Introduction to the African Pygmy Hedgehog

Responsible care, natural history and captive welfare for beginners

This introduction course covers everything you need to know before owning an African Pygmy Hedgehog. African Pygmy Hedgehogs are often seen as charming and unusual pets, but keeping them responsibly requires more than a basic setup and daily feeding. They are nocturnal, sensitive animals with specific needs, behaviours and welfare risks that every keeper should understand.

Introduction to the African Pygmy Hedgehog is a beginner-friendly course for current and future keepers who want to build a strong foundation in responsible captive care. This course introduces the species from both a natural history and husbandry perspective, helping you understand where these hedgehogs come from, how they behave, and what they need to live safely and comfortably in captivity.

Across 14 chapters, 99 lessons, downloadable resources and one quiz, you will learn about taxonomy, natural habitat, housing, diet, enrichment, behaviour, health, common welfare concerns, ethical questions and the basics of reproduction. The course is designed to help you make informed decisions before bringing a hedgehog home, or improve the care you already provide.

This course is part of The Hedgehog Program’s wider Introduction to Hedgehog Species series. For species commonly kept in captivity, the focus includes responsible care and welfare. For wild species, future courses will focus more strongly on ecology, behaviour, habitat and conservation.

Caring for an African Pygmy Hedgehog is not just cute. It is a long-term responsibility. This introduction course helps you understand that responsibility before and after ownership.