The Algerian Hedgehog, also known as the North African Hedgehog, is a mammal species native to the Palearctic, an ecosystem encompassing portions of Algeria, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Spain, and Tunisia. There’s not much known about this hedgehog species, despite the fact that common domesticated hedgehog breeds result from crossbreeding the Algerian Hedgehog with other hedgehogs. The Algerian Hedgehog is the only species to inhabit areas outside of Africa. With a wide habitat range and a stable population, this species is not at risk in the wild or a domesticated capacity.
Quick Facts About the Algerian Hedgehog
| Species Name: | Atelerix algirus |
| Family: | Erinaceidae |
| Care Level: | Low |
| Temperature: | Ideal range between 75- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit |
| Temperament: | Solitary, nocturnal |
| Color Form: | Brown or white |
| Lifespan: | 8 to 10 years |
| Size: | 200–250 millimeters long, 650 grams |
| Diet: | Omnivores |
| Minimum Cage Size: | 2 feet x 3 feet |
| Cage Setup: | Extra space for activity with a small box or hiding spot |
| Compatibility: | Can co-exist with cats and dogs but won’t make friends, should be kept away from other exotic species |
Algerian Hedgehog Overview
While the Algerian Hedgehog bears a close resemblance to the European Hedgehog, it’s a distinct species. It’s smaller than the European Hedgehog but the largest of all African Hedgehog species. It has a long snout and long legs, making it a fast runner. The Algerian Hedgehog can be distinguished from its relatives by a lack of spines on the crown of its head or the lack of a widow’s peak.
Like most hedgehogs, this species is nocturnal and solitary. Algerian Hedgehogs will curl into a ball and display their spines to ward off predators when they feel threatened.
How Much Do Algerian Hedgehogs Cost?
The average price of a baby Algerian Hedgehog is between $250 and $350. This price can go up or down based on the hedgehog’s color and unique characteristics. The hedgehog’s personality can also change the price. Hedgehogs who are shyer are usually priced lower than those that are friendly. Since Algerian Hedgehogs are popular hedgehog species kept as pets, they aren’t hard to find. If you’re not picky about color or markings, a pet hedgehog can be obtained for as little as $100.
It’s important to keep in mind that the price of a hedgehog includes more than just the price of the pet itself. Here is a quick breakdown of what you should expect for initial expenses:
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
| Hedgehog | $100–$500 |
| Pet carrier | $10–$25 |
| Cage or enclosure | $30–$150 |
| Food bowl | $3–$10 |
| Water bottle | $3–$10 |
| Hut or burrowing place | $5–$15 |
| A heat lamp or heating pad | $20–$35 |
| Cleaning wipes | $3–$10 |
| Cage thermometer | $5–$10 |
| Total Cost | $179–$765 |
Typical Behavior & Temperament of Algerian Hedgehogs
An Algerian Hedgehog’s primary defense mechanism is its spines. Hedgehogs curl up into a tight ball when they feel threatened, with their spines sticking out. This adaptation means they have few predators in the wild. Their outer spines also provide the hedgehog with protection. Unlike porcupines, hedgehog spines are firmly rooted into their skin, protecting them from falls.
All species of hedgehog are nocturnal. They spend their evenings hunting for food and remain burrowed during the day. It’s important to provide hiding or burrowing spaces inside your hedgehog’s enclosure to mimic their natural environment. These animals can be encouraged to adjust their natural activity schedule and be active during the day by adjusting their feeding times.
Hedgehogs are solitary species that are generally anti-social. Overhandling of hedgehogs can lead them to be mistrusting. While they don’t mind being cuddled occasionally, they will roll into a defensive posture when they want to be left alone. It’s best not to bother them when they do this.
Algerian Hedgehog Appearance & Varieties
A mature adult Algerian Hedgehog measures between 20 and 25 centimeters (7.9 to 9.8 inches) in length and weighs as much as 650 grams.
This species of hedgehog has a light-colored face, often white, with a brown head and brown legs. Their underbelly varies in color but is most often white or brown. Their bodies are spine-covered, white in color, with darker banding. The lack of spines on the crown of the head is the distinguishing physical feature of the Algerian Hedgehog.
How to Take Care of Algerian Hedgehogs
Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup
Due to their solitary nature, hedgehogs should be housed alone. Even if you have more than one pet hedgehog, they should live in separate enclosures. Since they are active, your Algerian hedgehog will require a floor space that measures at least 2 feet x 3 feet to ensure that they have room to move around.
