Ever since I can remember, I was magically drawn to animals. I grew up on a farm in Mpumalanga and had a variety of animals for pets, such as a lamb, a Dachshund (“sausage dog”, or more commonly known in Afrikaans as a “worsie”), cats, and a significant number of rescue animals which I nurtured and loved as if they have been raised in our family home. I recall once seeing a tiny hedgehog in the wild and was immediately intrigued by this little, precious animal. It was undeniably love at first sight. About 2-3 years ago, I saw a small African Pygmy Hedgehog, and all I can remember is – I WAS INSTANTLY HOOKED. I bought a pregnant sow and a boar, and it was truly the most amazing experience to see these precious little hoglets right after their birth. Mommy hedgie was a little stressed after she had given birth and so I very patiently had to wait for another whole two weeks before I was allowed to get close enough to them and be allowed to truly appreciate these little bundles of splendor. This mother (that being me of course), and my female hedgehog mothers are extremely protective over her babies (or as us Afrikaners like to say... “Kroos”) What an amazing experience to engage with these marvelous little creatures. The hoglets are tiny but with a HUGE personality, each and every single one of them being of course unique in their own special way. I walk quite an emotional path with them (which obviously leaves me quite emotionally attached) from their birth right up until delivery to their new homes which takes place anything from six (6) weeks onwards. The African Pygmy Hedgehog might be prickly on the outside, but has a soft and gentle personality and they are quite fragile little wonders, deserving of all the love which you could possibly have to offer. |
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Ever since I can remember, I was magically drawn to animals. I grew up on a farm in Mpumalanga and had a variety of animals for pets, such as a lamb, a Dachshund (“sausage dog”, or more commonly known in Afrikaans as a “worsie”), cats, and a significant number of rescue animals which I nurtured and loved as if they have been raised in our family home.
I recall once seeing a tiny hedgehog in the wild and was immediately intrigued by this little, precious animal. It was undeniably love at first sight.
About 2-3 years ago, I saw a small African Pygmy Hedgehog, and all I can remember is – I WAS INSTANTLY HOOKED.
I bought a pregnant sow and a boar, and it was truly the most amazing experience to see these precious little hoglets right after their birth. Mommy hedgie was a little stressed after she had given birth and so I very patiently had to wait for another whole two weeks before I was allowed to get close enough to them and be allowed to truly appreciate these little bundles of splendor. This mother (that being me of course), and my female hedgehog mothers are extremely protective over her babies (or as us Afrikaners like to say... “Kroos”)
What an amazing experience to engage with these marvelous little creatures. The hoglets are tiny but with a HUGE personality, each and every single one of them being of course unique in their own special way. I walk quite an emotional path with them (which obviously leaves me quite emotionally attached) from their birth right up until delivery to their new homes which takes place anything from six (6) weeks onwards.
The African Pygmy Hedgehog might be prickly on the outside, but has a soft and gentle personality and they are quite fragile little wonders, deserving of all the love which you could possibly have to offer.
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