If your Hedgy gets too cold, they will try to hibernate and then die. If they get to hot then they can succumb to heatstroke. In other words, be vigilant about maintaining your hedgehog’s temperature!
What happens when a hedgehog gets too hot?
When your hedgehog begins to show signs like “splatting” with their stomach on the floor and the legs splayed out, then your pet is hot. When the temperature exceeds 90 degrees your hedgehog can collapse due to heatstroke. This can lead to heart failure and ultimately death.
Do hedgehogs show signs of illness?
“Most exotic pets, including hedgehogs, are very good at hiding their clinical signs of illness, as in the wild they would be a target for a predator if they showed any weakness. Because of this, often by the time a hedgehog shows you that something is wrong, she may be seriously ill.”
How to tell if a hedgehog is dead or hibernating?
So the best way to tell if a hedgehog is dead or hibernating is to check if it is curled up in a ball, and if it ripples, shudders, or snores when you touch it.
What should I do if my Hedgehog is in danger?
If you feel that your hedgehog's life is in immediate danger, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE to contact your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital. Like humans, hedgehogs can only regulate temperature on a limited basis. And even then, hedgies can only regulate within a certain limited range.
What do you do when your hedgehog gets cold?
3:5810:17Hedgehog Care: Hibernation & How to Treat It - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it's important that you warm them up slowly. And the best and really only method that'sMoreSo it's important that you warm them up slowly. And the best and really only method that's recommended to do that is skin-to-skin.
How long can hedgehogs be in the cold?
Temperatures lower than 70 degrees are considered "cold" for hedgehogs and can result in a hibernation attempt, which can be fatal. A sudden drop in temperature, even if it doesn't get below 70 degrees, can still trigger a hibernation attempt or cause other health problems.
Can hedgehogs handle the cold?
Hedgehogs are sensitive to temperature changes. The ideal range is between 75°F and 85°F. However, they will tolerate temperatures between 72°F and 90°F. Hedgehogs can go into a hibernation-like state of inactivity when temperatures are too hot or too cold.
Do hedgehogs feel the cold?
Hedgehogs hibernate to bypass the cold months when food becomes scarce. If the weather is warm and food is put out for them every night, some hedgehogs do not feel the need to hibernate and will stay active all through the winter.
How can I tell if my hedgehog is hibernating?
A hibernating hedgehog will be completely rolled up into a tight ball with no face visible. You can tell that the hedgehog is hibernating and not dead by the fact that it will 'ripple' when touched very gently. It may also emit a little 'snore'! Hedgehogs also generally don't die curled up….
How do u know if a hedgehog is hibernating?
4 signs a hedgehog frequents your garden at nightLeaves and ground foliage have been disturbed. Hedgehogs like to rest in damp, dark places, like log piles or composts. ... Droppings spotted. ... Install a camera.
How do you warm up a hedgehog?
Option 2: The Best Hedgehog Heating Pad The best way to use them is by placing them underneath half of the cage. This will give your hedgie the option to cool off a bit if they're a little toasty, while still heating the entire cage effectively.
How do you heat a hedgehog?
1:5915:56Hedgehog Care: Heat Setup (Ceramic Heat Emitter) + ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd how it works. The very most important thing you need for a hedgehog cage is a thermometer everyMoreAnd how it works. The very most important thing you need for a hedgehog cage is a thermometer every cage needs a thermometer in it.
Do hedgehogs need a heat lamp?
Hedgehogs generally need to be kept warmer than room temperature. Therefore, they often need a heat lamp or some other device to keep them warm. Because your pet will rely on this device to stay healthy, it is vital that you purchase the right product. If you don't keep your hedgehog warm, they may try to hibernate.
Why is my hedgehog barely moving?
If your hedgehog is acting sluggish, lethargic, uncoordinated or they are wobbly with the inability to move limbs; it may be a hibernation attempt. Some hedgehog owners fear the worst – Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome – which is a definite death sentence. Between the two, you can determine hedgehog hibernation quite easily.
What happens if you disturb a hibernating hedgehog?
If you do accidentally disturb a hibernation nest, cover it back over with a thick layer of dry leaves and perhaps leave some dog food and water nearby, so if the hedgehog does wake up, he can easily find something to eat before he goes to find a new hibernation spot and rebuilds his nest.
How do you wake up a hedgehog?
0:522:09Waking up your hedgehog. The gentle wake up. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo again using a sleeping bag is one of the easiest ways to get a grouchy hedgehog. Out of this cageMoreSo again using a sleeping bag is one of the easiest ways to get a grouchy hedgehog. Out of this cage just like it is easy to get one that's a little bit more happy about waking up.
