In male
Colouring. It used to be said that female hedgehogs had lighter coloured fur and longer, shaper spines. Colouring does certainly vary between hogs. But gender doesn't seem to be much of a factor in this.
Males are usually bigger than females but these differences are masked by variations between individuals in terms of their age, or by seasonal effects.
Female hedgehogs are called sows, and their vulva and anus are very close in proximity to each other. They have five pairs of mammae or teats. Male and female hedgehogs should be housed separately from the time of weaning and should only be allowed contact for breeding purposes.
Hedgehogs DO have a 'heat,' or estrus cycle, and are not entirely induced ovulators as had been previously thought. The cycle is typically about 9 days on, followed by 7 days off, but is not absolute.
If you hear loud snuffling and grunting noises at night in the garden, it may be hedgehogs mating. The male (boar) circles round the female (sow), sometimes for hours, trying to persuade her to mate.
Hedgehogs Are Solitary by Nature
1 If hedgehogs do not get along, they will fight, sometimes inflicting serious damage to one another. For these reasons, it is generally best to stick with one hedgehog per cage.
Every hedgehog has a unique personality, but most aren't interested in human affection. Caretakers note that it takes a lot of time and effort to get a hedgehog to tolerate being held. Like porcupines, hedgehogs have sharp, prickly quills that they use to fend off predators.
Male hedgehogs should NEVER EVER be housed together. They may seem like they are best friends and getting along great, but 99% of males are going to be territorial and extremely aggressive towards one another once they are older.
Possibly the rarest of all hedgehogs, the Algerian Black Hedgehog is the trickiest to identify and purchase.
Pet hedgehogs have an average life span of four to six years and weigh about a pound. Most owners will feed them a low-fat dry cat food supplemented with vegetables, mealworms, and crickets, and keep them in a large, flat-bottomed cage.
Hedgehogs reach sexual maturity in their second year of life, and after this can breed every year until death. They reproduce between April and September, but the period of greatest activity, 'the rut', occurs in May and June in Britain.
The breeding season for hedgehogs typically starts in May, with most young born in June and July. We now see a later one in September and October but in our experience if there is food and water and a safe place to sleep hedgehogs can breed all year. Their gestation period is around 35 days.
Last Updated on August 28, 2022. Hedgehogs do not spray or scent-mark their territory like other animals. Males do not have a stronger odor than females. They can only be physically distinguished from females by the differences in their genitalia.
Four-toed hedgehogs (African Pygmy hedgehogs) may legally be kept as pets. Australia: All hedgehogs are classified as exotic pets that are illegal to import.
As stated above, bonding does take effort and persistence, and may require a great deal of time. Some hedgehogs will bond rather quickly, but other hedgehogs may take up to a YEAR to fully bond. Over time your hedgehog will become accustomed to your smell, feel, and will appreciate the warmth of your body.
The average hedgehog is content to do its own thing and may not show any outward sign that it cares about its owner's existence unless you have a treat in your hand. Despite their somewhat solitary nature, they can become very affectionate with their owners and will even enjoy snuggling on your lap.
It takes patience and a gentle hand to form a trusting bond with a pet hedgehog. Once a bond is established hedgehogs can be quite playful and occasionally cuddly.
Usually, hedgehogs hibernate for a period of around four months, from November to mid-March. However, this is dependent on the weather and in mild winters hedgehogs may remain active well into December.
A Quick Guide to Hedgehog Noises:
Grunting and snuffling, like a pig = hedgehog out and about, looking for food. Chuffing like a steam train = mating season. Chirping like a baby bird = hungry hoglets in the nest. Screaming Hedgehog = in pain and distress. Hissing Hedgehog = warning sign – keep away!
Did you know that Hedgehogs hiss? It's a natural. defense mechanism displayed when they feel stressed, angry or anxious.
Hedgehogs are known to be very communicative when it comes to their needs, and often make a low purring sound when they are happy or content.