Pygmy Hedgehogs: Small, Cute and Prickly – How to Raise Them?

Pygmy hedgehogs They win hearts with their adorable appearance and thorns that, although intimidating, do not hurt as much as you might imagine.

Originating from the African savannas, these insectivorous mammals arrived in Brazil as exotic pets after Ibama's regulation in 2019, and today, in 2025, they are experiencing a boom in popularity.

Owners show them off on social media, with videos of their nighttime runs or careful baths, but behind the cuteness lies a serious commitment.

Raising these little animals requires knowledge, patience and resources, going far beyond a passing fancy.

Unlike traditional pets, such as dogs or cats, they have specific needs that challenge even the most experienced pet owners.

The legality of creation, health care, and financial investment are just the beginning.

This article delves deep into the world of these spiny creatures, providing a complete, up-to-date, and practical guide for those who want to embrace them.

Get ready to discover how to transform your home into an ideal home for these little adventurers and ensure they live happy and healthy lives.

The Ideal Habitat: Comfort and Space to Explore

Setting up a home for pygmy hedgehogs starts with a spacious terrarium, at least 90 cm by 40 cm, but larger is ideal.

In the wild, they travel miles in search of food, so space is synonymous with well-being.

Cover the floor with substrates such as dry pine shavings or recycled shredded paper – never wet cedar or pine, which release toxins.

An exercise wheel, with a minimum diameter of 30 cm, is mandatory, as they love to run at night, sometimes for hours.

Control the temperature between 23°C and 27°C with thermal blankets or heaters, as low temperatures make them vulnerable to respiratory diseases.

Cleaning the terrarium is essential: change the substrate weekly and remove food scraps daily.

They don't have the habit of using litter boxes, spreading dirt around the environment, which requires constant attention.

Provide hiding places, such as cardboard boxes or pet store igloos, to help them feel safe during the day.

In 2025, breeders recommend MDF terrariums with sliding doors, which are easy to clean and durable. Proper ventilation prevents mold, a silent enemy for these sensitive creatures.

Another crucial point is lighting – avoid direct sunlight, but maintain a natural light-dark cycle.

Experienced owners install low-intensity lights to simulate twilight, encouraging nocturnal activity.

If the terrarium is in a noisy room, such as a living room, consider isolating it during the day. Small adjustments to the habitat can make a difference in the energy and longevity of these curious spiny creatures.

Read also: What You Need to Know Before Getting an Exotic Animal at Home

Food: Balanced Nutrition for a Healthy Body

In the jungle, pygmy hedgehogs They hunt insects, and at home this diet should be replicated with mealworms and live crickets.

These treats, made with nutrient-rich feed, provide essential protein, but avoid dried insects, which are low in nutritional value.

Premium cat food, with high protein and low carbohydrate content, complements the diet – brands such as Royal Canin are safe choices.

Offer treats like pieces of boiled egg or apple, but no milk or dairy products, as lactose intolerance causes diarrhea and discomfort.

Keep water fresh in metal nipple drinkers, changing it daily to prevent bacteria. See a practical table with the basic diet, based on 2025 veterinary guidelines:

Food	Frequency	Amount
Live insects	Daily	5-10 units
Premium cat food	Daily	1-2 tablespoons
Boiled egg	Weekly	1 teaspoon
Fruits	Weekly	10% of the total diet

Variety is key: try mealworms or dubia roaches, observing your hedgehog's preference.

Avoid overfeeding, as obesity affects 1 in 4 domestic hedgehogs, according to specialized clinics. Weigh the food and adjust it according to the animal's weight, usually between 250g and 500g.

+ Little-Known Dog Breeds That Might Surprise You

Health and Hygiene: Prevention is the Best Way

The health of pygmy hedgehogs depends on regular check-ups with exotic veterinarians, at least twice a year.

Pneumonia, caused by cold or poor ventilation, is a serious threat – the Picudos Friends Association recorded that 30% of the hedgehogs rescued in 2024 had respiratory problems.

Biweekly baths with mild shampoo and warm water keep your skin clean, but dry it with a towel and blow-dry on a low heat.

Long nails? Cut them with scissors when they start to curl to avoid injury.

Parasites like mites thrive in dirty terrariums, so vacuum the substrate weekly and disinfect the space with pet-safe products.

Protruding eyes make them prone to injury; if you notice discharge or redness, run to the vet.

By 2025, clinics like Exóticos Vet in São Paulo will offer ultrasound exams to detect tumors, which are common in older hedgehogs.

Watch for signs like loss of appetite or excessive shedding of thorns.

There are no vaccines for hedgehogs, but prevention includes a rich diet and a clean environment. Owners report that baths with natural oils, such as diluted chamomile, soothe stressed hedgehogs.

Small daily actions, such as checking your breathing or cleaning your feet, can prevent major scares and high treatment costs.

See also: Black Cats and the History of Superstition: Why Are They Still the Least Adopted?

Behavior: Understanding the Prickly Way of Being

Pygmy hedgehogs are nocturnal, so be prepared for spinning wheel noises while you sleep.

They curl up into a ball when scared, an instinctive reaction that passes with confidence – offer insects with your hands to win them over.

Unlike hamsters, they don't like to be held, preferring to explore alone. A pet owner from Recife reported that his hedgehog, Batata, only accepts affection after 20 minutes of play.

Loud noises or bright light stress them out, so place the terrarium in a quiet corner.

