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The most common species of domesticated hedgehog is the white-bellied or four-toed hedgehog (''Atelerix albiventris''). It is smaller than the European hedgehog, and thus is sometimes called African pygmy hedgehog. Other species kept as pets are the Egyptian long-eared hedgehog (''Hemiechinus auritus auritus'') and the Indian long-eared hedgehog (''Hemiechinus collaris''). Hedgehog domestication became popular in the early 1980s. They still have much of their wild behavior, including a fear of predators—especially humans—but buying from a responsible breeder and proper handling will do a lot to ensure a friendly relationship. Since domestication began, several new colours of hedgehogs have been created or become common, including albino and pinto hedgehogs. Domesticated species prefer a warm climate (above 22 °C, 72 °F) and do not naturally hibernate. Attempts to hibernate due to lowered body temperatures can be fatal, but are easily reversed if caught within a few days. In the wild they eat a diet of mainly insects, but pet owners generally prefer a diet composed primarily of high protein low fat high quality cat food, with regular treats such as mealworms, fruits, vegetables, and cooked unseasoned meats. ==Roman domesticated hedgehog== The Romans domesticated a relative of the Algerian hedgehog in the 4th century BC. They were raised for meat and quills. The quills were used in the training of other animals, such as keeping a calf from suckling after it had been weaned. Hedgehog quills were used for card paper and dissection pins long after the Romans actively bred and raised hedgehogs. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Domesticated hedgehog」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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