African pygmy hedgehogs are kept as exotic pets in many countries, but their welfare needs are often poorly understood by owners and not met by typical pet hedgehog setups.
African pygmy hedgehogs face significant welfare challenges in captivity because their behavioral needs — extensive nightly locomotion, solitary territorial behavior, and nocturnal activity — are difficult to accommodate in typical pet settings. A hedgehog that cannot run, is kept in inadequate temperatures, and is regularly disturbed during its natural sleep period is experiencing chronic stress and potentially life-threatening conditions. The decision to keep a hedgehog as a pet requires commitment to appropriate housing (large enclosure, exercise wheel, stable warm temperature) and a realistic assessment of whether this largely nocturnal, naturally solitary animal suits a household's lifestyle.