LONG EARED EGYPTIAN HEDGEHOG CARE
Egyptian Long Eared Hedgehogs originate from Egypt and Northern Africa. However their territories occupy large areas of the Middle East and into Asia.
Their large ears help to moderate their body temperature in sometimes inhospitable habitats.
These oversized ears are also an aid in their search for food, allowing for acute hearing, which helps in their hunt for insects and other invertebrates, which form a large part of their natural diet. Small mammals and some vegetation, is also included in their diet.
It is believed that the LEH can learn their names, however, this is not something we have seen yet.
Their feet are larger than the African Pygmy Hedgehogs to help with walking on desert sands and rough terrains. Their legs are also longer, providing a higher stance when moving.The eyesight of LEH is much better than that of the pygmy and therefore they love to play with toys and hunt insects.
Quills are banded and the color can vary from a dark grey to a lighter cinnamon brown.
Egyptian Long Eared Hedgehogs are naturally solitary and territorial animals and should be housed alone. Fights can be vicious and often to the death.
The ideal home for an LEH should be well ventilated measure a minimum of 36” x 18”. Avoid all cages that have horizontal bars on the sides to avoid climbing. Hides, tunnels and many toys should be provided and changed out regularly to avoid boredom. The wheel needs to measure a minimum of 12” in diameter and should solid plastic - never wire or mesh wheels.(Toes and legs are all too easily broken.) Typical bucket wheels used by the APH are TOO SMALL. Instead use a cake pan wheel. As with the APH the LEH can learn to use a litter tray.
The temperature should be kept at 75-78 degrees. A ceramic Heat Emitter and heat lamp is best, as it gives off no light, as they are nocturnal. This should be used in conjunction with a thermostat (with the temperature probe placed towards the cooler end of the cage) to maintain the correct temperature and for safety, avoiding over and under heating.
Long Eared Hedgehogs are primarily insectivores and require high quantity of live or canned insects such as mealworms and crickets. (Frozen pinkie mice are also good).
A mix of good quality (high meat content) dry cat food can form the base of their diet. Aim for an overall protein level of around 32-35% and a fat level of 10- 15%.
Fresh foods should also be offered often, for example: cooked beef, turkey, chicken, egg and some fruit and veggies.
Our LEH get the following: Daily kibble consisting of cat food mixed with Hedgehog Precision and few dried insects. Every other day they get canned insects, and on opposite days they get cooked ground beef with fresh apple and carrot. In addition they get live mealworms and crickets at least twice per week. They prefer the crickets as they enjoy hunting them.
Plenty of fresh drinking water must always be available - always provided in a bowl and never in a water bottle.
Despite their extremely cute appearance, Egyptian Long Eared Hedgehogs are notoriously more aggressive than APH. They require much more interaction than APH and prefer to play instead of cuddle.