Did you know the hedgehog makes an interesting pet? Actually, the hedgehog is quite a fascinating little creature that makes an interesting pet. There are some areas where they are illegal so before you decide to make this your next pet you might want to check your local laws.

Originally from Africa, hedgehogs can live up to about 4 years in the wild and nearly 10 in captivity. Their diet consists of insects so if you have lots of those little critters around a hedgehog might be a much appreciated addition to your family.

Their backs are covered with rows and rows of short, prickly spines and yet their bellies are soft and covered with fur. I can’t say that I actually want the experience of touching one to find out how true this is so I will just believe it to be so.

One of the best parts of the hedgehog is their compact size. They are about 5 – 8 inches in length and weigh practically nothing. No wonder they weigh so little; with a natural diet which includes insects, slugs, snails, worms and, occasionally, small vertebrates and fruit wouldn’t you weigh practically nothing?

In captivity their diet often consists of commercial cat food, hard boiled eggs, and chopped up fruit and vegetables with mealworms or crickets as a treat. Again, is it any wonder they are so light?

Similar to a teenager, they don’t especially crave being touched and seem to enjoy their independence. Yet, underneath that prickly exterior and under the right circumstances some good loving can work wonders for their disposition.

Unlike the teenager, they are fairly low maintenance. Although they can’t see very well, they have really good hearing and an incredible sense of smell.

If you don’t mind being kept awake at night, then the hedgehog will be a fun addition to your menagerie of pets. However, don’t do anything to frighten them because chances are they will make a very high-pitched hissing sound and spit.

A female hedgehog can go full term on delivery of her “pups” in 34 – 37 days. Wow! Imagine going through your pregnancy that fast. A standard size litter is 1 – 7 pups. If their pups disturb them, the mother has been known to leave them or even eat them. Kids, watch out! Don’t disturb mom!

With all this wonderful information, you may think, “Hmmmm, I sure think hedgehogs are cute, but don’t want to have all the insects around for their feeding, listen to them at night or have them leave their pups.”

Never fear, because you can still enjoy hedgehogs and not have to worry about feeding or watering them. Many gift shops carry a great selection of ceramic, clay, stuffed and wood hedgehogs.