African Pygmy Hedgehog

African pygmy hedgehog – a tiny creature of unusual colors. The size of it is little more than a human palm (about twenty centimeters). The tail is short (forty millimeters). Colours varied. Taurus all representatives of this breed has a light gray (almost white) color. Needles are gray with white tips, brown, dairy shades. Around the spout has a small brown / gray / light pink stain. Ears also brownish. Elongated muzzle. Eyes large, black. Sometimes – red. The legs are long, straight, completely covered with soft fur. Males are slightly smaller than females. Size – one of the main distinguishing between the sexes.

Tёplolyubivye live animals on the African continent. They can be found in East Africa. Surprisingly, hedgehogs like height. Often moving animals climb a half kilometer height.

African pygmy hedgehog – an emotional animal. Most of all, he does not like uninvited guests. When someone sneaks into his hideout, harmless at first glance, the animal begins to hiss maliciously. Sometimes it comes to a fight. If a hedgehog hurt, it also delivers the signal sounds as a squeak.

Like other hedgehogs breed African active at night. At this time of day the animals are usually looking for their own food. African pygmy small mammal insatiable. All night there is no respite. Not surprisingly, he eats all that just to find: from insects, ending snails, green food.

Hedgehogs of this breed have a strong immune system. They are not afraid of the venom of scorpions, snakes, deadly plants. That could have a negative impact on human health, the hedgehog will not bring any harm.

Live animals in burrows, which are dug yourself. Sometimes the houses occupied by rodents. In summer, the animals are sleeping. Hedgehogs have poor eyesight, but a well-developed ears. African hedgehog always feel the danger. At the slightest suspicion he curls into a ball.

To search for pairs of the animal is responsible. When a male meets a female, it is a long time examining it. Periodically he shouts, snorting. Females do not always reciprocate. They try to avoid contact, curl up into a ball, run away.

When the female is ready to mate, she gives special signals: falls, pull hind legs, puts needles. After mating, the female can not have contact with other males. Only after childbirth can be repeated pregnancy. Callout offspring lasts for forty days. During this period the female sensitive to the environment. They carefully behave. Do not come into conflict. Over time it can be born about five cubs. Babies are born unprotected, almost can not see. Over time, vision, hearing there. Often survives only part of the urchins. At least one newborn dies. Needles are growing at a breakneck pace. After a couple of hours, there are little dots on the body. A few days later the body is completely covered with a ball of needles, which serve as protection for kids. At the age of one month hedgehogs begin to move, learn to curl up into a ball. At two months of age adult hedgehogs begin an independent life. They go in search of a suitable place to nest. Later, create a family. Males thrown females immediately after mating.

Care for cute small animals do not require much effort. Now briefly describe to you how to make your pet happy. First buy a terrarium. It is the hedgehog live. You can use the cage. Give the animal a few days to get used to. A week later, he will feel safe. Feed it can be of different foods: fruits, vegetables, seeds, protein foods. It is recommended to give him a boiled egg, meat without salt, spices. The house must be present drinkers, feeders.

The animal can not stand the cold, so keep him warm, away from the wind. Bottom desirable paved with something. Not bad fit dry corn leaves, cat litter. Sawdust should be avoided.