More and more people are turning to small animals as pets, and the hedgehog has quickly become one of the most popular choices. But how do we take care of a hedgehog, and what do we need to keep in mind when raising one?

Let's dive into the specifics of hedgehog care, and you'll see it's not as simple as it may seem!

Winter Hibernation: A Fascinating Habit

One thing that sets hedgehogs apart from other pets is their habit of hibernation. In places like Beijing, they begin hibernating around October and wake up at the end of March. Before they go into hibernation, they gather food to stockpile fat reserves. Some hedgehogs can store as much as one-fifth of their body weight in fat. When in hibernation, their body temperature drops below 9°C, and their breathing rate slows down to just 1-10 breaths per minute.

This is also why it's important to be careful when burning dry leaves or branches in the yard. If a hedgehog is in hibernation and doesn't wake up in time, it could end up being fatally injured. While hedgehogs might occasionally wake up during hibernation, they are unlikely to survive if they're disturbed too early due to a lack of food and the harsh weather conditions.

Eating habits

A Sensitive Process

If you've just caught a wild hedgehog to raise at home, you need to be especially careful about what you feed it. Hedgehogs are quite picky eaters, and they will only accept fresh, clean food. The animal-based foods should make up about 80% of their diet, and over time, you can slowly introduce more plant-based foods into their meals.

Be sure to wash all vegetables and fruits thoroughly, and even soak them in water for an hour to remove any pesticide residue. If you only offer one type of food, the hedgehog may refuse to eat, which can lead to health issues.

Picky Eaters

Hedgehogs are omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of foods. In the wild, their diet consists mostly of small vertebrates, invertebrates, and plant matter such as fruits, roots, and seeds. However, when we raise them at home, we have to provide them with food that closely mimics their natural diet. This means a blend of meat, vegetables, and grains. It's essential to prepare their food thoughtfully to ensure they get the proper nutrition.

A Nighttime Routine

Hedgehogs are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. For us as pet owners, this means we can feed them in the evening, just before they get active. Offering them fresh food and water during this time is essential for their well-being. They enjoy eating snails, caterpillars, earthworms, beetles, and other small creatures. You can also give them fruit, but be sure to cut it into small pieces to make it easier for them to eat.

More Tips

Hedgehogs can reproduce once or twice a year, with a gestation period of about 36 days. A typical litter consists of 3-6 babies. These little ones are born pink and soft, with small white spines that haven't yet hardened. Their eyes and ears are closed, and their bodies are too delicate to curl up. They need to be handled carefully to avoid injury to their internal organs.

Finall Thoughts

Raising a hedgehog may seem like a lot of work, and they can indeed be picky and difficult to please. However, with proper care and attention, hedgehogs can be lovely, low-maintenance pets. But before you decide to adopt one, consider whether you're prepared for their special needs, from feeding and breeding to ensuring their safety during hibernation.

So, Lykkers, what do you think? Would you be willing to take on the challenge of caring for a hedgehog, or does it sound like too much work?