Hedgehogs Make Fun Hobby, Add Income

Hedgehogs Make Fun Hobby, Add Income AG WORLD Ag World 18-3-21 If you're looking for a way to supplement farm income, you might want to take a look at raising hedgehogs. Breeders say it's a growing industry, without enough breeders to supply demand. Hedgehogs are native to Africa and to parts of Europe. The short-legged animals weigh 1 to 2 lbs. and come in different shades of brown, with white stomachs. They're covered with smooth, pointed quills that aren't dangerous. When startled, they curl into a tight ball and expose their quills for protection. Average life span is about 10 years. Females breed at 3 1/2 months. The average gestation period is only 35 days, and babies - called hedgehoglets - are weaned at 5 weeks so they can produce 4 litters a year. Average litter size is four. Hedgehogs can't be imported to the U.S., and there aren't a lot of breeders in the U.S. so genetic diversity of the species can be a problem. Hedgehogs too closely related never get tame and don't make good pets. For more information on hedgehogs, contact FARM SHOW Followup, Ralph Lermayer, The North American Hedgehog Association, Box 85, Bent, N. Mexico 88314 (ph 505 671-4889).

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