Hedgehogs are expert escape artists, so make sure their cage has a secure lid. Cages with plastic bottoms and either wire or plastic walls are best. If you choose a wire-walled cage, ensure that the spaces are small enough that your hedgehog can’t fit its head through the bars and become trapped.
Line the cage with soft, absorbent bedding, such as pine or aspen shavings or recycled and shredded newspaper. The cloth shouldn’t be used inside a hedgehog cage, as they have tiny toenails that get caught easily. Hiding spaces are essential. These can be purchased in varying sizes, but you can also use cardboard boxes, flowerpots, or PVC tubing to make a hedgehog shelter.
If you choose to place a wheel in your hedgehog’s cage, use a solid wheel rather than a traditional rodent wheel. The latter can cause severe trauma to the legs and feet of a hedgehog.
Other toys, climbing structures, and even a small swimming tub can be provided to your hedgehog on its daily outings from the cage. These activities should be closely supervised to prevent injury to your pet.
Does Algerian Hedgehog Get Along With Other Pets?
Hedgehogs aren’t known as aggressive animals, but they will get defensive if their space isn’t respected. While they can learn to co-exist with other pets in the house, it’s unlikely that an Algerian Hedgehog will make friends with them. Even learning to co-habit is dependent on the individual personalities of your hedgehog and your other pets.
Keeping that in mind, there are a few animal species that are more likely to get along with your hedgehog than others:
What to Feed Your Algerian Hedgehog
In the wild, hedgehogs primarily feed on invertebrate animals, but a domesticated hedgehog should be fed a commercial food specifically designed for hedgehogs. They will typically eat 1 to 2 teaspoons of hedgehog food per day and should be fed at specific times. These animals should never be free-fed because they will quickly become overweight. Cooked meat, egg, or low-fat cottage cheese can also be fed to your Algerian Hedgehog.
Hedgehogs should be fed at dusk, with any uneaten food removed from the cage in the morning. Avoid placing any foods into your hedgehog’s cage that can spoil quickly.
It’s important to provide clean drinking water at all times, with a bowl deep enough to prevent spillage or tipping. However, it should not be so large that your hedgehog can fall in and drown. Provide a sipper bottle too. Once you are certain that your hedgehog is drinking well from the sipper bottle, you can remove the bowl.
Keeping Your Algerian Hedgehog Healthy
Algerian Hedgehogs are sensitive to temperature changes. Their ideal temperature is between 75- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit, although they can tolerate temperatures as high as 90 degrees and as low as 72 degrees. When temperatures in their environment become too hot or cold, hedgehogs go into a hibernation-like state of inactivity.
Hedgehog illnesses often go undetected due to their nocturnal, solitary nature. Sick hedgehogs also become defensive, making it difficult for their owners to find a problem. You can ensure that your Algerian Hedgehog remains healthy by having a full physical exam done on them once a year. Subtle changes in eating, drinking, sleeping, and behavior can be signs of illness.
While it isn’t necessary to neuter male hedgehogs, female hedgehogs are prone to developing uterine cancer. This can be avoided by spaying your female hedgehog.
Obesity is a serious cause of illness in hedgehogs, so food intake should be carefully controlled. Other common illnesses include skin mites, fleas, and ticks. If you find that your pet is restless, itchy, or biting itself, this may be the cause. Your veterinarian can provide you with medication or special shampoo to help deal with this issue.
Algerian Hedgehog Breeding
The breeding season of the Algerian Hedgehog runs between October and March. The gestation period is approximately 30 to 40 days, at which times, females can bear litters of three to 10 hoglets. Breeding females can have up to two litters per year.
Hoglets are born blind but gain sight quickly. Spines erupt on hoglets’ backs after about 36 hours. Sexual maturity is reached at 8 to 10 weeks of age.
Hedgehogs do not mate for life, and they do not engage in pair bonding.
Are Algerian Hedgehogs Suitable for You?
It’s important to make sure that a hedgehog fits well with your lifestyle before getting one. Here are a few considerations to help you decide if an Algerian Hedgehog is the right fit for you:
Conclusion
Algerian Hedgehogs are affordable, exotic pets with good temperaments. They are relatively easy to care for, but like any pet, they require a commitment from their owners to give them the care that they need and deserve. Doing your research beforehand will help ensure that you are ready to welcome a beautiful Algerian Hedgehog into your family. Hedgehogs bond with their owners over time and will return your affection in a way that you will appreciate and love.
Featured Image Credit: Best dog photo, Shutterstock
