Egyptian Long-Eared hedgehogs are so adorable it’s impossible not to love them. They’re cute, and when you have them for a pet, it’s just lovely.
How can someone considering owning a hedgehog make the best decision? Obviously, by gathering all the facts about the pet!
In this post, we’ll see the facts, pictures, behavior, and care your Egyptian Long-Eared hedgie deserves.
Let’s dive right into it!
Facts About the Egyptian Long-Eared Hedgehog
This species of hedgehog is found in parts of Africa and the Middle East. The hedgehog species is unique among hedgehogs because it has long ears, which have given the animal its name.
Its long ears give it a keener hearing sense, which it utilizes to track down prey and spot predators.
The hedgehog is notably smaller in size and shape than the widespread West European variety, most reaching lengths of 120–270mm.
This particular species can run quicker than most hedgehog species and weighs between 200 and 400 grams.
The hedgie is further distinguished by its sandy coloring and frequently has a covering of light fur along its underside.
The Egyptian hedgehog’s spines, which are significantly shorter than those of other species, are another distinguishing characteristic that sets it apart from its European cousin.
Despite having a back covered in razor-sharp quills, the animal does not roll into a ball once threatened or attacked. Instead, she may decide to leap at the predators or simply run away.
Egyptian Long-Eared Hedgehog Behavior
Egyptian Long-Eared hogs are intelligent and curious. However, they tend to live alone. Because they lack the exact social requirements of many other pets, they make excellent pets for those who only want one.
They might be wary at first because they are usually prey creatures, but they can be easily trained and introduced to the household as pets.
When threatened, this hedgehog is significantly less likely to roll up into a ball; instead, it prefers to flee or leap at enemies with its spines.
Caring for an Egyptian Long-Eared Hedgehog
#1. Food
Egyptian hedgehogs are adept hunters who eat mostly different insects for a living. Maintaining a pet hedgie’s controlled diet, containing a range of insects and edibles, is necessary for hedgehog care.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals; therefore, you must feed the Egyptian long-ear around night-time when it is most active.
Your hedgehog’s ideal diet will often consist of crickets, cat food, dried vegetables, and mealworms. Most African hog species have a preference for mealworms. Therefore you will need to have a supply of worms to feed them.
Since Egyptian hogs enjoy eating crickets, you can use crickets to make sure your hedgehog is exercising. Put a few live crickets in its cage when you feed it.
The hedgehog can forage and hunt for live insects, keeping it active and stimulating its mind. You can give your hedgehog water by putting it in a bowl inside the cage or buying a metal-tipped water bottle.
#2. Housing
Keep in mind that Egyptian hedgehogs are solitary creatures before making a purchase. Therefore, if you buy two or more, you must place them separately or run the risk of them fighting and harming one another.
The next step is to find a material to line the outside of your long-eared hedgie’s habitat. It would help if you used recycled paper or aspen shavings to give the hedgehog warm and cozy bedding.
However, as cedar shavings are harmful to some mammals, it is advisable to avoid using them. It has also been reported that hedgehog owners fill their cages with carpet and cloth, which can be risky because the stray threads could catch or strangle the hedgehog.
As messy animals, hedgehogs frequently leave feces and urine all over their cage. For the sake of the hedgehog’s health, you must often clean and replace the shavings you use.
#3. Health
Compared to other hog species, the Egyptian hedgehog is naturally vulnerable to parasite infestations, making it a potential carrier of diseases like the plague. Due to this particular trait, you must get your hedgie from a licensed breeder with a good reputation.
Always ensure that the long-eared hedgehog you are caring for has a restricted diet; otherwise, you risk endangering the animal’s wellbeing.
When raising a hedgehog, cleaning the cage as soon as the shavings get dirty is crucial. If you don’t do this, the hedgehog may be more vulnerable to illnesses like respiratory damage, skin problems, and ear mites.
Egyptian Long-Eared Hedgehog Pictures
Conclusion
Egyptian Long-Eared hedgies can be lovely and helpful family pets. But because they are prey animals, they might fear dogs and cats, which they would typically see as predators.
Your hog should interact well with a dog or a cat with enough socialization and training, but you’ll want to watch over any interaction between them to prevent accidents.
Happy fun time and endless cuddles!
