The hedgehog, a very soft little mammal! - Boutique Le Jardin Des Animaux

The hedgehog, a very soft little mammal!

The hedgehog is a small animal that has nothing to do with the American porcupine that roams in our forests.

  • Sweet or spicy?
  • Day or night?
  • Is it a rodent?
  • Is he vegetarian?

These are questions that will find answers as Renée Dumais-Beaudoin of Radio Canada Estrie radio hosts Isabelle Arguin, animal health technician.


THE ADOPTION OF A HEDGEHOG

There are different things to know when it comes time to adopt a hedgehog, it is interesting to identify the one who is already nice when he is handled. Small mammals are ready to be separated from their mother between 9 and 12 weeks.

The hedgehog is a solitary animal. Two females can manage to get along in a fairly large and well-adapted environment, but this cohabitation is against nature and not advisable.

Adopt a male or female? Both genders make good pets without discrimination.

HOW TO ASSESS THE HEALTH OF YOUR FUTURE HEDGEHOG

Watch it walk, a healthy hedgehog walks without losing its balance. It should also close into a tight ball and its quills are firmly attached.

Any loss of quills in large quantities revealing the skin is abnormal. Obviously your hedgehog will lose quills but here and there on his body and not concentrated in one place. The fur of the abdomen is clean as well as the feet and around the anus and genitals.

DETERMINE GENDER

It's not always easy to determine the gender of a hedgehog that insists on curling up. Here is a little trick that will help you, place the hedgehog in a transparent container and wait for it to unfold. The genital area will then be visible.

The male's penis is visible at the bottom of the abdomen.

Sexing of juveniles: the arrows represent the anogenital distance in the female (left) and in the male (right)

LIVING CONDITIONS IN THE VIVARIUM

The hedgehog is an inconspicuous little animal that gives off practically no smell. Bad odors only come from a poorly cleaned cage or exercise wheel where feces accumulate. There are very good maintenance products that are safe for your hedgehog.

The hedgehog, whatever you may think, is a very active small mammal. He needs to move and explore. He likes to climb, dig and run. When given the chance, he can travel great distances in his wheel which is an indispensable accessory.

It can be housed in a large wire cage with a plastic bottom, but this option is not the safest. Indeed the hedgehog loves to climb with its tiny legs, so it could easily hurt itself or break a leg if the latter were to fall.

We recommend that you use large plastic tubs or even better an aquarium, this option will be appreciated because it will be easy to add a heating mat to your hedgehog's habitat.

The hedgehog is a bit chilly. A small fleece blanket and a heating mat placed under the cage or aquarium (never inside) will be appreciated. The hedgehog prefers temperatures between 24 and 29°C. It is also possible to add a heating lamp or ceramic.

When the ambient temperature, i.e. the room in which your hedgehog is located, drops below 18°C, it can go dormant. His body becomes cold. He no longer or very little responds to stimuli and he seems in shock. If it is found in this state, it must be warmed up and if your hedgehog's temperament does not return to its regular state, consult a veterinarian.

The hedgehog is very playful, but it does not play like a dog or a cat would, seeking interaction. However, he is very curious and loves to explore, climb, pull and push objects. The toys made available to the hedgehog are intended to keep him busy and provide him with interesting activities. Know that the more active your hedgehog is on its wheel or with its toys, the healthier it will be.

FREQUENT HEDGEHOG PROBLEMS


Obesity
The hedgehog who eats too much and does not exercise enough quickly becomes obese. The ultimate sign that the hedgehog is too big: it can no longer close completely when it balls up. Weight loss should be done gradually and under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Loss of quills
Parasites, ringworm or bacterial infections of the skin are the most common causes of skin problems resulting in abnormal loss of quills. Your veterinarian performs tests to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Diarrhea
Bacterial infections, parasites, and tumors in the intestine are possible causes of diarrhea. In any case, the hedgehog must be seen quickly by the veterinarian.

Strangulation or amputation of a limb by a fiber of tissue or even hair .
The fabrics used in the cage must not be able to be frayed (example: terry towel). A thread can come loose and wrap around the legs. It cuts off blood circulation and causes the limb to swell. If not removed quickly, amputation may be required. It is therefore wise to regularly inspect a hedgehog's fingers and paws.

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