Do Hedgehogs Turn Pink? Facts and Myths About Hedgehog Colors!

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The most common color for a hedgehog is brown and white. These hedgehogs have brown quills with white tips. Some hedgehogs have more white than brown, while others have more brown than white.

Albino

Albino hedgehogs are white with pink eyes. Unlike brown and white hedgehogs, albino hedgehogs do not have any pigmentation, which means they do not produce any color on their quills or skin.

Piebald

Piebald hedgehogs have a combination of brown and white, but the colors are arranged in patches or spots rather than being evenly distributed. Piebald hedgehogs can have varying amounts of brown and white on their bodies.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon hedgehogs have a reddish-brown color. Their quills are a warm, cinnamon color, and their skin is pink.

Gray

Gray hedgehogs are rare but can be found in some parts of the world. They have gray quills and black skin.

Do Hedgehogs Turn Pink?

One of the most common questions about hedgehog colors is whether they can turn pink. The answer is yes and no.

True Albino Hedgehogs

True albino hedgehogs, as mentioned earlier, have no pigmentation. Their skin is pink, and their eyes are pink. These hedgehogs will always be white and pink, and they cannot change color.

Color Change Due to Diet

However, some hedgehogs can turn pink due to their diet. Hedgehogs are known to eat insects, and some insects contain a pigment called carotenoids. When hedgehogs eat these insects, the carotenoids can be stored in their skin, causing it to turn pink. This is more common in hedgehogs with lighter-colored quills, such as albino or cinnamon hedgehogs.

It’s important to note that the pink color caused by diet is temporary and will fade as the carotenoids are metabolized.

Myths About Hedgehog Colors

There are several myths about hedgehog colors that need to be dispelled.

Myth: All Hedgehogs Are Brown

This is not true. As we’ve discussed, hedgehogs come in a variety of colors, including white, gray, cinnamon, and piebald.

Myth: Pink Hedgehogs Are a Different Species

Pink hedgehogs are not a different species. As we’ve seen, hedgehogs can turn pink due to their diet. While pink hedgehogs may look different from their brown and white counterparts, they are still the same species.

Myth: Hedgehogs Change Colors Based on Mood

Hedgehogs do not change colors based on their mood. While they may roll into a ball and expose their quills when they feel threatened, this does not change the color of their quills or skin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hedgehogs come in a variety of colors, including brown and white, albino, piebald, cinnamon, and gray. While true albino hedgehogs will always be white and pink, other hedgehogs can turn pink temporarily due to their diet. It’s important to dispel myths about hedgehog colors, such as the idea that all hedgehogs are brown or that pink hedgehogs are a different species. Hedgehogs are fascinating creatures, and their unique coloring only adds to their charm.

ThePetFaq Team
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