Some hedgehogs are sensitive to changes in routine or unfamiliar situations (like vet visits). It's not uncommon for hedgehogs to be stressed by baths or even foot baths. Unfortunately, stress poo happens and your drama-hog will have to adapt when it's for their own good.
There are several things can lead to hedgehogs having soft or loose stools. Stress is probably the biggest factor. Shipping, travel, a change in environment- these things can be a stressor to the hedgehog and will sometimes result in a few days of soft stools.
Healthy hedgehog droppings are black or dark brown in colour, solid and usually oval or tapered. They can be up to 5cm long. Stools also provide a vital insight into the hedgehog diet. Hedgehog poo will often 'glisten' due to being packed with the remains of invertebrates, such as beetle wings and other body parts.
Internal parasites ("worms" and protozoa) can cause diarrhea and require a microscopic fecal examination by a veterinarian. In cases of low parasite counts, some hedgehogs may not show any signs but still test positive for intestinal parasites.
This physiological arrangement also answers, 'Do hedgehogs poop when they run? ' Yes. Yes they do.
Young hedgehogs seem to have no control over their bowels, and as such, they seemingly enjoy pooping wherever and whenever they find the opportunity. However, as these young ones become older, they learn to hold their poop in better and only leave poop in the appropriate places.
Hedgehog droppings
Droppings can vary depending on the diet of the hedgehog. Droppings are usually dark brown-grey or black. They are firm and typically packed with the exoskeletons of invertebrates, such as beetles. Often you will see a dropping on its own, and it will be roughly cylindrical, and sometimes tapered.
Droppings can vary depending on what they've been eating, but are usually: black or very dark brown. roughly sausage shaped. 1.5-5cm long.
Things you can look out for are: Does its skin spring back when you pull up a couple of spines? If the skin appears to stay in place, the hedgehog could be dehydrated. Ensure the hedgehog has access to plenty of water if you suspect dehydration.
After your hedgie does it's business, put the poo in the box. Put the box where the hedgie is most often urinating. Don't clean the litter box for a little while, if you do need to clean it remove the oldest poo and keep the freshest stuff in the box.
Hedgehog Activity
Hedgehogs are nocturnal. They sleep during the day and are very active at night. “They will be getting up for their 'day' when you are having dinner, which can be a nice time to interact with them before you go to bed,” Dr. Keller says.
Also, while we're sure you're aware of good hand washing practices, more diligence needs to be observed when dealing with hedgehog poop. We recommend that you use a good antiseptic and/or anti-bacterial soap. It's better to be safe than sorry.
However if you find a hedgehog staggering around, lying still (not in a nest), with flies around it or obviously sick or injured be it day or night, it needs urgent help. Sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs are very susceptible to hypothermia.
Long-term elevated stress levels, as in humans, can have serious physiological consequences for hedgehogs. The higher level of stress shows that being handled and placed in captivity can cause long-term stress in the animals. This highlights the importance of periods of captivity being as short as possible.
Depression. Without room, a hedgehog will show signs of depression, such as excessive sleeping, refusal to eat, repetitious behaviour, and self mutilation.
Speak softly and be gentle with him. Avoid surprising a hedgehog, approach him slowly and quietly. It is best to pick him up gently with two cupped hands from underneath where his fur is soft. They sometimes roll into a ball when picked up, but if you hold him and are patient, he will unroll and sniff around.
Sick or injured hedgehogs
Seeing a hedgehog during full daylight is often a sign that they are ill, injured, or needs help.
If a noise is loud to you, it is probably too loud for your hedgehog as well. Observe the sounds your hedgehog is making towards you as well. If he is purring, he is happy and content.
Green sticky or slimy mucous stools can mean an irritated gastrointestinal system but it can also indicate an infection. If it is a dark green sticky or slimy mucous which happens more than once especially if accompanied by loss of appetite and decreased activity, a vet visit is needed asap.
They are nocturnal animals and they come out to play at night. They must get complete darkness as they are sensitive to the light, however, they do need light during the day for about 12 hours. If they are not getting enough light in their cage, an additional light source on a timer should be set up.
Light. Because they are nocturnal, hedgehogs do best with a consistent source of light for about 12-14 hours each day. It's a good idea to have a light with a timer near the cage, or keep an overhead light on for the allotted time.
Signs of lungworm, therefore, can range from no disease to snuffles, wheezes, nasal discharge, increased respiratory effort (sometimes with rattling breathing), cough, weight loss, reduced appetite, weakness, reduced activity, staggering gait and open mouth breathing. In severe cases, the disease can cause death.
One manifestation of salmonellosis in hedgehogs is abscessation of the lymph nodes. The signs of salmonellosis therefore vary, and are non-specific, but can include persistent weight loss, dehydration, loss of appetite, weakness, diarrhoea (often green, mucoid or blood-stained) and breathing difficulties.
1. Toilet paper tubes: Hedgehogs like to wear them on their head and play "tank." Some hedgies love TP tubes so much that they learn to eat and to drink from a water bottle with the tube on their head!