The African pygmy hedgehog has absent in narrow tract running cranial to caudal on head. The average lifespan is probably about 3 years. European hedgies seem to live 8-10 years. They have a simple stomach and no cecum. AF do not hibernate.
Sexual maturity is reached around two months of age, breeding can be year-round.
Males have a mid- ventral penis. Testicles are abdominal. Cannibalism is common if female is stressed or disturbed. The male should be removed prior to parturition. If hand-raising is necessary, milk replacement formulas for either puppies or kittens works.