They make very interesting pets. I considered getting one for awhile, but I'm not all that into nocturnal pets anymore....... ..although I do have 2 rats so I guess I contradict myself........ lol.
They don't get particularly big, you can still hold an adult in one hand. And yes, the ball is quite prickly so if balled, handle with care. But contrary to what some people think, their spines do not release like a porcupine, they will just poke you.
They do the cutest thing though when threatened. While being curled up into a ball, they will lurch and spit. Its a really funny sound. I'm assuming to poke whatever is threatening them. I always got a big kick out of them doing that.
And they can come in a variety of colors, including albino. I may still get one down the road. My old manager in MN had 2. She fed them cat food along with their other diet.