Handling and Restraint
In unfamiliar places most hedgehogs will roll into a ball and present its quills as a defense mechanism. To help a hedgehog feel more comfortable try turning off the lights, provide a towel for him to stand on and keep the room quiet. Some hedgehogs will uncurl with gentle stroking of the rump quills in a backward motion (from rump towards head). Leather gloves are advised when handling for protection from their quills. They also have sharp teeth and can inflict a painful bite. Some will “hiss” to warn you off. Gas anesthesia is often required in order to perform a complete examination.
Housing
Hedgehogs require a smooth walled enclosure high enough to prevent escape. Wire should be avoided to prevent foot injuries. Bedding of choice is newspaper or Yesterday’s News (absorbable.) It should be checked and changes frequently. AVOID CEDAR SHAVINGS! They can cause liver toxicities and possibly respiratory problems. Optimal temperature range is 75° F to 85° F. Additional heating of one section of the enclosure may be necessary. Hedgehogs enjoy hiding but not playing. Flower pots, plastic logs or cut out boxes may be added to their homes, but do not add toys. The Exotic Companion Medicine Handbook of Veterinarians states that they will use an exercise wheel. However, the wheel should not be made of wire so as to protect their feet. Wheels are available commercially or can be constructed of Popsicle sticks. A swimming pool made of a pan or shallow tub should also be added to the home. Warm or room temperature water should be used.
Feeding
Hedgehogs in the wild are known insectivores and omnivores. Therefore, their diets must be high in protein and low in fat. Cat and dog foods alone are not nutritionally complete for hedgehogs. Commercial hedgehog diets are available and should be used. Fresh water should be available at all times. Hedgehogs can be trained to use a water bottle or drink out of a low dish. When changing or adding to the diet make sure all pieces are the same size and shape if possible and make changes gradually. Obesity is a problem in hedgehogs, therefore, ad lib or free choice feeding should be discouraged. They are nocturnal creatures, therefore, feed mostly during the night. Only a small amount of food needs to be present in the cage during the day for snacks. Several diets are listed in the Exotic Companion Medicine Handbook for Veterinarians. One example for a days feeding is: 3 heaping tsp. of high quality kitten/cat chow, 1 heaping tsp of fruit/vegetable mix and 6 small mealworms or 1-2 crickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
· How long does a hedgehog live?
The average life span is 3-5 years but 6-10 years has been recorded in captivity.
· How can I tell if my hedgehog is a girl or boy?
Males have a penis.
· What are the common health problems of hedgehogs?
Mites
Obesity
Dental: gingivitis and periodontitis
Neoplasm
Intestinal parasites
Pneumonia
· Are hedgehogs born with spines?
No, but they develop within 24 hours!
· Should I get a companion for my hedgehog?
No, except for mating they are solitary creatures.
· What is “anting”?
This is a hedgehog behavior exhibited when it encounters something new in its environment. It “tastes” the new addition then hyper salivates and creates a foam that is then spit onto itself. Some owners will bathe the hedgehog after this is done.
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