Albie

[Pickalilly]

Hi,

This is Albie (Abert), my new 8 week old Pygmy Hedgehog. He's an extremely dark chocolate - his nose is almost black. The breeders said he was the darkest one they'd ever had! He was very nervous but is doing great now and really bonding already.
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i325/Speedmister/th_d8c7133e21124340ba1f92d47b23cb3f.jpg (http://s1088.photobucket.com/albums/i325/Speedmister/?action=view&current=d8c7133e21124340ba1f92d47b23cb3f.jpg)

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i325/Speedmister/th_48806fb81ab323660d96086eed0c46a7.jpg (http://s1088.photobucket.com/albums/i325/Speedmister/?action=view&current=48806fb81ab323660d96086eed0c46a7.jpg)

:D

[angieh]

What a wee cutie! How do you take care of a pygmy hog?

[Pickalilly]

What a wee cutie! How do you take care of a pygmy hog?

Thank you!! Well, it's a pain because as they're quite rare, there are no good products designed specifically for them. The best housing is a large indoor rabbit cage. They use a ferret wheel and run around/play with any puppy, cat, ferret, guinea pig etc. toys. They need a very high protein and low fat diet and mainly eat quality cat dry food. As most high quality brands deliver 80% of their dietary needs, it's best to mix foods so I have 6 different cat food brands for him. They eat a few mealworms or crickets as treats and some fruit /veg or cooked chicken, beef or scrambled egg. :) Hedgies need a good hour running round in a playpen in the evening because they're nocturnal. They need loads of handling, and become so tame and bonded that their quills are permanently flat (which I'm yet to experience with Albie :p) .

They run on their wheels all night and use them as a toilet while they run, so I put a litter tray with hemp below the wheel, and he only ever goes there which is great! They are certainly a very special and rewarding pet, but need a lot of work! With Albie's socialisation, I find that I go one step backward and two steps forward. It doesn't help that he's quilling and very grumpy! :D

[angieh]

That's really interesting. Thanks!