Long-Eared Hedgehog: Care Guide And Species Profile

Table Of Contents

Origin And Natural Habitat Scientific Classification Species Overview Appearance And Size Housing Cage’s Decorations And Items Bedding Heating And Temperature Diet And Nutrition Compatibility Behavior And Temperament Handling Health And Lifespan Price Resources And Further Reading

Origin And Natural Habitat

The long-eared hedgehog originates from Central Asia and is easily distinguishable from other hedgehogs due to their distinctive long ears. Their natural habitat cuts across vast areas in Asia, Africa, and Europe, including Iran, Egypt, Syria, China, Libya, Ukraine, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan.

The natural habitat of Long-eared hedgehogs typically consists of arid and steppe regions, where they reside in self-constructed burrows. Though Long-eared hedgehogs prefer building their homes, they’ll also often live in the burrows of other animals if they find one that is unoccupied. Nevertheless, they are well-known for their proficiency in creating burrows, with an average depth of approximately 17.7 inches (45 cm) and a single entrance. Furthermore, these hedgehogs usually establish their dwellings in close proximity to a water source to ensure convenient access to drinking water.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Mammalia
Order	Eulipotyphla
Family	Erinaceidae
Genus	Hemiechinus
Species	Hemiechinus Auritus

Species Overview

Common Name	Long-Eared Hedgehog
Other Name	Egyptian Long-Eared Hedgehog
Origin	Middle East
Natural Habitat	Arid And Steppe Areas
Temperament	Intelligent And Curious
Compatibility	Can Be Socialized With Other Animals
Minimum Cage Size	Length: 24 inches (60 cm) Width: 24 inches (60 cm) Height: 24 inches (60 cm)
Diet	Carnivorous
Color	Brown
Lifespan	7 years
Experience Required	Beginner

Appearance And Size

Long-eared hedgehogs are characterized by their long ears, which are usually about 1 to 1.7 inches (2.5 to 4.3 cm) long. Their distinctive long ears also give them a more heightened sense of hearing which they use to detect prey and predators from a distance.

Another physical feature that distinguishes them from other hedgehogs is their lack of a gap in the dorsal spines near their necks. Their quills are also shorter than most other hedgehogs’ and are usually multicolored, with the tip frequently appearing white while the base takes on a dark shade of brown. They are also notably agile and can move faster than many other hedgehog species.

Long-eared hedgehogs typically have a body length of around 4.7 – 10.6 inches (12-27 cm) and weigh between 7 – 14 ounces (200-400 grams).

Housing

Long-eared hedgehogs are not arboreal, so they don’t require a tall cage. It’s best to house them in a cage that has enough space to allow them to roam as they like. A 24-inch by 24-inch cage is fine, but feel free to get them something larger if possible. It’s best not to go for a small cage so they don’t feel cramped. The bottom of the cage should be solid so your hedgehog’s foot doesn’t get stuck in the open spaces and get injured. Cages with a solid floor space are also easier to clean so getting this type of cage will be both beneficial to you and your hedgehog in the long run.

Cage’s Decorations And Items

It’s essential you also install a couple of toys and an exercise wheel in your long-eared hedgehog’s cage so they can always be mentally stimulated. You can also place some extra cage accessories like tunnels and hides in your Long-eared hedgehog’s cage if there’s space available.

Bedding

You’ll need to get good bedding to line your long-eared hedgehog’s cage. There are a couple of options when picking bedding for your Long-eared hedgehog, including aspen shavings, cloth cage liners, and layered paper-based bedding. Be sure not to go for any cedar-shaving or pine-shaving bedding, though. These types of bedding can easily irritate a long-eared hedgehog’s skin and cause respiratory problems.

Heating And Temperature

Keeping Long-eared hedgehogs in a warm cage is essential if you don’t want them to hibernate. Although it might not seem like a big deal initially, hedgehog hibernation is deadly and can often kill a hedgehog. This is because pet hedgehogs can hibernate but, unlike hedgehogs in the wild, will not be prepared to do so. Wild hedgehogs take their sweet time to prepare for hibernation so they usually bulk up and have enough fat in their system to last them during the hibernation period. The fat in the body acts as fuel and sustains them during the period.

