Long-eared hedgehog care starts with warmth, space to run and an insect-based diet. The long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) is a small desert hedgehog found from Egypt and Libya across the Middle East to Central Asia; the Egyptian form is known as Hemiechinus auritus aegyptius. Its large ears help it lose heat in hot climates. This guide covers temperature, housing, diet, lifespan, health and legal checks.
Long-eared Hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) at a Glance
- Scientific name: Hemiechinus auritus (family Erinaceidae)
- Native range: Egypt, Libya, the Middle East and Central Asia
- Size: about 12–27 cm body length, 250–400 g
- Lifespan: around 7 years in captivity, sometimes longer
- Activity: nocturnal and solitary
- Conservation: IUCN Least Concern
Temperature: The Most Important Rule
Hedgehogs kept too cold can slip into torpor (a hibernation-like state), which can be dangerous in captivity. Keep the room or enclosure stable.
- Ideal range: 22–27 °C (72–80 °F)
- Too cold: below about 21 °C there is a risk of torpor
- Too hot: above about 29 °C there is a risk of heat stress
- Heating: use a ceramic heat emitter or heat mat on a thermostat, never an unregulated heat source
Housing and Enclosure
- Floor space: at least 0.4 m² (about 4 sq ft) of solid floor; more is better
- Wheel: a solid-surface wheel of 28–33 cm (11–13 in); no wire or mesh wheels
- Bedding: paper bedding, aspen shavings or fleece liners; avoid cedar and pine
- Hide: a dark hide or sleeping bag for daytime rest
- Sides: smooth, high walls or a secure lid; hedgehogs climb better than people expect
- Housing: keep adults alone; they are solitary animals
Diet and Feeding
Long-eared hedgehogs are insectivores. In the wild they eat beetles, other insects, worms and occasionally small vertebrates.
- Base diet: a quality commercial hedgehog or insectivore diet
- Live insects: mealworms, crickets, dubia roaches and black soldier fly larvae several times a week
- Treats: small amounts of cooked plain egg or plain cooked chicken
- Avoid: milk, grapes and raisins, avocado, chocolate, nuts and seasoned food
- Water: fresh water daily in a heavy shallow dish
Keepers disagree on using cat food as a base diet; ask an exotic vet for advice that fits your hedgehog’s age and weight.
Behavior and Handling
These hedgehogs are active at night and may hiss, pop or ball up when startled. Handle them in the evening when they are awake, use gloves or a fleece blanket at first, and keep sessions short and calm until the animal is used to you.
Common Health Problems
- Ticks and mites: check skin and quills regularly, especially on new animals
- Obesity: very common with too many mealworms and little exercise
- Dental disease: soft diets can cause tartar and gum problems
- Respiratory infection: often caused by drafts, cold or dusty bedding
Find an exotic animal vet before you bring a hedgehog home.
Legal Checks Before Buying
Keeping hedgehogs is banned or needs a permit in some countries, states and cities, and import rules for wild mammals can be strict. Always check your local law and import rules first. You can browse our small mammals, read our shipping policy or contact us on WhatsApp to ask about current availability. More guides are on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the long-eared hedgehog the same as the African pygmy hedgehog?
No. The common pet African pygmy hedgehog is Atelerix albiventris. The long-eared hedgehog is Hemiechinus auritus, a different, smaller and more active desert species with much longer ears.
What temperature does a long-eared hedgehog need?
Keep it between 22 and 27 °C. Below about 21 °C it may go into torpor.
What is the scientific name of the long-eared hedgehog?
Its scientific name is Hemiechinus auritus.
