African pygmy hedgehogs

Question
We live in Germany and need to know whether African Pygmy Hedgehogs are legal to own as a pet here. I know you can rehabilitate a sick European Hedgehog but we would like to have the prior mentioned as a pet if possible.

Answer
Dear Dianna,
thank you for your question.
African pygmy hedgehogs can be kept as pets without any problems in Germany. There are two species that have that name, Hermienchinus auritus aegypticus and Atelerix albiventris (and hybrids between them), but it's true for both of them. You don't need any special permits or something and since small animals (rodents, small birds, fish, most herps) cannot be banned by the landlord, you don't need to ask for permision either, even if your rental agreement says that no animals are allowed. The only rule is that the animals mustn't make a lot of noise (like big parrots may do for example) and that they don't smell so much that everyone in the house can smell it. You may not want to mention the hedgehogs when looking for a new apartment, though, many landlords are not too happy about animals.
Here's some more info on them from a German owner:
http://www.afrikanische-weissbauchigel.de/english%20page/index.htm

I hope I was of some help to you
Jennifer