Cinnicot Hedgehog

Coat and looks how to spot one

Quills and fur

The cinnicot hedgehog has a warm, cinnamon-toned coat pattern. Its quills are lighter in colour with cinnamon-coloured bands, and the face is very pale with a pinkish nose and no dark mask. The belly is white, and the skin underneath the quills is pink. This variety is a lighter version of the dark cinnicot, giving it an overall soft, apricot-like appearance.51

Personality what they are like

Cinnicot hedgehogs are solitary, nocturnal and curious once they feel safe. They often start out shy and may huff or roll into a ball, but with gentle, predictable handling they can become quite tolerant. They are not typically cuddly or daytime pets and are better suited to calm households. Biting is rare but can happen if the animal is startled.124

Daily activity how busy a day looks

These hedgehogs are most active at night and need daily opportunities to walk, sniff, forage and explore. A solid-surface exercise wheel is essential, as they can run several miles per night. Supervised out-of-cage time for exploration or swimming is recommended a few hours each week.164

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Grooming needs are moderate. Occasional nail trims and baths may be needed. The enclosure should be spot-cleaned daily and fully cleaned weekly. Annual veterinary check-ups are important, and female hedgehogs are often recommended for spaying to prevent uterine tumours.14

Home where they are happiest

A minimum enclosure size of 2 feet by 3 feet is recommended, with smooth sides to prevent climbing. The enclosure must include a hiding spot, a solid-surface exercise wheel, and an external heat source to maintain a temperature of 75-85°F (24-29°C). Cooler temperatures can cause torpor. Hedgehogs are solitary and should be housed alone. Note: some US states and municipalities require a permit or prohibit keeping hedgehogs as pets; a USDA permit is needed for breeding, transport, sale or exhibition.421

Food basics what goes in the bowl

The main diet should be a high-quality hedgehog food mixed with a low-fat cat food, or a specially formulated insectivore diet. This can be supplemented with small amounts of gut-loaded insects such as crickets and mealworms, and tiny portions of cooked egg or limited fruits and vegetables. Avoid milk, dairy, raw meat, raw eggs, avocado, nuts, seeds and hard items. Fresh water must be available at all times and changed daily. Obesity is common, so portion control and regular weigh-ins are important.14

Company who they like around

Hedgehogs are solitary animals and should be housed alone. In the wild they only socialise during breeding season. They can learn to tolerate gentle handling with patience, but they are not naturally social or cuddly. They are better suited to calm households without young children who might startle them.14

The story where it all began

The cinnicot hedgehog is not a separate species but a colour variety of the African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), which is the most commonly kept pet hedgehog in the United States. The term 'cinnicot' describes a warm, cinnamon-toned coat pattern with lighter quills and facial colouring. This variety was developed through selective breeding in captivity, and its care, temperament and size are identical to those of other African pygmy hedgehogs. The species itself was introduced to the pet trade from its native range in central and eastern Africa.152

Recognised by the official bits

Helping All Little Things

Recognises cinnicot as a distinct colour variety of the African pygmy hedgehog, describing it as a lighter version of dark cinnicot with very pale colouring.5

The Hedgehog Program

Lists cinnicot as a recognised colour morph in their knowledge hub.7