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CHAPTER

Hedgehogs

21

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History of Hedgehogs

• Common in Britain, Europe, North Africa, and Asia

• Not native to U.S. - First brought to United States in 1900

• Several small herds by 1993• North American Hedgehog Association (NAHA)

founded in 1993• NAHA replaced by International Hedgehog

Association in 1999

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Characteristics of Hedgehogs

• Most common: White-bellied– From 7 to 10”, weigh 9 to 25 ounces– Long snout– Four digits on each foot, 36 teeth– Primarily nocturnal

• Spines over back, sides, and crown of head – made of keratin

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• Large eyes and ears• Short tails and usually short legs• Primary color: Mixture of brown, black, and

white• Short life span (~5 years)• Very little odor• Only sounds some low grunts and clicks

Characteristics of Hedgehogs

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Swimming Hedgehog

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Handling Methods for Hedgehogs

• Animal unfamiliar with handler– Rolls into ball as natural reaction to danger– Use gloves when lifting

• Animal familiar with handler– May walk into cupped hands– To lift, place one hand on each side of body

and under belly

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Hedgehog Ball

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Desirable Qualities ofHedgehog Housing

• Appropriate housing– Aquariums– Large plastic tubs– Plastic cat or dog carriers

• At least 2 square feet of floor space– More allows room for litter pan, nest box,

exercise wheel– Aspen shavings best floor covering

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Housing

• Nest box• Litter box• Heavy, sturdy food bowl• Vacuum-type water bottle

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Feeding Methods for Hedgehogs• Basis of diet

– Insects, but also worms, snails, bird eggs, and small vertebrates (frogs and snakes)

– Diet must include proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and fiber

– Commercial foods preferred– Supplement with small pieces of

fruits/vegetables or earthworms, wax worms, crickets every 2 to 3 days

– Eating a carrot

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• Maintain original diet, change slowly if needed

• Feed at night

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Hedgehog Diseases and Ailments

• Mites• Intestinal threadworms• Intestinal worms• Coccidia• Eye infections• Diarrhea• Overgrown toenails

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Hedgehog Reproduction

• Sexual maturity– Females: 8 weeks but no breeding until

6 months– Males: 8 weeks but may be unable to

impregnate until later• Gestation period: ~35 days• Capable of several litters annually

– From 1 to 7 young, 3 on average– Young are born deaf, blind, and helpless

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Process of Anointing• Steps

– Encounters new smell or object– Licks at smell or object, producing foamy saliva– Stiffens front legs and swings head from side to

side– Spits and smears spines with the saliva

• Theory– Reason unknown– May be form of protection from predators or

method of attracting a mate– anointing

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Other Hedgehog Processes

• Hibernation– Helps animals survive winter’s cold by saving

energy– Heart beat drops by 90%, body temp

declines, respiration slows– Fat reserves sustain animals– Period may last from few weeks to 6 months– Warm weather ends process

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• Estivation– Like less-intense hibernation in hot, dry

climates with little food– Animals seek cool place, metabolism slows– May wake and enter/exit cool place several

times