Did you know that hedgehogs make sweet, little pets? We sure didn't, until we spotted a few pictures of happy little hedgies on the Internet and decided to investigate. After much research, we came to the conclusion that a little hoglet might just be the perfect pet for us. Since they are considered exotic animals, they can be quite hard to find. But as luck would have it, we were delighted to learn that a very reputable and awesome breeder was only a short, one-hour drive away. It just seemed like fate.
Nigel is still settling into his new home, but he is very sweet and surprisingly friendly already. Since hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures, there isn't much in the way of photographs yet. But he will soon learn that there is no escaping the camera in this family! Nigel is an African Pygmy Hedgehog of the "snowflake" variety (hence the white quills,) and he is a little over two months old. I will post updates and info about life with a hedgie every now and then, if anyone is interested. There is also a wealth of information online and at your local library. For now, Nigel is getting to know his new family, playing in his hedgie-habitat, getting his head stuck in toilet paper rolls, and just being adorable 24/7. Life is good.
{PS. I lost the hedgehog naming contest, my vote was for "C.C. Baxter." Oh well, I like the name Nigel, too. And at least Max didn't win, or his name would have been Pikachu.}
Nigel is sooooo cute! I want one. :)
Posted by: DJ | December 30, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Oh my gosh. Cutest pet EVERS!
Posted by: nikki/whimsylove | December 30, 2008 at 07:47 PM
You have NO IDEA how jealous Alexei is, he used to have pet hedgehogs when he was a kid (being European, apparently they are common pets there) and fell in love with Nigel!I like him too, his little paws are sooo cute!
Posted by: Kat | December 30, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Cute! I wonder how many pet hedgehogs are named "Sonic", though? :P
Posted by: Amanda | December 30, 2008 at 08:37 PM
ohhhh man hahah lucky you!
Posted by: caitlin from nice-etc | December 30, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Oh, he is so teeny weeny in Mikes big hands. I think I like him, he is somewhat sweet. But he does need a manicure before I get to know him! Welcome to the Krueger family Nigel, I know Max will take care of you!
Posted by: Gigi | December 30, 2008 at 09:59 PM
Aww! We have a hedgie too. Her name is Olive the Amazing (or Olive for short). She is so sweet. They are pretty awesome pets!
Posted by: Rachel R. | December 30, 2008 at 10:54 PM
I love hedgehogs.. They are so cute and fun to hold.
Posted by: Arianna | December 31, 2008 at 01:59 AM
So cute! In Arizona..these adorable creatures are illegal (we're so weird) but I think they are so darn adorable!
Posted by: suddenly I see | December 31, 2008 at 11:06 AM
oh! my goodness!!! such a sweet, cute little baby hedgie! i never would have believed a hedgie could be a personal pet!
i want to know how big they get and their life expectancy! i'm off to google!
Posted by: ashleyd | December 31, 2008 at 11:23 AM
How adorable! Nigel is a good name. I kind of want one now.
Posted by: Violetkey | December 31, 2008 at 07:33 PM
greetings nigel! hi -- just found bake it pretty and your blogs. i love what you sell and how it is all packaged and presented. awesome! happy new year!
Posted by: Elyse | December 31, 2008 at 08:36 PM
You've totally reawakened my desire to have a hedgehog. I've spent the evening researching them online.
Your newest family member is very cute. Congratuations
Posted by: Ricky | December 31, 2008 at 11:06 PM
is max over the moon? what a cutie pie! i had no idea how teeny they really are, will he get much bigger? happy new year friend, hope your year just gets better and better!
Posted by: kat in oregon | January 01, 2009 at 02:59 PM
I did not know they make good pets. It's so sweet.
Posted by: deb | January 01, 2009 at 08:33 PM
I've never commented to the blogs I frequent. I just found you through allsorts and Nigel has inspired a little ACT. I would love to send you a jpg of it, but I can't figure out how to use mail on my computer properly. If you could send me an email address to plitfin@paigelitfin.com I would really appreciate it and I will send you a jpg of the ATC of Sir Nigel. I think he may inspire a whole series. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Paige | January 03, 2009 at 08:04 PM
Thank God Max did not win the name contest!! Anyone that watches Chelsea Handler on a semi-frequent basis knows that she uses the word "pikachu" to signify a particular part of a womans's anatomy - below the waist - to avoid saying the actual word also starting with a "p".
Posted by: Tassie | January 03, 2009 at 09:48 PM
I think Nigel's the cutest thing I've ever seen - and his name suits him!
Posted by: Aveen | January 04, 2009 at 04:25 AM
so cute!
Posted by: jojee | January 04, 2009 at 10:58 AM
so cuteee:)
Posted by: jojee | January 04, 2009 at 10:59 AM
According to the breeder, A LOT. :)
Posted by: Amanda Krueger | January 06, 2009 at 12:19 AM
They stay pretty small, about the size of your hand (fingers and all.) And
yeas, Max is in love, (but still very cautious! they are prickly,
afterall.)
Posted by: Amanda Krueger | January 06, 2009 at 12:24 AM
OMG,..I am dying how cute is he? I didn't know you could have a hedgie as a pet. Love him.
Posted by: Lisa | January 06, 2009 at 09:51 AM
We live in Texas and last week there was a story on the news about a boy who wanted a hedgehog (I think in the Dallas area). He found out that they were illegal in his town, so he did a lot of research and went to the city council with a notebook of information for each council member, to plead his case. They agreed when they looked at all his research and he got his hedgehog! He's 11 years old. Good luck with Nigel!
Posted by: Ruth | January 07, 2009 at 09:31 PM
Thanks for mentioning this! I had to look it up, and what a sweet story!
That kid had some real gumption, that's for sure.
Posted by: Amanda Krueger | January 13, 2009 at 07:20 AM