Symptoms of Wobbly Hedgehog SyndromeSeizures, head tilt, circling, self-mutilation, weight loss due to a decrease in appetite, muscle loss, difficulty walking, falling over when standing or walking, and eventually paralysis is also seen in hedgehogs as WHS progresses.
Quacking Like a DuckLike screaming, it's also a distress call. But whereas screaming indicates the hedgehog is in pain, the quacking noise is made when the problem isn't quite so serious. Hedgehogs might make the quacking noise if they are stuck in something.
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.
Aside from health issues, one reason a hedgehog might stop running is if they are overweight. It's more difficult to run with added weight. And some hedgies will give up their night-time jogging routine. It's also possible for a hedgehog to stop running out of boredom.
Hedgehogs do bond with their owners when they get used to their owners scent. Baby hedgehogs bond quicker than older hedgehogs, who require more time and attention to get used to their owners. This relaxed state, allows hedgehogs to become more inclined to bond with their owners.
Depression. Without room, a hedgehog will show signs of depression, such as excessive sleeping, refusal to eat, repetitious behaviour, and self mutilation.
Healthy adult hedgehogs typically weigh between 1 and 2 lbs in the wild. But there is vast variation, depending on the age and sex of the hog and the time of year.May 6, 2021
“If a hedgehog is underweight, below 600g (1.3lbs), then it is sensible to keep feeding it to help it through the winter. It may not have enough body fat to survive through the long hibernation period. However it is suggested that people should reduce their food at this time of year if that is not the case.â€
High quality, poultry-based cat biscuits seem to be the number one choice among hedgehog owners. Poultry-based dry cat food high in protein and low in fat needs to make up the majority of a hog's diet. Moist cat food, insects, fruit & veg, boiled eggs and baby food are used to supplement a pet hedgehog's diet.
In captivity hoglets put on weight much more quickly than in the wild. Weight guides given are for wild hedgehogs, hand reared hedgehogs can weigh 500 or 600gms at 8 weeks.
Hedgehogs should weigh around 600 grams by early December in order to have enough body fat to survive hibernation. From early November you might want to keep an eye on any visiting hedgehogs to see how much they weigh. It wouldn't disturb them too much to weigh one on your kitchen scales.
Dr. Keller says, “With appropriate care and keeping, your hedgehog will live about five years, and some even live longer than eight years.†If you have any questions about hedgehogs, contact your local veterinarian.
Dehydrated hedgehogs absolutely need rehydration fluids 2 and need them immediately. If the hog is cold it must be warmed up before these can be administered. If the hog is responsive you can give oral rehydration warmed to body temperature, otherwise it will need subcutaneous 3 fluids.
If the hedgehog is injured, lifeless or screaming:
- Phone or take the animal to your nearest rescue or vet immediately. If one place doesn't answer the phone, call another, time is of the essence.
- Any local vet should take the animal and treat it under their RCVS Code of Practice.
- The RSPCA.
Keep the box in a quiet, warm place: a hot water bottle filled with hot tap water wrapped in a towel can provide a gentle heat source – make sure it doesn't go cold! You can provide some fresh water and meaty cat or dog food, but don't try to feed the hedgehog directly.
Here are our top 16 tips:
- 1) Carefully check your bonfires for hedgehogs.
- 2) Get a hedgehog house.
- 3) Leave out some food for your prickly friends.
- 4) Hold back on the mealworms.
- 5) Let your hedges grow/plant a hedge.
- 6) Create 'Hedgehog Highways' (access holes) between gardens.
- 7) Create log piles in your garden.
Injured hedgehogs - with open wounds, fractures, bites, burns, or trapped in some way. Sick hedgehogs - usually found out in the day, thin, dehydrated, possibly poisoned, or with breathing problems. Hedgehogs that are unsteady on their feet (wobbling, rocking) or with flies around them.
All species eat a large amount of insects, however, making them valuable allies in the garden. Whether omnivores or insectivores, hedgehogs are known for their ability to go long periods without food, if necessary. They have survived 10 weeks without food or water in a controlled environment.
Temperatures that are too hot or too cold are a stress to your hedgehog. A hedgehog that is too hot will lay flat on it's tummy with all four legs stretched out in sort of a “splat†and will probably be taking quick, short breaths. Moving it to a room with recommended temperatures should slowly cool the hedgehog.
Hedgehogs do cry. Just like humans, hedgehogs can sense fear and danger. Whenever they are exposed to situations or conditions, they find uncomfortable, hedgehogs can cry and wail like a baby. Hedgehogs have different ways of showing emotions; it can be through sounds or body behavior.
So, is it cruel to keep a hedgehog as a pet? There is no harm in deciding to keep a pet hedgehog, as long as you love and care for it as you would any other pet. Many people decide to keep African Pygmy hedgehogs as pets, and they need more care and maintenance than other pets.
Hedgehogs don't need as much emotional contact either again, unlike other pets like dogs and cats. They are solitary creatures so leaving them alone isn't a problem but it's highly advisable a bond is established with them, as a relaxed hedgehog is easy to look after.
The right quantity of food along with enough exercise is the key to keeping your hedgehog at an optimal weight. Hedgies require about 70 to 100 calories a day which isn't all that much. Roughly, depending on the specific calorie content of the food offered, this would break down to about 1 to 3 Tablespoons per day.
Once a month bathing is adequate for the average hedgehog. Some hedgehogs need baths frequently and others seldom need one. Bathing generally helps to relieve dry skin; however, bathing too frequently may contribute to dry skin.
Hedgehogs can tolerate temperatures up to about 90 degrees, but it is not comfortable for them and should be avoided if possible. Even if a room or house is kept in the correct range according to a thermostat, a thermometer MUST be in the cage itself to keep track of the temperature.
