Devoted to promoting the ethical breeding and care of African Pygmy Hedgehogs
My name is Jan Jones and I want to share my love of African Pygmy Hedgehogs! Follow the link above to visit my facebook page @huffingtonhogs and meet the herd!
A Little Bit About Huffington Hogs
I've been keeping African Pygmy Hedgehogs since early 2017 and started breeding in 2019. My aim is to always ensure that Huffington Hogs only produces healthy hedgehogs with happy, inquisitive temperaments. While it's nice to have pretty and interesting colours on your hogs, this will always be a minor consideration next to the welfare of the individual hog and the species as a whole.
My herd of hogs lives in a dedicated room in our home in North Wales, where I can ensure that each of them has a safe, nurturing environment in which to thrive.
This is Huffington Hogs HQ - always a hive of human and hedgehog activity - looking uncharacteristically tranquil!
A Little Bit About African Pygmy Hedgehogs
If you have managed to find this website then it is likely that you already know a bit about these amazing little creatures, but just in case:
The African Pygmy Hedgehog, Atelerix albiventris, also referred to sometimes as the four-toed hedgehog, is the most popular species of domesticated hedgehog. Originally found in the wild in Central Africa, there is now a sufficient stock of domesticated hogs globally to maintain genetic integrity of the species without resorting to line-breeding, in-breeding or diminishing the wild population any further. Lifespan is typically between four and six years, although it is not unknown for them to live longer. Like any other creature, they can suffer illnesses and injuries which can curtail their lives. They are, by nature, mainly active during the hours of darkness.
The African pygmy Hedgehog is classed as an exotic pet, requiring special permits to own in some jurisdictions, although this is not the case in the UK. Nevertheless they require expert care, including a carefully regulated environment in which to live and a nutritionally-balanced and varied diet, including access to a wide variety of live food including mealworms, cockroaches, locusts and other insects and larvae. Being nocturnal can mean that they are not necessarily the best pet for children. African Pygmy Hedgehogs require daily attention, including cleaning out, as well as fresh water and permanent access to a suitable exercise wheel.
Owning a Huffington Hog
I do not, nor ever intend to, breed African Pygmy Hedgehogs on a large scale, instead choosing to spend as much time as possible ensuring my whole herd receives lots of individual attention. This means that I do not always have hoglets available and that those I may have from time to time could already be reserved to go to new homes. I do maintain a waiting list and you should get in touch if you wish to be considered for a place on that list.
I should say here and now that I am incredibly choosy about who I let my hoglets go to: Before I agree to let you have a Huffington Hog, I will need to be sure that you have the knowledge and commitment to look after an African Pygmy Hedgehog, as well as the ability to provide a safe and suitable habitat and an appropriate diet. Generally speaking we can assess whether a prospective hog owner is ready through having an informal telephone discussion. I will ask for details of the housing that you intend to keep your hedgehog in, along with information about the veterinary practice (who will need to be able to treat exotic pets) that you will register with. If I have reservations as to a prospective owner's suitability or readiness to own an African Pygmy Hedgehog, then I will take reasonable steps to work with that person to see if areas of concern can be remedied. I am happy to provide advice to any prospective hog owner, even if they do not end up with a Huffington Hog.
All Huffington Hogs come with a comprehensive care package, including a starter supply of suitable dry food (which I produce myself from a nutritionally-balanced mix of proprietary cat kibbles, home-dried vegetables and insects), bonding pouch, pet carrier, toys, a supply of flaxseed oil and other essentials. I also offer support and advice for the entire lifetime of the hog.
I have a page all about this subject which you can visit by clicking here.
If you would like to know more, then please do get in touch:
Jan Jones
Pontybodkin, Flintshire, Wales
Message me via email: huffingtonhogs@gmail.com
or use the facebook link:
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