That’s why you must have a heat source to ensure the temperature in their cage is always within the appropriate range.
The temperature range of a Long-eared hedgehog cage should always be between 75 – 80 degrees F.

Diet And Nutrition

Long-eared hedgehogs are primarily insectivorous, so the bulk of their food in the wild consists of small insects, like beetles and bees. They also frequently eat smaller animals like earthworms, caterpillars, snails, slugs, and small frogs. These hedgehogs have no qualms eating any small animal they can subdue and kill. Their insatiable appetite for food makes them widely regarded as ravenous eaters. They also often travel as much as 9km per night in search of food to eat.

It’s best to replicate a long-eared hedgehog’s diet when you own one, so ensure the bulk of the food you feed them consists of high-quality insects you get from a reputable breeder. Edible feeder insects like mealworms, crickets, and dubia roaches are popular foods for captive long-eared hedgehogs. You can also include high-quality cat food and a couple of edible fruits and vegetables to your long-eared hedgehog’s diet list.

Ensure you feed them only store-bought feeders and organic fruits and vegetables. Getting the insects and worms, you feed your long-eared hedgehog is best for your hedgehog’s health because these feeders have been bred as food. Catching a worm or an insect in the wild and feeding it to your hedgehog is a bad idea because you never know where these animals have been. They might have parasites on them, which will invariably harm your hedgehog when ingested. Additionally, it’s best to only go for organic fruits and vegetables because non-organic ones are usually grown with chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics, which might also harm your hedgehog when ingested.

Compatibility

Long-eared hedgehogs are solitary creatures, so they prefer to live alone in the wild and only socialize with other hedgehogs when it’s time to mate. However, pet long-eared hedgehogs easily get used to people and other pets in the house. Multiple Long-eared hedgehogs can be kept in a huge cage, but It’s also best to keep each Long-eared hedgehog in a separate cage.

Behavior And Temperament

Long-eared hedgehogs are both curious and intelligent, making them delightful pets. Though they can be nervous in new environments and with new people, they can be easily tamed with patience and nurturing. Their adaptability and playful nature make them easy to train, and their curious personality means they are always up for learning new tricks. Unlike other hedgehogs, long-eared hedgehogs are less likely to curl up in a ball when threatened and instead opt to either flee or defend themselves by using their quills.

Handling

Long-eared hedgehogs can easily be handled even though they have quills. The quills on their back are prickly but won’t hurt you if you hold them carefully. Long-eared hedgehogs are also less likely to curl up into a ball when handled and do not bite, making them more likely to be handled and cuddled.

Long-eared hedgehogs are perfect for people who prefer low-risk and accessible care for a pet that won’t require their attention often. Nevertheless, Long-eared hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures, so they’ll often make a lot of noise when you’re sleeping. So, it’s best to go for other pets if you’re uncomfortable with this. You can also keep them far away from your bed or in another room if you find it difficult to sleep when they’re awake.

Though Long-eared hedgehogs might often be regarded as aggressive creatures due to their penchant for attacking threats rather than curling themselves defensively, they are sweet little creatures that are fun companions if given the time to get accustomed to their new environment and owners.

Health And Lifespan

Long-eared hedgehogs are pretty easy to cater to as long as you keep them in a spacious, clean cage, provide them with nutritious meals and enough water to drink, and keep them mentally stimulated. The average lifespan of a long-eared hedgehog is seven years, so ensure you always take good care of them if you want them to live long.

Long-eared hedgehogs are also prone to parasitic attacks that’s why you need to ensure you get yours from a reputable breeder and also feed them healthy store-bought foods. You need to be careful how you feed a Long-eared hedgehog because they are also susceptible to obesity if they eat too much fatty and sugary foods. That’s why you always need to ensure you feed your hedgehog the best edible foods. Keeping your hedgehog in a clean cage also helps in keeping away parasitic insects and molds that can harm your hedgehog.

Price

Long-eared hedgehogs are not as popular as African pygmy hedgehogs in the exotic pet market trade. So expect to spend more for them since only a couple of breeders and pet shops usually have them on sale. They usually cost between $800 and $1500 on average, with the price of each one depending on its age, sex, and the place you’re getting it from.

Pet hedgehog ownership is restricted in certain areas, so make sure to check if it’s legal in your location before acquiring one.