CARING FOR PET HEDGEHOGS
Hedgehogs are small, nocturnal, spiny-coated insectivores.
Their range is quite wide: from the British Isles, across Europe,
and into Africa and Asia. Hedgehogs are protected by law in some
European countries as well as in the United States. Local regulations
controlling importation and sale vary and should be investigated.
Anatomical and Biological Characteristics:
Hedgehogs vary in color from brown to almost black
with short, white and brown grooved spines over the entire dorsum
of their body. The African hedgehog adult ranges in weight from
250 to 600 grams, and the European species ranges from 800 to
1100 grams (there are 454 grams in a pound). Life expectancy averages
3 to 4 years in the wild, but in captivity animals can live for
up to 10 years. The rectal temperature of hedgehogs tends to be
lower than most other mammals-- about 92 degrees Fo. Hibernation
usually occurs when the environmental temperature falls below
60 degrees Fo. Hedgehogs do not need to hibernate and will not
do so if kept warm and well fed.
Hedgehogs most often shelter in and under logs, among
rocks, under roots of trees and in brush piles. A hedgehog will
spend most of the day in a sheltered are or burrow. At twilight
it comes out to forage. Although mainly terrestrial, they can
swim and climb very well.
Hearing seems to be the keenest sense they have.
Any unfamiliar sound or movement results in a defensive posture
of rolling up into a tight ball. Their natural enemies include
badgers and foxes; automobiles also kill many hedgehogs.
Reproductive Information:
The European hedgehog typically begins breeding in
the spring and may have a second breeding in the fall.
The African species breeds year-round. The gestation
period is 34 to 37 days. Litter size ranges from one to seven
pups, with an average of three to four. At birth, the spines are
very soft, a new set of stiff spines appear at about 2 to 3 days
and their eyes will open at 14 to 18 days. Weaning occurs at 4
to 6 weeks of age. Immunity in the newborn is acquired through
the colostrum (first milk), and it is therefore advisable to leave
the young with the mother for at least 48 to 72 hours. Vaccinations
are not recommended.
Housing Information:
In the natural state, hedgehogs consume a variety
of insects and small vertebrates. In captivity, hedgehogs have
been successfully maintained on a diet of commercial dry dog or
cat food, earthworms, mealworms, crickets and a small amount of
diced fruit and vegetables. A diet consisting solely of insects
must be avoided due to the possibility of mineral imbalances.
Hedgehogs will learn quickly to drink from a water bottle.
Common Medical Conditions:
Hedgehogs are susceptible to numerous internal and
external parasites, skin and respiratory disorders and gastrointestinal
disorders. Yearly physical examinations and fecal testing for
parasites is highly recommended.
We hope
that you have many years of enjoyment with your new pet.
We hope that you will find this information helpful in your quest
for better pet care. If you have any questions or comments, please call your
veterinarian's office, or feel free to
e-mail us.
David E. Hammett, DVM
and the Staff of All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, PC
