Do you want to learn more about the red-eyed hedgehog?
My hedgehog-keeping acquaintance once brought me a surprise: a hedgehog with crimson eyes. When I first encountered it, I was captivated and couldn’t wait to learn more about it. She asked me to keep watch on her pet since she was going on a trip. I’d like to tell you about this pet and recommend that you read my post on How long hedgehog pet lives, which will inform you on the best care to offer your pet in order for it to live a long life.
Let’s get started.
Why Does My Hedgehog Have Red Eyes?
Albino hedgehogs are the only hedgehog pets with red eyes and are quite rare. Albinism is a rare mutation in which the pigment melanin in animals is fully or nearly completely lacking. Albino hedgehogs has a white color with red eyes, because they lack the pigment that gives color to needles, skin, wool, and eyes like a normal hedgehog pet we can see capillaries through the iris of the eyes.
Albino hedgehogs are significantly distinct from other farmed hedgehogs in that they are not terrified of humans, touching, or anything else, unlike other hedgehogs that curl up into a ball and begin to huff and poke, but they are completely peaceful.
Albinism causes hedgehog pets to turn white, their eyes to turn red, and blood vessels to become apparent. Because albino genes are handed down from generation to generation, a similar color may become a trait of a different species.
The implication that this have is that they have a mutation that interferes with the synthesis of pigment in both the skin and the eyes, and appear red because the cornea is not pigmented and the blood vessels are what you can see directly.
How Much Does A Hedgehog With Red Eyes Cost
Standard hedgehogs’ pets typically cost between $200 and $400, depending on their age, breed, color, where you get them, and where you live. Albino hedgehogs are costlier than regular hedgehogs reason being that it is quite rare and pet stores and breeders seldom sell them. If you’re lucky enough to locate one on sale, plan to pay at least $300. You might also be interested in learning how much a baby hedgehog pet costs. It is also of great essence and critical to make investigation on purchases from breeders since they are better knowledgeable with the animal’s family history and are in the greatest position to impart the knowledge and experience you require.
Do Hedgehog Pets With Red Eyes Need Special Care
Albino hedgehogs are much the same as any other hedgehog. To begin, it is advisable to keep their coats on for as long as possible to provide some sort of protection to their skin. You may even consider putting them in extra protective garments, but keep in mind that they don’t tolerate heat well.
Evening and morning are the finest times to walk or play with red-eyed hedgehog pets. This is because, even though exercise is good for them, their other health issues take precedence.
The fundamental care (food, cage size, activity time, and so forth) for any albino hedgehog should be the same as for any other hedgehog.
You may also notice that the bottom of their feet are little yellow from sitting in the litter box.
If you put newspaper at the bottom of their cage, the ink from the newspaper may leave some grey streaks on their feet. It is, however, totally normal, and you need not be concerned.
It is critical to give your hedgehog pet vitamin A supplements and minimize direct sunlight exposure. If your hedgehog has already developed painful eye ulcers, you should call your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian can provide suitable pain relief and infection therapy. Also, keep your pet in a clean environment and get frequent medical checks.
Diseases Associated With Red-Eyed Hedgehog Pets
Melanoma Of The Skin
Hedgehog pets with red eyes are more prone to skin cancer, which primarily affects the ears and nose. Albino hedgehogs require special care due to these and other characteristics. Melanin is essential for the survival of this intricate defense system. As a result, they are thought to be more vulnerable to infectious illnesses and immunological weaknesses. Furthermore, albino hedgehogs are more prone to collide with things because melanin aids in visual depth perception.
Blindness
Experts agree that these hedgehog pets with red eyes are extremely sensitive to bright light. This applies to both the sun and reflectors or other light sources. This is because a lack of melanin makes their eyes vulnerable to UV radiation, which can cause blindness.
If you have an albino hedgehog, you should keep track of how much time it spends in the sunshine. You should also visit your veterinarian about how to properly care for their eyes. Once the visual system has been destroyed, it is extremely difficult to recover.
Deafness
They are frequently deaf as a result of their albinism. Albinism is a hereditary condition that is handed down from parents to children. The deafness is typically total, while some hedgehog pets are just partially deaf. Albinos might have hearing loss in rare circumstances.
Kidney Disease
Albino hedgehogs lack pigmentation; renal illness is more likely to occur because of this. The same is true for immunological illnesses.
Characteristics Of Hedgehog Pets With Red Eyes
A genetic aberration has no effect on the character, thus the animal’s behavior is produced separately. Despite this, owners of pets with snow-white coats praise their pets for their gentleness and sensitivity. Albino hedgehog pets are very close to their owners, yet they are fearful and distant around strangers. This might be linked to bad health.
It is an insectivorous animal since it feeds on insects. It also consumes fruits and vegetables and is offered feed and vitamin supplements.
Hedgehog pets with red eyes can live for up to ten years if properly cared for.
Hedgehog pets with red eyes have a shy and fearful personality, making them a good standard for those who prefer that. They are not aggressive unless they are attacked or trapped, and if found in this situation, they may bite or strike fiercely in defense. Under normal conditions, they are fairly docile.
Conclusion
Naturally, any failure that concerns genetics complicates the work of the entire organism; thus, when acquiring such hedgehog with red eyes as pets which means they have albino, you should be aware that the life expectancy of an albino is half that of relatives painted in natural colors by nature; however, they all deserve to be loved and cared for properly. Your life together will be meaningful and enjoyable if you provide the proper care and understand your animal friend’s health needs. I recommend you read my post Hedgehog Care Package that gives the best tips to healthy life.