Toys like PVC pipes or lightweight balls stimulate curiosity, but avoid small objects that could be swallowed.

Every hedgehog has a different temperament: some run nonstop, others love to dig holes in the substrate. Observe and adapt to their rhythm.

Socialization takes time—weeks or months, depending on the individual. Don't force interaction; let your dog sniff your hand and get used to your scent.

In 2025, forums like Hedgehog Brasil suggest short, 10-minute daily sessions to build bonds. Patience turns a skittish hedgehog into a loyal friend.

Legality and Ethics: Responsibility in Creation

In Brazil, pygmy hedgehogs have been legal since 2019, but only buy from breeders registered with Ibama, with an invoice and microchip.

Illegal purchases fuel trafficking – in 2021, 12 hedgehogs were rescued in Cachoeirinha (RS) malnourished and sick.

Today, in 2025, the legal market is flourishing, with events like the Hedgehog Expo in Curitiba connecting owners and ethical breeders. Check the origin before adopting.

Abandonment grows with popularity: NGOs like Hedgehog Rescue report 50 cases per month in major cities.

Many underestimate the care required and give up, overwhelming shelters. Adopting requires a commitment of 5 to 8 years, the average lifespan in captivity. Consider: can you handle the routine and the costs?

Ethical breeding also protects the species. Responsible breeders avoid inbreeding, common in black markets, which produces fragile offspring.

Supporting legal trade is an act of preservation and respect for these special little animals.

Costs and Investment: Planning Makes a Difference

Purchasing a pygmy hedgehog costs between R$ 500 and R$ 1,200, varying by color and lineage.

The basic terrarium costs R$ 300 to R$ 600, while accessories such as a wheel, thermal blanket and drinker cost R$ 200.

Monthly feeding ranges from R$ 50 to R$ 100, depending on the quality of the insects.

Veterinary consultations, at R$ 150 each, double in emergencies – one owner spent R$ 800 in 2024 on a respiratory infection.

In 2025, mild inflation raised these values, but the initial investment is R$1,500. Saving on the purchase can be expensive later, with poorly cared for hedgehogs.

Plan for the next 5-8 years of your life and set aside some savings for emergencies. It's worth every penny for those who love these spiky creatures.

Consider indirect costs: cleaning time, heating pad energy, and substrate replacement. A poorly assembled terrarium generates additional renovation costs.

Experienced pet owners recommend buying from breeders who offer starter kits, optimizing your budget without sacrificing quality.

Practical Tips: Success in Your Hedgehog Routine

Let your hedgehog explore a safe room for 1-2 hours a day – he needs supervised freedom.

Use gloves for the first few encounters to get used to the thorns, which don't hurt but can scare beginners.

Try different insects and note your favorites; my hedgehog, Espeto, loves mealworms but ignores crickets.

In 2025, groups like Hedgehog Brasil recommend “hunting” sessions with treats hidden in the terrarium.

Avoid terrariums near cold or noisy windows—a running fan can stress the animal. If it stops using the wheel, check its paws for injuries.

Consistency in routine, such as eating at 8 p.m., creates a strong bond and reduces stress.

Opt for homemade toys: toilet paper rolls make cheap and effective tunnels. If your hedgehog hisses a lot, give it some space—it's just him feeling cornered.

Small daily gestures, such as cleaning the water bowl or adjusting the temperature, ensure a healthy pet.

Socialization and Training: Strengthening the Bond

Socializing pygmy hedgehogs requires patience, as they aren't naturally affectionate like dogs. Start by letting them sniff your hand for 5 minutes a day, without forcibly picking them up.

One trick is to use an old t-shirt in the terrarium—the familiar scent relaxes them. After weeks, they may accept gentle strokes on their forehead, where the spines are sparser.

Training them is limited, but possible: associate a sound, such as a snap, with a treat, encouraging them to come to you.

Never yell or make sudden movements—a Florianópolis owner lost months of progress after scaring his hedgehog with a vacuum cleaner. Consistency and calm are key.

In 2025, YouTube videos show hedgehogs responding to simple commands, such as climbing platforms for food.

Don't expect elaborate tricks, but small interactions enrich the relationship. Respect his time and celebrate every step forward, no matter how small.

Conclusion: A Commitment Beyond Cuteness

Pygmy hedgehogs They charm with their unique ways, but raising them in 2025 goes beyond cute photos on social media.

From the perfect terrarium to a balanced diet, from impeccable health to understanding your behavior, every aspect requires real dedication.

Legality, costs, and ethics also weigh on the decision – adopting one means making a commitment that will last for years.

The reward? A unique bond with a little being full of personality, who repays care with unforgettable moments.

It's not for everyone: it requires time, money, and a passion for exotic animals. If you find yourself cleaning terrariums at 2 a.m. or hunting crickets at the pet store, you might be ready.

Evaluate honestly and, if you decide, dive in head first – these thorny ones are worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to buy pygmy hedgehogs legally?
Only from breeders registered with Ibama, with a microchip and invoice – look for them at events like Expo Hedgehog.

Are they aggressive?
No, but they curl up or hiss when startled. Gradual socialization solves this.

Can I have more than one in the same terrarium?
Avoid them – they are solitary and can fight. Each one needs their own space.

What is the biggest mistake beginners make?
Underestimating care, such as temperature or diet, leading to preventable illnesses.

Do they interact like other pets?
Less – they like to explore alone, but accept contact at their own pace.