What temperature should a hedgehog be?
Hedgehog’s temperature maintenance. Ideally, the best temp. for African Pygmy Hedgy’s is between 75 to 82 degrees’ Fahrenheit. Some can be okay in slightly warmer temp’s as long as it’s not 100 degrees’. If your Hedgy gets too cold, they will try to hibernate and then die. If they get to hot then they can succumb to heatstroke.
Why is it important to keep a hedgehog cage?
The reason being is because if your hedgehog’s temperature is not maintained properly, they may develop health problems and possibly die.
How to check if a hedgehog cage is a draft?
You can check by looking for any nearby windows, open vents, or fans that directly come in contact with the cage. Although ventilation is important, you don’t want to have a fan or vent directly blowing on the cage.
How much sunlight do hedgehogs need?
Hedgehog’s need about 9-12 hours of indirect sunlight per day to stay healthy. If the light is too low though, they may hibernate and not survive. If there is too much sunlight, your Hedgy will either not be able to get enough rest. In addition, the cage will heat up which may cause issues in maintaining your hedgehog’s temperature.
Do hedgehog cages heat up?
In addition, the cage will heat up which may cause issues in maintaining your hedgehog’s temperature. Lastly, although this does not relate directly to maintaining your hedgehog’s temperature, considering the amount of traffic around the cage is important when deciding where to place it. While most Hedgy’s can do well in areas of high traffic, ...
Can hedgehogs use heat pads?
They are placed completely underneath the cage, so your hedgehog can not access it and plugged into the wall. By using low amounts of electricity, these pads can heat up to a low, medium, or high mode of your choice.
Can you keep a hedgehog cage warm?
Always be careful when using artificial sources for maintaining your hedgehog’s temperature as for it can be easy to overheat Hedgy’s. If during the summer your cage begins to get hot, you can always cool it down by putting some ice packs underneath or on top-again, only in the corner though.
How to tell if a hedgehog is dead?
You may worry it is dead, and you don’t want a dead animal in your backyard, however, you should never move a hibernating hedgehog. A key way to tell if a hedgehog is dead or hibernating is if they are curled up in a ball. Hedgehogs will hibernate curled up in a ball, it is very unlikely that they will die curled up in a ball.
Why are hedgehogs warmer in urban areas?
Urban areas are also typically warmer than rural areas thanks to the denseness of the buildings, and heat that is omitted from man made appliances.
How long do hedgehogs hibernate?
Some hedgehogs will not hibernate at all, some may only hi bernate for a couple of weeks, and some may hibernate for a couple of months. Not only does this depend on their food source, but it also depends on the temperature.
Why do hedgehogs need hibernacula?
Hedgehogs are also at a potential risk if the air temperature falls down too low, if it falls below freezing point, then there is the potential for ice crystals to form in their blood .
Do hedgehogs hibernate in warmer climates?
Hedgehogs in the warmer climates appear to manage quite well without any need to hibernate. For example, there are descendants of the European hedgehogs that have acclimatized in New Zealand, these only seem to hibernate for very short periods of time in July and August.
Do hedgehogs wake up early?
However, on the milder days it is possible that a hedgehog will wake up early, grab a quick bite to eat and then return to hibernation, a bit like how we might wake up for a midnight snack.
Do hedgehogs get cocoa?
For hedgehogs and many other animals, they don’t get our cozy blankets, a cup of cocoa, or a toasty fireplace. Hedgehogs, along with many other animals, start to think about hibernation. You will have seen cartoons, TV shows, films, and documentaries that show you what hibernation is all about. Squirrels collect nuts to hide away ...
Why are hedgehogs more sensitive to temperature?
Because African Pygmy hedgehogs are much smaller and have less fat reserves than their wild European cousins, they can be more sensitive to temperature fluctuations. By learning the signs and symptoms of a hedgehog hibernation attempt, you can potentially save their life. In the wild, hedgehog hibernation is a useful survival instinct.
How do you know if a hedgehog is in hibernation?
The most obvious visual cue is that they are curled into a tight ball that you cannot get them out of. Additionally, you will find that they are not hissing or popping when you pick them up.
What to do if a hedgehog is faulty?
If you find that a component is faulty, you'll want to replace it. Your hog's vet may be able to make recommendations to help avoid future hedgehog hibernation events. And finally, from a hedgehog's view point, extra wormies are warranted too! After all, any excuse is a good excuse for more bug treats!
What to do if hedgehog is still unresponsive?
Please seek immediate treatment from a veterinarian or animal hospital. Additionally, if your hedgehog has revived but is exhibiting abnormal behavior, you may want to seek veterinary care .
