Now this is an interesting pet to cuddle

WATCHING a baby hedgehog, is like overdosing on cuteness. But holding the tiny bundle is a little tricky and cuddling could have some consequences.

If you go in nose first, you could end up with a prickly pear stuck to your face.

Luzanne Rossouw, local hedgehog breeder, carefully lifts three little spikeys out of their snug ‘Christmas bed in a basket’ one by one, so they can become used to being mothered by their humans.

 Stroking their quills softly, she explains their unique personalities, while they stick out long tongues to tame their manes.

 The salt-and-pepper boy with his crazy hairdo, definitely takes after his father, although he will never know him.

 Hedgehog dads are poor role models and disappear as soon as there are buns in the oven, never to be seen again.

Hedgies are picky eaters and will snack away on a fancy menu of cooked, unseasoned, skinless chicken, turkey, salmon, small fruit bites and veggies, such as watermelon, cooked mashed peas or sweet potatoes.

 Eggs are a favourite and Luzanne prepares an egg a day to keep the vet away.

As insectivores, they also munch up mealworms, crickets and wax worms. Fortunately, their appetite for fine dining won’t break the bank, because their helpings are so small.

 Hedgehogs love to snooze in their burrows during daylight and prefer quiet, peaceful surroundings, until about twilight, when they become playful.

What wondrous creatures, Hedgies make fun prickly pals, but a word of caution: be patient, do your homework and brush up on hedgy habits before taking a fella home, or you could end up with a pin cushion.