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Pygmy Hedgehogs

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  • 26-07-2011 11:38am
    #1
    enigma_b17
    Registered Users Posts: 80 ✭✭


    Hi All

    Just hoping that someone can assist me here see if there is any information out there. Basically looking into keeping a couple of Pygmy Hedgehogs as pets.

    Do you know are there any breeders in Ireland? In fact is it legal to keep them in Ireland? Is there any sort of support structure over here in regards to vets? Can any normal vet take care of them?

    Would appreciate any information you can provide, i've been spending the last 3-4 months considering what type of pet to get, and since i'm in work all day, which means they'll be asleep so it should be a good fit.

    Thanks in advance,
    enigma_b17
    Tagged:


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    #2
    myxi
    Registered Users Posts: 205 ✭✭myxi


    Hi Enigma

    I have an African Pygmy Hedgehog! Her name is tinkerbell and she's 4 years old in November.

    There are a few breeders in Ireland. The girl I bought mine from unfortunately no longer breeds them. I know there is a dealer in Cork, so you might be able to find something on Google. It is legal to keep them in Ireland.

    I can't help with a vet because thankfully (touch wood) I have had no problems with Tinkerbell or her health. I'm sure a normal vet would be able to help if an issue arose as really they're like any small vet.

    The one thing I would suggest is that unless you intend on breeding hedgehogs (which I wouldn't recommend unless you have the time to put into them) I would only get one hedgehog. They prefer to live alone. If you keep more than one hedgehog in the same cage they can fight and they can also injure each other with their spines.

    They're not the friendliest of pets and they can be quite antisocial but if you put the work in with them they can be lovely!!

    If you want to ask any questions feel free to PM me!

    I'm sticking up a picture of my lovely ball of spines.Picture.jpg


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    #3
    enigma_b17
    Registered Users Posts: 80 ✭✭enigma_b17


    Ah that looks adoreable :D
    No-one up in Dublin thus far according to my research. There's a mikes petshop in Tipp (he breeds them himself), which might be a go-er but they only have the Albino ones, so going to take a spin down I think see what the craic is :)

    More than willing to put in the work, wish I had time to give a dog a home, but im rarely at home during the day.

    Rang a few vets, and they advised that they don't need an exotic pet vet so that's good news.

    If I were getting two of them they would be housed individually, but at this point I think I might be better off getting one.

    Kinda hoping there's someone a little closer to home (Dublin) that I can go to :)


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    #4
    Sigma Force
    Registered Users Posts: 5,132 ✭✭✭Sigma Force


    Here's a site with more info. good idea to read this to prepare.

    http://enchantinghogs.webs.com/africanpygmyhedgehogfacts.htm

    Personally I wouldn't buy from Tipp pet shop..

    You would need a vet that has experience though and many haven't a clue about rabbits or guinea pigs so find a good vet that's good with guinea pigs and other smallies at least so that they will have the interest in doing their research if they need to. Guineas and hedgehogs can have similar skin issues etc. that's why I mentioned them. If there was something wrong with a hog and a vet couldn't help they may refer you to an exotic vet.


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    #5
    rainbow1978
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ✭rainbow1978


    Hi Enigma,

    I have four hedgehogs, three albino and one pinto and they make the mst adorable pets, my first one i got from a rescue centre but have wanted more and got another three in the last month, i love them to bits,

    Ive been to my own local vets as one has conjuncivitus but there is a specialist based in dublin and if my vet has any problems they contact them about it and what treatments can be given, only problem is when they refuse to uncurl to be looked at ha ha, the solution is a warm bath with a little water as they dont curl up in water,

    Pets hedgehogs are ok to have but u cannot keep a wild hog if one is injured u can mind it util it gets better but then it needs to be released back to the wild

    hope this info has helped :-)
    enigma_b17 wrote: »
    Hi All

    Just hoping that someone can assist me here see if there is any information out there. Basically looking into keeping a couple of Pygmy Hedgehogs as pets.

    Do you know are there any breeders in Ireland? In fact is it legal to keep them in Ireland? Is there any sort of support structure over here in regards to vets? Can any normal vet take care of them?

    Would appreciate any information you can provide, i've been spending the last 3-4 months considering what type of pet to get, and since i'm in work all day, which means they'll be asleep so it should be a good fit.

    Thanks in advance,
    enigma_b17


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    #6
    kimmyt1987
    Registered Users Posts: 261 ✭✭kimmyt1987


    There is a hedgie up in Kinsealy pet shop at the moment, not sure if he is for sale though as there is no price on the cage... worth calling and asking though!!!

    Also, keep an eye on the reptile forums, they often list other species too!


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