How many types of Hedgehog are there?

1. How many species of hedgehogs are there?
2. What is the rarest type of hedgehog?
3. Is a porcupine a hedgehog?
4. Do hedgehog spikes hurt?
5. What is the best breed of hedgehog for a pet?
6. Can a hedgehog be a pet?
7. Do hedgehogs bite?
8. Is there a GREY hedgehog?
9. Are albino hedgehogs rare?
10. How much does a hedgehog cost?
11. Can hedgehogs Quill you?
12. Can hedgehogs swim?
13. Can hedgehog shoot quills?
14. Why are hedgehogs illegal?
15. Do hedgehogs poop a lot?
16. How long do hedgehogs live as a pet?

How many species of hedgehogs are there?

A hedgehog is a spiny mammal of the subfamily Erinaceinae, in the eulipotyphlan family Erinaceidae. There are seventeen species of hedgehog in five genera found throughout parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and in New Zealand by introduction.

What is the rarest type of hedgehog?

Possibly the rarest of all hedgehogs, the Algerian Black Hedgehog is the trickiest to identify and purchase. But Heavenly Hedgies has searched all available resources to let you know exactly how to spot this rare hedgie.

Is a porcupine a hedgehog?

Hedgehogs are small mammals with cone-shaped faces, short legs and bodies that are covered with porcupine-like quills. Despite their similar appearances, porcupines and hedgehogs are not closely related. Unlike porcupines, hedgehog quills are not easily detached from their bodies, according to Animal Planet.

Do hedgehog spikes hurt?

The quills tend to lay down flat along the back and sides of the hedgehog, all pointing towards their rear end, so as long as you don't push against the sharp tips of the quills (pet them backwards) they pose no problems or chance of being poked.

What is the best breed of hedgehog for a pet?

The most popular type of hedgehog to keep as a pet is the African Pygmy Hedgehog. The African Pygmy Hedgehog is also referred to as a white-bellied or four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). This hedgehog type typically ranges from ½ to 1-¼ lbs. and will measure approximately 5 to 8 inches.

Can a hedgehog be a pet?

Hedgehogs can be a fun and low-maintenance pet for your household, but they do need some special care. They have sharp quills that can make handling difficult. Consistent and proper daily handling will help them relax and feel comfortable with you.

Do hedgehogs bite?

Hedgehogs can bite you, but very rarely will that happen. This usually happens when they are young and think your fingers are going to feed them (if they have been fed via a syringe as they had no mother). ... They are strong enough to dig their teeth in to your flesh, however, they very rarely bite.

Is there a GREY hedgehog?

Grey – dark grey included

Grey hedgehogs have white spines and black bands and a black nose, but their mask tends fo be a lot softer. ... They're basically the same with the exception of the coloring on their shoulder area (which is dark grey instead of solid black).

Are albino hedgehogs rare?

Albino hedgehogs are extremely rare, with only one in 100,000 born with the recessive gene that causes them to have no melanin pigment in their skin, eyes or spikes.

How much does a hedgehog cost?

You are likely to find that a hedgehog costs upwards of $200 from a breeder. You may pay over $300 for more desirable or unusual color varieties of hedgehogs. Take the time to research any breeder you may purchase from to ensure they are reputable and breeding healthy animals.

Can hedgehogs Quill you?

Relaxed position

When you hold a hedgehog who is not in an alert position, the quills will lie evenly across your hands. Somehow, they will also distribute the weight your hedgie, meaning that the quills will not poke into your skin.

Can hedgehogs swim?

While they are good swimmers, hedgehogs need an accessible ledge to get in and out of the water, making creeks and rivers great places for a hedgehog pool party, but man-made swimming pools or ponds may have ledges that are too hard for hedgehogs to climb – keep an eye for any hedgehogs in trouble if you have a pool ...

Can hedgehog shoot quills?

When threatened, the hedgehog raises its quills upright in a crisscross pattern, making its body pointy and sharp. ... Just like your hair, a hedgehog's quills can fall out or break off, but the hedgehog cannot shoot its quills to defend itself. In Europe, people consider hedgehogs to be friends of backyards and gardens.

Why are hedgehogs illegal?

There are at least 17 known species of hedgehogs. All species are restricted from possession as pets in California primarily because they can become pests where introduced into the wild where they don't naturally occur. ... Permits are not issued to import or possess any wild animal for pet purposes.

Do hedgehogs poop a lot?

Hedgehogs poop a lot. They poop all the time. Young hedgies are quite fond of pooping while doing their chores like while roaming around or playing on their wheel. But, as they grow older, they tend to hold much better and can be trained to litter in the right areas.

How long do hedgehogs live as a pet?

Dr. Keller says, “With appropriate care and keeping, your hedgehog will live about five years, and some even live longer than eight years.” If you have any questions about hedgehogs, contact your local veterinarian.