To be considered domesticated, an animal has to be bred in captivity for an extended period of time. In most cases, selective breeding of the animal has occurred. In many cases, this selective breeding has resulted in appearance, temperament and other traits which are significantly different from the wild counterpart of the animal.
Even though hedgehogs have been bred in captivity only since the 1980's, some of these defining characteristics of a domesticated animal are beginning to appear. So, although still considered exotic, hedgehogs have begun the journey to domestication.
Two examples of this are the selective breeding now occurring for temperament and color.
Hedgehogs have been bred for color almost since the beginning. This selective breeding has resulted in nearly 80 different currently recognized color variations.
In the last several years, many other breeders have also discovered temperament is a breedable trait. In fact, it is now almost guaranteed that friendly parents will have friendly babies.
Another example of this journey to domestication can be seen in social behavior. Solitary by nature, the first few generations of captive-born hedgehogs were extremely territorial. Today, with most pet hedgies several generations from the wild, female hedgehogs can often be housed together. In fact, some seem to actually prefer a roomie!
Although captive animals often act differently than their wild cousins, these different factors suggest that it may not be long before the pet hedgehog could be considered domesticated.
Mon Jun 18, 2012 7:58 pm