Like humans and other animals, the amount of sleep that any particular hedgehog may need can vary significantly. Hedgehogs are fairly easy to care for pets. Wiki User May 22, 2012 5:10PM. Of course, you also need to know what to do to prevent hibernation and how to support your hedgehog through colder periods, so … they thrive on regular exercise outside of their home and need time with you for cuddles and treats. African Pygmy hedgehogs are the most common breed of pet hedgehogs kept around the world. african pygmy hedgehogs are a delight to own but they do need care and attention. African pygmy hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures that sleep during the day. There is no 100% definitive reason why but many including myself believe one of the main reasons is because APH's don't stock up on food and this obviously is important for any animal hibernating through the cold months. They can live up to 8 years, but usually between 4 and 6 years. Are African Pygmy Hedgehogs Nocturnal, do they sleep all day? However, in most cases, hedgehogs sleep from the early morning hours until sometime in the evening, effectively 12 hours or more. Forget the cute faces. It does not matter if you are planning to buy or rescue a hog, there are some basics questions you need to consider: Hedgehogs do not make good pets for a large portion of the U.K public. Heat lamps can be used to provide heating for pygmy hedgehogs as long as a few precautions are taken: (i) The cage should not be a fire risk from the heat emanating from the heat lamp as some plastic cages could end up melting, catching fire and seriously injuring pygmy hedgehogs. Wash your hands thoroughly to get rid of the smell. Forget the cute pictures and anything you have read in the media. How long does a hedgehog sleep? My daughter spent a lot of time researching the nocturnal habits of African Pygmy Hedgehogs including why they sleep so much and what can be done so they can carry on sleeping comfortably. Do not handle your hedgehog right after you eat, touch something with a strong smell, or handle another animal. Difficulty of Care: Intermediate. link to Are African Pygmy Hedgehogs Nocturnal, do they sleep all day? How much do hedgehogs sleep normally? Then they stay awake for about 2 hours, sleep … They sleep for roughly most of the day and wake up around 5-6pm. I do not no how long a hedgehog sleeps I have one beside my shed it's not moving it might be … It does not matter if you are planning to buy or rescue a hog, there are some basics questions you need to consider: Hedgehogs do not make good pets for a large portion of the U.K public. African Pygmy Hedgehogs by Colin Bradbury Is a Hog for me? Hibernation is, when left fatal to African pygmy hedgehogs. They generally live four to six years, but have been known to live up to nine or 10 years in captivity. Description: The African Pygmy Hedgehog, African Hedgehog, or Pruner's Hedgehog grows between 6.7 and 9.5 inches (17-24cm). They are voracious eaters and root about through leaves, soil and sand for their favorite insects, grubs, roaches, beetles and larvae. Forget the cute pictures and anything you have read in the media. Adult Size: The African pygmy hedgehog's body is 5 to 8 inches long and can weigh between 1/2 to 1 1/2 pounds. handled on a regular daily basis they will reward you with their inquisitive behaviour and characters. How long do African pygmy hedgehogs sleep for? Alongside the less-common Indian Long-ear and Egyptian Long-ear, they represent the domesticated breeds (out of the 16 or so total breeds) of hedgehogs. They come out at night in search of an assortment of foods including frogs, worms, eggs, fallen fruit and other vegetation. In today’s article, we will look at what hedgehog hibernation is, why it’s a problem for African pygmy hedgehogs and the signs that warn us its about to happen. Do African Pygmy Hedgehogs need a heat lamp? Although they're low maintenance, Africa pygmy hedgehogs are solitary animals and don't crave human interaction. They take time to get used to humans. Hedgehogs will be relatively inactive over winter, especially when temperatures drop very low. However, on milder days it is possible that hedgehogs can wake up early and look for a quick bite to eat before returning to slumber. Do hedgehogs sleep the whole time? Forget the cute faces. Life Expectancy: 3 to 6 years in captivity. They make great pets. Whatever you want to believe the variety of pet hedgehogs here in UK sold as African Pygmy Hedgehogs are bred specifically for the pet market and the species we will be discussing throughout this website.