How wild hedgehog rehabilitation differs from the exotic pet trade in African pygmy hedgehogs, and welfare needs for both.
Hedgehog welfare spans two quite different contexts: the declining wild European hedgehog and the growing exotic pet trade in African pygmy hedgehogs. Wild hedgehog rehabilitation, particularly autumn underweight juveniles, requires specific nutritional and thermal management knowledge that is well established in specialist sanctuaries. The African pygmy hedgehog pet trade raises different concerns - these are solitary, nocturnal animals with specific thermal and dietary needs that make them challenging pets, and husbandry failures cause significant welfare compromise. Distinguishing between these two contexts - wild rehabilitation and exotic pet keeping - is important for accurate welfare guidance.