How often do hedgehogs cycle lights?
Many hedgehog owners supplement natural lighting with LED lights that they cycle every 12-ho urs via a timer. LED lighting isn't the required source – just the most economical. This is an environmental factor that is easily controlled.
Do hedgehogs hibernate in the winter?
As humans, we enjoy a temperature-controlled home that is often cooler than a hedgehog's comfort zone. And, hedgehog hibernation attempts don't only occur during the winter. Because of this, there is a need for a consistent and regulated heat source year round to help prevent hibernation attempts.
Do hedgehogs have scarcity?
However, domesticated hedgehogs don't face the same scarcity of food. Nor do they typically experience the same drastic temperature fluctuations. They aren't adapted to this survival instinct. Therefore, when a pet hedgehog attempts to hibernate, it can quickly escalate into an emergency situation.
How do you know if your hedgehog is sick?
Weight loss, loose or reduced stools and reduced or bloody urine also can indicate your hedgehog is under the weather. Other signs of a sick hedgehog include lethargy, panting or labored breathing, a dull expression, discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, coughing and paralysis.
How to keep hedgehogs from being stressed?
You also can place the heating pad under one side of your pet’s cage or put a heat lamp over one end so she can move away from it as needed. While you wait to take your hedgehog to the vet, reduce her stress by leaving her alone as much as you can.
What to feed a sick hedgehog?
Wilkinson says you can offer her some canned kitten food, chicken or turkey baby food, or her normal diet soaked in water or low-sodium chicken broth.
How long do hedgehogs live?
Pointy noses, shiny eyes and natural athletes, these nocturnal critters boast a decent lifespan of 4-7 years with proper care and socialization.
What are the characteristics of a healthy hedgehog?
Characteristics of a Healthy Hedgehog. “A healthy hedgehog should always be bright, alert and responsive ,” says Stacey Leonatti Wilkinson, DVM, at Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital of Georgia, Pooler, Georgia. These energetic mammals sleep during the day and are active at night, often sniffing when walking around and exploring.
When do hedgehogs sleep?
These energetic mammals sleep during the day and are active at night, often sniffing when walking around and exploring. When your hedgehog is awake, her eyes should be bright and open, and her belly should be lifted up off the ground when she’s walking.
Can you bathe a hedgehog?
A syringe might help with feeding or providing water, she adds, but do so carefully as she can aspirate or choke if it’s given too rapidly. If your hedgehog is sick, do not bathe it unless your veterinarian instructs you to do so. Don’t expose your hedgehog to drafts or loud noises. Avoid handling it if possible.
Why is my hedgehog sleeping in a warm environment?
Hedgehogs that live in captivity should be kept in a controlled environment to make sure that the temperatures do not exceed the optimal limit. When your pet starts to aestivate, it will be very warm to touch. When it gets too hot for the hedgehog it may appear to be in deep sleep called torpor.
What happens if a hedgehog's stomach is hot?
When your hedgehog begins to show signs like “splatting” with their stomach on the floor and the legs splayed out, then your pet is hot. When the temperature exceeds 90 degrees your hedgehog can collapse due to heatstroke. This can lead to heart failure and ultimately death.
What temperature should a hedgehog cage be?
A hedgehog cage should be maintained between 80F (26.5C) and 72F (22C). Most hedgehogs enjoy an optimal temperature between 74F (23C) and 76F (24C), it is important to note that an individual pet may prefer a little cooler or warmer than that. Temperatures that get lower than 70F (21C) are considered colder and can result in a hibernation attempt ...
How hot can a hedgehog get?
Hedgehogs can cope up with temperatures of up to 80F but this not comfortable for them and should be avoided if possible. Even if your thermostat indicates that your room temperature is within the correct range, a thermometer should be kept in the hedgehog’s cage to keep track of the temperature.
Why is my hedgehog shaky?
The pet will become shaky and unsteady on its feet as if it is drunk when it is able to uncurl. The above symptom should not be confused with the wobbly hedgehog syndrome. When it gets too hot, the wobbliness occurs suddenly and is often completely reversible.
Why do hedgehogs aestivate?
The shortening of the cold hours of the day may force the hedgehog to go into aestivation. Barometric pressure changes or sudden increase in outdoor temperatures can also cause your hedgehog to start aestivation. Once your hedgehog starts aestivation, it is prone to future attempts.
How to keep a cage at an optimal temperature?
Make sure that the cage is sufficiently ventilated, and a cold draft is flowing through it to maintain the cage at an optimal temperature. Avoid using any human grade cooling equipment after a certain period. The best way to keep a close eye on the daily high temperatures is to keep a digital low/ high thermometer.
