The Algerian Black Hedgehog is perhaps the rarest and most challenging to detect and acquire. But we have combed through all available materials to provide precise instructions on recognizing this unusual hedgie.
After reading this part, you will know the specific questions to ask a breeder regarding hue and physical appearance. Then you will be able to accurately evaluate whether or not you are looking at a genuine Algerian Black Hedgehog.
General Appearance
The Algerian Hedgehog is also known as the North African hedgehog. They closely resemble the European hedgehog, although there are several distinguishing characteristics between the two.
The Algerian Hedgehog is typically smaller than its European equivalent, ranging in length from 20 to 25 cm and weighing up to 650 grams.
Nevertheless, it is bigger and has an enormous snout and legs, making it a quicker runner than other African hedgehog species. It has a light-colored, often white-appearing face, but its head and legs are brown. This animal’s underbelly may vary in color but is usually brown or white.
Their ears are huge and conspicuous on the animal’s head. Their body is covered with soft, mostly white spines with darker bands. They are primarily distinguished from visually similar cousins by the absence of spines on the head’s crown, which means the absence of a widow’s peak.
Behavior and Temperament
Spines are the principal defensive mechanism of an Algerian Hedgehog. When hedgehogs feel unsafe, they curl into a ball shape with their spines protruding. Due to this adaptation, they have few natural predators. Their outermost spines also offer protection for the hedgehog.
In contrast to porcupines, the spines of hedgehogs are firmly planted in their skin, shielding them from even falls.
All hedgehog kinds are nocturnal. They seek food at night and stay in their burrows during the day. It is essential to offer hiding or burrowing spots in your hedgehog’s cage to replicate its natural habitat.
By altering their feeding timings, these animals may be encouraged to change their normal activity pattern and be active throughout the day.
Hedgehogs are mainly lonely and antisocial animals. Hedgehogs may become mistrustful if handled excessively.
While they don’t dislike cuddling, sometimes they wish to be left alone, and they will assume a defensive position. It is advisable not to disturb them when they behave in this manner.
Habitat and Distribution
This hedgehog, native to the northern part of Africa, loves a hot and arid environment, frequently nesting in cliffsides with sufficient vegetation to avoid flying predators like eagles and vultures.
It also favors the mixed woodland regions found in Spain, Morocco, and generally across North Africa.
The hedgehog cannot live in desert areas; thus, they must ensure that there is enough vegetation and water around. You can also spot them in warmer places like the Canary Islands and Southern France.
These hedgehogs are also found in humid urban settings, with a high concentration in recreational areas such as parks and grasslands. You will likely have to wait till nightfall to see this animal in its native environment.
How to Take Care of Your Algerian Hedgehog
Cage Size
Because of their solitary personality, you should keep hedgehogs individually. Even if you possess many hedgehogs as pets, they should reside in different habitats. Due to their activity level, your Algerian hedgehog will need a floor area of at least 2 feet by 3 feet to allow unrestricted movement.
Hedgehogs are skilled escape artists; thus, their cages must have a secure roof. The best are cages featuring plastic floors or wire walls. If you pick an enclosure with wire walls, ensure that the openings between the rods are small enough to prevent your hedgehog from being stuck.
Cage Accessories
Fill the cage with soft, absorbing bedding, like aspen or pine shavings or newspaper, that has been recycled and shredded. The fabric is not used inside the cage since their tiny toenails are often trapped.
Hiding areas are necessary. They can be bought in various sizes; however, you can use flowerpots, cardboard boxes, or PVC tubing to assemble a hedgehog habitat.
If you decide to put a wheel in your hedgehog’s cage, select a solid wheel instead of a standard rodent wheel. The latter may inflict serious injuries to a hedgehog’s legs and feet.
IMPORTANT
You can add climbing structures, toys, and even a tiny swimming pool during your hedgehog’s daily excursions from its cage. Monitor these activities to protect your pet from harm.
What Is the Ideal Hedgehog Breed for a Pet?
The African Pygmy Hedgehog is currently the most popular species to raise as a pet hedgehog. It is sometimes known as a white-bellied or four-toed hedgehog. This species of hedgehog normally weighs between 0.5 and 1.25 lbs and measures between 5 and 8 inches.
What Does an Algerian Hedgehog Cost?
When it comes to a baby Algerian Hedgehog, they cost between $250 and $350 on average. This price may increase or decrease according to the hue and unique traits of the hedgehog. The personality of the hedgehog might also affect the price.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has given you a basic understanding of this unique creature. There are several venues where you may make a donation and contribute to Algerian hedgehog conservation programs if you like to assist in its protection.
Keep in mind that the best approach to seeing these creatures is from a distance since they are quite solitary and dislike being disturbed.
