyhogs752]

If you paid attention to the video AT ALL you'd know it's a CARE GUIDE VIDEO. Not once did I suggest anyone buy/purchase anything from us, but merely how to care for one once acquired. Yes, I made this video for my customers who are pursuing more information pertaining to difficulty of care to find out if owning a hedgehog is a good choice for them since they are exotic pets who need special care, but the information can be useful to anyone.