Algerian Hedgehog

Coat and looks how to spot one

Spines and fur

The upper body is covered in soft spines that are mostly white with darker banding. The face, legs and underbelly are covered in soft fur, with the face usually pale or white. The snout is longer than in European hedgehogs, and the ears are relatively large. There is a characteristic bare 'parting' of spines on the top of the head.32

Personality what they are like

The Algerian hedgehog is solitary and nocturnal. It is generally shy and will curl into a defensive ball when frightened. It is not naturally tame and can become stressed with excessive handling. In captivity, it may tolerate gentle, regular handling if given time to settle, but it is not a cuddly pet and should be treated with respect for its wild instincts.54

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Nocturnal and active at night. Needs a solid-surface wheel (28-30 cm diameter) for exercise, plus tunnels, hiding places and room to forage. Does not require UVB lighting; a 12-hour light/dark cycle is sufficient.4

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low grooming needs. Provide a dust-free paper or aspen substrate (8-10 cm deep) for digging. Clean the enclosure regularly. Handle only when necessary until the animal is settled; scoop from below with both hands and never force it to unroll. Quarantine new arrivals for 30 days.4

Home where they are happiest

Needs a warm, dry, escape-proof enclosure with good ventilation. Minimum floor area 100 x 50 cm for an adult, preferably larger. Provide at least two opaque hides in different thermal positions, heavy food and water bowls, and a stable wheel. Temperature should be stable and measured; the hedgehog must always be able to move away from heat sources. Not a typical pet; may be kept in wildlife rehabilitation or zoos. Check local laws as it may be protected or require permits.46

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivorous with a strongly insectivorous natural diet. In captivity, feed a complete commercial hedgehog or insectivore food as the staple. Supplement with insects (e.g. mealworms, crickets) and occasional small amounts of fruit or vegetables. Avoid cat foods unless advised by an exotics vet, as they may be too high in fat. Fresh water should always be available.54

Company who they like around

Strictly solitary. Never house two together except for planned, supervised breeding or rehabilitation. Cohabitation leads to stress, competition and injury. This species is not a typical pet and is not commonly kept in the international pet trade; it may be protected or require permits in some regions.46

The story where it all began

The Algerian hedgehog is native to North Africa and was introduced to Mediterranean islands and parts of Europe by humans, possibly as early as the 13th century. It is not a common pet; most captive individuals are found in wildlife rehabilitation centres or zoos within its native range. It is not part of structured breeding programmes and is rarely seen in the international pet trade due to export restrictions and protected status in some areas. The common domesticated hedgehog breed is a hybrid of the four-toed hedgehog and the Algerian hedgehog, but the pure species is not domesticated.162