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Albino hedgehog

An albino hedgehog is an African pygmy hedgehog without melanin — white spines, pale pink skin and red eyes.

Albinism is a recessive trait and is a colour, not a separate species or breed.

The animal is the same captive-bred hybrid kept as a pet hedgehog, with identical needs, lifespan and temperament. The only practical difference is light sensitivity: albino eyes lack protective pigment, and hedgehogs are nocturnal to begin with, so bright lighting is more uncomfortable for an albino than for a pigmented one. There is no evidence that albinos are more or less healthy in other respects.

Origin
A recessive colour of the African pygmy hedgehog
Size
250–700 g
Lifespan
3–6 years
Coat
White spines, pink skin, red eyes
Temperament
Solitary, nocturnal, shy; as any pygmy hedgehog
Legal
Prohibited in several US states and other jurisdictions

Related: African pygmy hedgehog · Albino ferret · Algerian hedgehog

2 albino hedgehog photos, newest first

  • Kipper IX, a albino hedgehog

    Kipper IX

    Kipper IX sniffing the green one, which is exactly what he was told not to do. He built the cushion wall himself.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Kipper IX, a albino hedgehog

    Kipper IX

    Kipper IX found the one patch of sun in the whole house.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a albino hedgehog

Keep the enclosure out of bright light and provide a dark hide. Albino eyes have no protective pigment and the animal is nocturnal anyway.

Temperature is the main welfare issue in the species. Below roughly 18–20°C they attempt hibernation, which is frequently fatal in captivity — use a thermostatically controlled heat source and hold 22–25°C.

A large solid-surface wheel is essential; they run several kilometres nightly and become obese without one.

House alone. Check local law before acquiring one.

Watch for wobbly hedgehog syndrome, mites, and dental disease, all of which are common.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual critters vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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