Just researching desert hogs!

Hi, im just researching desert hogs because obviously, its all fasinating to me! whats the different needs between them and a pygmy? and do they like the same fluffy liners, do they eat the same as pygmy hedgehogs? basically, whats the different apart from the look of them? do they need a bigger viv?.. so many questions:L xx

there is a section on the forum especially for desert hogs and there is stickys giving you all the care info.

Oh thanks!

The most important thing to remember is that they are not as friendly as the APH and can be more prone to biting - they require patience and firm handling.

They enjoy a larger home and plenty of exercise time - dietary wise, they will eat the same as APH but do need live food - locusts and mealworms are favourites.

how come theyre not as friendly?x

APH have been around for more years - Desert Hogs have not had as long to be as domesticated as the APH - if they do nip, it is more of a warning nip than a full on bite - you have to be prepared that you may get got - it is all about handling - the more you handle, the better the exercise time the more they will become used to you. Woodstock has nipped only a couple of times, Priscilla never, Nora several times - doesn't make me love them any less and I love the difference in their looks and physical traits x

They look beautiful.. i have so much time on my hands and cant imagine that changing any time soon, im really interested in desert hogs but im gathering information on them first, like i did with sukie!:Lxx

Always the best place to start - minimum cage size would be four foot - the largest of the viv exotic new range would be my recommendation - love a good sturdy wheel and litter tray with chinchilla sand in works best for mine - mine are not on fleece liners but are on a pet blanket that I got from B&M - they have a large pigloo and pieces of fleece inside to make a nest out of, water bowl, food bowl and a selection of cat toys - Priscilla loves ping pong balls - it is really funny to watch her with them. Large heat mat covering most of the floor - on a mat stat.

Food - same biscuit mix as the APH, chicken, mince beef, turkey, roast lamb/beef, carrots, peas, sweetcorn, squash, sweet potato - the same as my APH with addition live locusts and mealworms - they like a boiled egg as well xx

Luckily i have money coming in soon to pay for that.. :L so would they also like bucket wheels then? i have chinchilla sand here because my old hamsters liked to have "sand baths" Where do these large pigloos come from because i cant find them! i have a large orange cover thing but the igloo looks better! would they like fleece liners though?:Lxx

Bucket wheel would be the better wheel for them. I can get the large pigloos - blue, lime green, pink or purple if you cannot find them.

Should be OK with fleece liners - mine have just had the pet blankets to be honest x

i have a few pet blankets but sukie tends to try and sleep under them! so weve had to order more liners to stop her:Lx

Do you/or know anyone, who breeds desert hogs?x

I am hoping to pair Woodstock and Priscilla next year x

deserts are something i want to look into in the future too, they are great! its nice your thinking of having one elise xx

Have they got a waiting list nellie?, and yes Jake they are lush! i really want to see the different temperments and personalities!

Same with me hoping to pair next year ... with Nigel and Sheila ... Sheila i had from a near baby as Helen got her for me ...Sheila will huff and puff quite abit when i first get her out ... but settles down . Deserts i find have a stronger smell to them then APH too .x

a stronger smell? oh my god, sukie stinks my room out after two days, despite the countless cleaning!:L x

oh and Sheila is stunning! she is the reason i want a desert hog! absolutly stunning, sukies sat here going through her pictures! i really want to see the different personalities! do your pair have a waiting list?x