A Spiky Ball of Love — the African Pygmy Hedgie

A Spiky Ball of Love — the African Pygmy Hedgie

Author: Tracie Hotchner February 16, 2026 Duration: 17:56
#348: Dr. Dan Johnson explains the appeal of African pygmy hedgehogs, noting their quiet nature, small size, low maintenance, lack of odor. He recommends scattering hedgehog kibble in a tray with ping-pong balls and other objects for foraging enrichment — along with small pieces of every imaginable fruit or vegetable.

Ever wondered what it really takes to care for a chinchilla or create the perfect habitat for a chameleon? Exotic Pets™ is a deep dive into the fascinating world of animals that share our homes but aren't your typical cats and dogs. Host Tracie Hotchner, alongside world-renowned veterinarian and author Dr. Doug Mader, explores the unique needs of creatures that slither, hop, creep, fly, and swim. Each episode moves beyond simple fascination to deliver practical, vital information. You'll hear detailed discussions on creating the right environment, from temperature and lighting to enclosure design, and deciphering the often complex dietary essentials that are critical to an animal's long-term health and happiness. This podcast recognizes that caring for a rabbit, iguana, parrot, ferret, snake, or tortoise comes with a distinct set of challenges and rewards, offering guidance that prioritizes the animal's welfare above all. It's a resource for the whole family, designed to educate current owners and intrigue the curious, ensuring these special companions thrive. Tune in for conversations that are as informative as they are engaging, grounded in decades of hands-on experience and a genuine passion for animal well-being.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Exotic Pets™
Podcast Episodes
Rabbits Are Lying to Us [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:51
#308: Dr. Madonna Livingstone in Scotland, author of the textbook “Exotics Made Easy” explains how rabbits — who are prey animals — could literally be dying but projecting the message “I’m fine.” The subtle little change…
Senior Pet Care — Age Itself is Not a Disease! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:40
#306: Dr. Doug talks about geroscience, the study of the effects of aging. When does a pet become geriatric: at 70% of their expected lifespan. A ferret or rat will be geriatric at 7.
“Walking Dandruff” on Your Bunny? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:59
#305: Dr. Doug Mader talks about mites, which are common on rabbits and sometimes look like dandruff that seems to walk in their fur — or may appear as brown “goo” in their big ears or a crusty nose. All of these mean yo…
"Hedgies" Are the Trendiest Little Pet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:55
#296: Dr Micah Kohles of the Woodland Animal Hospital outside Lincoln, Nebraska, explains how to best care for hedgehogs, who are "charming munchkins who have become an up-and-coming pet."
Is Your Ferret Grinding His Teeth? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:11
#304: Dr. Doug Mader says teeth grinding in ferrets (whether when asleep or awake) is a red flag that could mean he has stomach ulcers from bacteria, just like in humans.
The Insect Jungle in Your House [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:39
#292: Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice (author of “Your Pets’ Secret Lives: the Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors”) says there are spiders everywhere and you are never more than four feet from one of them — although none…
“Breast Cancer” in Rats — It’s a Thing! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:01
#303: Dr. Doug talks about how rats get mammary gland tumors, a chain of glands that runs from their tail to over their shoulders, but they are benign 80% of the time and the rats often do just fine if operated on by a v…
"Chins" Are Ridiculously Cute But Challenging Pets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:48
#298: Dr. Micah Kohles of Woodland Animal Hospital in Nebraska, cautions that chinchillas are not a good starter pet for a child. They are very active, not cuddlers, a bit jumpy and nervous and require very specific nutr…
I Am Mouse, Hear Me Roar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:23
#289: Eleanor Spicer Rice, author of “Your Pets’ Secret Lives: the Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors,” writes about the wondrous conversations mice have that we cannot hear. Mama mice sing to their babies — who s…
Do Not Put Your Reptile in the Freezer! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:59
#297: Dr Doug talks about reptile euthanasia which is very tricky, since they can come back to life after being euthanized medically! And people mistakenly think they can euthanize their reptile in the freezer but it is…