Hedgehogs are most comfortable between 74° and 76°F, which is 23° to 24°C. If the temperature gets too low, your hedgehog may ball up and try and go into hibernation, which could be fatal. If the temperature is too high, which is above 80°F or 27°C, your hedgehog could be headed towards heat stroke.
Hedgehogs need their enclosure to be kept between 21 – 25 degrees Celsius. The temperature should never drop below 18 degrees Celsius or rise above 28 degrees Celsius.
A ceramic flower pot large enough for them to lay in will prevent a cool spot for them to snuggle in. Or an ice pack on top of the cage with a light cloth over it can help cool the area can give the hedgie some relief…
Keeping the Temperature Constant with a hedgehog heat pad
Hedgehogs should be kept in an environment that is between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below this, the hedgehog may start to hibernate.
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.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal, which means they shouldn't really be seen out in daylight hours. Some of the exceptions to this are pregnant females gathering nesting materials just before she gives birth, or a new 'Mum' taking a break from the nest to get food and water while her young sleep.
Hedgehogs must be able to wander in the summer months to find food and mates.
If you notice your hedgehog being restless and splatting out (laying on the belly, feet sticking out) somewhere in the enclosure, it might be too warm. You can offer a tile for the hedgehog to lay on to cool down a bit, or a bottle filled with cold water.
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.
You can encourage hedgehogs into your garden by providing food and fresh water. Tips for leaving out food and water: Leave out foods like tinned dog or cat food and crushed cat or dog biscuits. Supply good quality, meaty hedgehog food from wildlife food suppliers.
You can also give your hedgehog a teaspoon of yogurt or baby food; my hedgies love the little hot dogs. Don't be discouraged if your new pet doesn't take to a snack food right away.
Reptile Heating pads
Many under tank heaters designed for reptile use will also work well for hedgehogs. You must read the instructions to make sure the stick on mat won't get too hot for your cage.
Hedgehogs should be bathed in warm water for their comfort. The water should be warm to the touch without being scalding.
Many hedgehogs love to play in warm water and will enjoy themselves during bath time. We prefer to give hedgehogs a bath in a sink or a bathtub. Hedgehogs are prone to relieve themselves in the warm water so we prefer to use our laundry sink.
Humidity should be at 40-70%. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and should have about 12 hours of mild light and 12 hours of darkness a day to maintain a normal schedule.
Some hedgehogs will bond to their owners for life (HHC). Bonding does require effort, persistence, and an understanding of hedgehogs. Many hedgehogs don't like to be petted by just anyone until they are completely comfortable with their environment. This is especially important when a hedgehog goes to a new home.
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.
Like many pocket pets, hedgehogs love to explore mazes and tunnels. This will keep Hedgie active, and offer him mental stimulation. You can buy labyrinths, or make your own out of shoeboxes or PVC pipe. To make your pet's explorations even more fun for him, hide a snack at the end of the tunnel.
12 Hedgehog Noises and What They Mean.
It's the noise that hedgehogs make when they're out and about, busy searching for food at night. Though the noise can be surprisingly loud, a grunting, snuffling hog is perfectly happy and should be left to go about her business.
A hedgehog that is too hot will lay flat on its tummy with all four legs stretched out in sort of a “splat” or “sploot” and will probably be taking quick, short breaths. Moving it to a room with recommended temperatures should slowly cool the hedgehog.
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.
We see hedgehogs coming in from gardens where people consistently feed them and they are overweight and their prickles are thinning.” It's hedgehog inequality! That's basically right. Too much food can also stop them hibernating, which messes up their breeding cycles.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal and only come out at night. Generally, any hedgehog out during the day is probably in trouble and will need to be picked up and taken to a wildlife rescue centre.
They are great swimmers
Fans of Sonic the Hedgehog may have been led to believe that Sonic (and all other hedgehogs) can't swim, but it turns out that real life hedgehogs are strong paddlers in natural bodies of water. Nocturnal creatures, hedgehogs can run and swim up to 2km a night in search of food.