The most common species of domesticated hedgehog are white or agile four-footed hedgehogs or are called African pygmy porcupines (Atelpix albiventris ). The Algerian Hedgehog ( Atelerix algirus ) is a separate hedgehog species.
The benevolent hedgehogs kept as pets are hybrids from African hedgehogs and four legs. Other species kept as pets include long Egyptian hedgehogs ( Hemiechinus auritus auritus ) and Indian long-heeled oak ( Hemiechinus collaris ).
Video Domesticated hedgehog
Roman-laced hedgehals
The Romans tamed a relative of an Algerian hedgehog in the 4th century BC. They grew up for meat and thorns. Fur spines are used in the training of other animals, such as raising calves from suckling after weaning.
Hedgehog spines are used for card paper and pin dissection long after the Romans are actively raised and lifting the hedgehog.
Maps Domesticated hedgehog
modern domestication
Maintenance of hedgehog land became popular in the early 1980s.
Since domestication began, several new colors of porcupine have been made or become common, including albino and pinto hedgehogs. Pinto is the color pattern, not the color: the lack of color on the thorns and the skin below in different patches. Domesticated species prefer warmer climates (above 22 Â ° C, 72 Â ° F) and unnatural hibernation. Efforts to hibernate due to low body temperature can be fatal, but easily reversed if caught within a few days.
Legality
Since hedgehogs are usually kept in such cages or enclosures, it is permissible in some dwellings where cats and dogs are not allowed.
It is illegal to own hedgehogs as pets in some US states and some Canadian municipalities, and licenses are required to breed them legally. This restriction may have been imposed due to the ability of some hedgehog species to carry foot and mouth disease, a highly contagious disease of the domesticated animals. There are no such restrictions in most European countries.
Here is a list of locations where illegals have hedgehogs. With African pigmy hedges, this list refers to cultivated hedgehogs that are commonly raised and sold as pets, not African species of hedgehogs. The first four locations are in the United States.
- California
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- New York City, New York
Other legal issues:
- Australia: All hedgehogs are classified as exotic pets that are illegal to import.
- Canada:
- In Quebec, European hedgehogs are illegal. Hedgehog African Pygmy is legal.
- In Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, having a porcupine is prohibited by in-laws.
- Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Netherlands, Spain, and England: European hedgehogs are protected and can not be kept as pets. Hedgehog African Pygmy may be legally kept as a pet.
- United States:
- In Idaho and Oregon, illegal European hedgehogs. Hedgehog African Pygmy is legal.
- In New Jersey and Wyoming, permission is required.
- In Wisconsin, an import permit from the state department of agriculture is required to bring the hedgehog to the country.
- In Fairfax County, Virginia, all hedgehogs are illegal.
- In Pennsylvania, hedgehogs can not be imported into the state, but the hedgehogs in the state in 1992 and their offspring are at least theoretically allowed. In practice, this law enforcement has been rumored to be arbitrary and uninformed.
- Singapore: Hedgehog of all kinds is illegal, along with other exotic pets such as iguanas, tarantulas, scorpions, and snakes.
- Turkey: European hedgehogs are protected and can not be kept as pets. Hedgehog African Pygmy may not be legally kept as a pet.
Appendix
In the wild, hedgehogs will cover many miles every night. With this in mind, a hedgehog needs as much space as possible. Without space, the hedgehog will show signs of depression, such as excessive sleep, refusal to eat, repetitive behavior, and self-mutilation. Due to its small size, obesity is a very dangerous problem and the hedgehogs need enough exercise to avoid liver problems due to excess weight.
Wheels are required to provide hedgehog with exercise. Some hedgehogs refuse to run on wheels, so other forms of exercise should be replaced. When choosing a wheel, it should have a solid floor. If an open wire wheel is used, the hedgehog will continue to fall between the bars and possibly break legs. Wheels with cross bars may also cause facial injuries because the hedgehog is known to appear oblique from the wheel when running. For this reason, the "bucket" type wheels are preferred by many hedgehog owners, and they are available from many breeders. DIY articles are also available for those who want to try making their own.
