Pygmy hedgehogs are new trendy pet

LONDON, June 22 (UPI) -- The popularity of African pygmy hedgehogs has greatly increased as the prickly creatures have become a trendy pet for animal lovers, British breeders say.

Breeders say the animals are so popular, people are being put on waiting lists to buy the exotic pets, which can cost nearly $400 each, The Sunday Times of London reported.

"When they become used to you they will 'unball' and drop their spikes, allowing you to stroke them as you would any other pet. It's immensely rewarding," said Bonnie Martin, 36, a pygmy hedgehog breeder from Fairford, Gloucestershire, England.

Owners say the hedgehogs are good pets, but can be difficult to breed because they sometimes eat one another.

"They're just as easy to look after as pet rats and have plenty of character, although the mothers do eat their young, so breeding them is difficult," owner Michelle Fountain said.