Unusual pets pumpkin the hedgehog

My nephew Shawn has a hedgehog as a pet ,and I had the opportunity to meet pumpkin
The hedgehog, when we traveled down south for Jimmy’s 8th grade advancement.


And yes as you can see Aunty is not handling this little poky creature with out mitts

please add your comments
Shawn and Pumpikin

They are good pets because after they get used to you they will let you hold them. They fit right in your hand, they will even fall asleep in it. They will eat right out of your hand! A napkin is even a toy for them because they love to investigate! They love to chew. A piece of cardboard could be turned into a nest by the hedgehog.
Hedgehogs live in forests not hedges! A baby hedgehog is called a hoglet. Hedgehogs aren't much of pigs. They don't eat a lot, they're not fat, they have no hooves, they have no snouts, they have no curly tails (but they do have a tail.) There are many hedgehog species:




The most common species of domesticated hedgehog is the African Pygmy hedgehog, a hybrid of the White-bellied or Four-toed Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and the Algerian Hedgehog (A. algirus). It is smaller than the European Hedgehog, and thus is sometimes called African Pygmy Hedgehog. Other species kept as pets are the Egyptian long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus auritus) and the Indian long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus collaris).
Hedgehog domestication became popular in the early 1980s. They still have much of their wild behavior, including a fear of predators — especially humans, but buying from a responsible breeder and proper handling will do a lot to ensure a friendly relationship. Since domestication began, several new colours of hedgehogs have been created or become common, including albino and pinto hedgehogs.
Domesticated species prefer a warm climate (above 22 °C , 72 °F) and do not naturally hibernate. Attempts to hibernate due to lowered body temperatures can be fatal, but are easily reversed if caught quickly (within a few days). In the wild they eat a diet of mainly insects, but pet owners generally prefer a diet composed primarily of high protein low fat high quality cat food, with regular treats such as mealworms, fruits, vegetables, and cooked unseasoned meats.