Coolpig African Pygmy Hedgehogs

My hedgehog story began late on in 2007. After much deliberating an hours of searching for the ideal pet I came across the African Pygmy Hedgehog. It was love at first site and I spent the next couple of Months eagerly researching and learning as much as I could about these fascinating little creatures. I joined forums and gained knowledge from owners around the world, learning everything I could in order to make my decision to purchase a hog.

I contacted a local breeder late in December and asked if it would be possible to visit her herd of APHs and handle them before choosing to be put on a waiting list. You will find that even though these little creatures are becoming more common in the UK you will probably still have to join a waiting list to get your hands on one and will need to be prepared possibly for a long wait.

When I visited breeder Bonnie from Happy Hogs (see 'Links' for more info) she was fantastic and spent a lot of time with me letting me handle her herd and answering all of my questions. I asked for my name to be put on her waiting list and was very lucky when a cancellation caused one of the hedgies to become available. I turned up and collected my little guy and have since gone hedgehog mad.

Hufflepuff Coolpig pictured above is my first hedgie. He is a Ruby Eyed Cinnicot Snowflake born on 11th November 2007 and is an adorable little chap with the gentlest and most inquisitive of natures.

He enjoys being handled and will either run around on the sofa and use me as a climbing frame or curl up on my lap and fall asleep. He likes to be stroked and will nudge your hand until you do, he even likes his chin being stroked and has the warmest, fluffiest belly. Hufflepuff really is a fab little guy.

I am hoping to add to my herd in the future and will post their stories when I do.

Hufflepuff continues to be friendly and cuddly although he prefers to explore and will happily use people as climbing frames! He doesn't get fazed by anything and hasn't raised his quills around me for a very long time.

 He has now come of breeding age and has become a corker of a chappy! He is more active than ever before and has remained just as friendly. I am really looking forward to mating him with Scarlet and letting him do his thing!