Pet cage with floor area of ​​5 square feet (0.46 m 2 ) or more suitable for pet hedgehog. The cage with the cable floor is harmful to the hedgehog because they can easily slip and get the branches caught on the wire. Multi-level civet or rabbit cages can allow hedgehogs more space to explore without taking up additional floor space, but when using multiple levels, keep in mind that hedgehogs have poor eyesight, can climb easily, but have difficulty going down and often do not seem to understand altitude, so it is strongly recommended that ramps and levels are fully covered to prevent falls. Some people use large glass aquariums but these can be heavy and awkward to clean and offer little ventilation. Extremely large plastic totes are common and cheap DIY cages, easy to clean, and versatile, but they must be large and should be well ventilated. Another popular do it yourself cage is a "C & amp; C" enclosure made of cubes and coroplasts, also called corrugated plastic. C & amp; C cages can be made larger than the store-bought cages and can be built one above the other to house some vertical hedgehogs without needing a shelf.
Vellux blanket material is preferred for many bedding because it is not easily torn and easy to clean. This is a luxurious material like velor that is often used for hotel blankets. The yarn from the frayed ends of the blanket has been known to wrap the hedgehog's feet, causing amputation, so the frayed fabric that must be near the hedgehog should be thoroughly examined to avoid problems. The feather duvet can also be used, but the edges must be sewn so that no stray threads where the hedgehog can catch itself. Aspen shavings are also a popular choice, as it is easy to be able to change them in addition to washing. However, pine and cedar are not recommended because they contain oils that are harmful to the lungs and skin of hedgehogs. Some beds can be dangerous because the dust content or tendency to clot in the hedgehog, others may be trapped in the hedgehog genitals. Careful research is needed before using unusual bedding.
Enclosures should be kept above 70 ° F (21 ° C) or the hedgehog will attempt to hibernate.
Food
In the wild, hedgehogs are opportunistic and will eat a lot, but most of the food is made up of insects.
As an insectivor, hedgehogs need a diet high in protein and low in fat. They also need chitin, derived from an insect exoskeleton; fiber in the diet can be a substitute for chitin components. There are foods specially prepared for pet hedgehogs and insectivores, including foods made from insect components. Alimentary powder is also available for watering on other foods that provide chitin and other nutrients. Hedgehog smokers should read labels on packaged foods to ensure a protein base, rather than a carbohydrate base.
Most hedgehog owners feed their hedgehog cats. A mixture of dry cat food can be used as a daily diet. Most caregivers mix some high quality foods (mostly meat and little by-products), low-fat cat food to ensure nutrition and aim for more than 30% protein content and fat content of no more than 12%. About 10 to 12% of fiber is also recommended. Normal cat food contains lots of fats and iron, so indoor or light formulation is generally more appropriate. Most breeders also recommend foods originating primarily from chickens. There are porcupine foods available in many pet stores, but most do not seem to be good quality formulations and will not provide the quality and levels of nutrients needed for healthy hedgehogs. One should always check the ingredients list for good quality ingredients and nutritional information for high protein and low fat content.
Pet hedgehogs can eat foods like boiled chicken, lean chicken, turkey, beef or pork (in moderation due to fat content). Hedgehogs will often eat vegetables in small quantities and can be given a small amount of fruit as a treat. Baby food is a common way to feed treats. Hedgehogs are intolerant of lactose and will have stomach problems after consuming most dairy products, although sometimes low-fat yogurt (yogurt contains bacteria that naturally process lactose) or cottage cheese seems to be well-tolerated. Sugar intake should be limited to fruits, and treats with added sugar should be avoided.
Worms eating fresh, canned, or freeze-dried, candle worms, and crickets fit as a finite snack though in moderation, as many insects feed the fat high. Many pet stores carry these bait insects. Hedgehog keepers should avoid bait or wild bugs, which may be contaminated with insecticides.
Hedgehogs can easily become fat. If a pet's hedgehog seems too heavy, it is important for a hedgehog keeper to reduce high fat foods and improve exercise. Hedgehogs have different sizes so there is no "weight of purpose" for the hedgehog, but if they can no longer roll over completely into balls, it is a clear sign of obesity. Many people believe that there is a link between a high-fat diet and fatty liver disease in hedgehogs.
Because their mouths form hedgehogs should not be given any nuts; as they proved to be a choking hazard. Peanut shells are acceptable but very high in fat so they may have to be avoided. Hedgehogs should not be fed avocados, onions, grapes or raisins, chocolate, raw meat or egg yolks, or canned or processed foods.
Hedgehogs often stop eating under stressful situations such as when adjusting to a new home. New owners will see that their porcupine will eat a very small portion if at all, during the first few days. If the lack of appetite continues, a good way to encourage your hedgehog to start eating is to mix their cat food with food that is considered a treat. This is also a good tactic if you move the hedgehog from one type of food to another.
Allergies
Hedgehogs produce very little fur. It is possible to be allergic to items around the hedgehog, such as food or porcupine beds, but it is rare that a person will be allergic to the hedgehog itself.
After handling the hedgehog, some claim that the pink point in their hands is an allergic reaction. This is more likely to be caused by a small prick of the hedgehog's spines. If the hedgehog is not clean, the puncture may become infected. Infections are from contaminants in hedgehogs or on the surface of the hands, not from allergic reactions to hedgehogs.
Hedgehogs are generally allergic to wood oil. Wooden beds should be avoided, especially cedar. Oil found in cedar can cause severe upper respiratory problems. However Aspen is widely accepted as a safe substitute.
Disease
Hedgehogs are prone to many diseases, including cancer, which spread rapidly in hedgehogs, and wobbly hedgehog syndrome, neurologic syndrome. Some of the symptoms of faltering hedgehog syndrome are similar to multiple sclerosis (MS) in humans, therefore the conditions of animal experience can be compared with the experience of MS patients. The possible cause of WHS is a genetic defect that allows the virus to attack the hedgehog nervous system. The nose can show a variety of troubled hedgehog symptoms, especially respiratory diseases such as pneumonia. In many cases, the form of pneumonia that affects the hedgehog is a bacterium in nature. If acted quickly, antibiotics can have a very positive effect. Signs to note include bubbles, excessive dripping, or constant sneezing.
Hedgehogs usually react to stress with temporary indigestion which includes vomiting and green impurities.
Hedgehog hygiene
In addition to their sensitivity to temperature, hedgehogs are relatively simple animals to be treated.
Hedgehogs should be bathed once a month with baby shampoo, toothbrush, and warm water. You can bathe the hedgehog in the sink by simply brushing the thorns with a toothbrush and baby shampoo. If you do not have a baby shampoo, other shampoos can be used, but baby shampoo is recommended because it does not dry the thorns. When brushing the bottom of the hedgehog, it is important to be gentle as this is the skin exposed by the hedgehog and the most sensitive areas.
In addition, the hedgehog nails should be pruned regularly. If their nails are too big they can hurt themselves. There have been several reported cases of hedgehogs that have scratched their eyes and caused significant damage. When cutting the hedgehogs, keep in mind that their fingernails resemble dog nails because their nails contain little skin. Therefore, this should be done with care and should be done after bathing, because porcupine nails will be softer. Hedgehog nails can be trimmed with cuticle cutter or baby scissors.
The enclosure should be cleaned every two weeks and the bed should be replaced as often as possible. If your hedgehog has wheels in his cage, then the wheels should be cleaned every other day because hedgehogs tend to do their needs while on the wheel.
References
External links
- Pet-Hedgehog.org
- [1]
- [2]
- [3]
Source of the article : Wikipedia
0 Comments