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.
Hedgehogs – Not Living As Long As They Should
In this article, we've seen that although hedgehogs can live to over 10 years old, the average lifespan of UK hedgehogs is just 2 to 3 years. Few wild animals live to old age because of the inherent dangers of the natural world.
They have complex needs that can only be met in their natural environment, so they don't make suitable pets.
The oldest hedgehog in the sample was 16 years old - the oldest scientifically documented European hedgehog ever found. Two other individuals lived for 13 and 11 years respectively. The previous record holder lived for 9 years.
In the wild, hedgehogs are solitary animals and they spend most of their time alone except during mating season. They tend to be shy and wary of people. 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.
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.
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.
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.
A 5-year-old hedgehog is about 76 in human years, so if your hedgehog lives 5-7 years it has lived a full life, but five years is longer than the national average.
The average age for a wild hedgehog is widely cited in the literature as five or six years (most probably living only three or four years) and the upper age limit about nine years old.
However, the species is prohibited throughout Australia for a number of reasons including its potential to introduce exotic animal diseases and because the species has the ability to become a serious invasive pest in Australia.
Places some hedgehogs like to be scratched include: their ears, chin, along the edge of their quill line or skirt, belly fur or feet. protective of its feet.
Hedgehogs live alone in the wild and are typically solitary animals. They may take a while to warm up to you when you first bring them home. Patience and time will help them trust you.
Hedgehog skin pigmentation also changes with age. A majority of wild European hedgehogs are born with brown noses but elderly hedgehogs start to lose this pigmentation and their skin starts to turn pink. This is particularly striking in this old lady hedgehog.
Remember that hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal, so you will see them sleeping a lot. Hedgehogs sleep away 95% of the day and night. Don't worry, this is perfectly normal.
Hedgehogs are very solitary animals and should be housed separately. In the wild, they are only social during the breeding season. Their solitary nature can make it difficult for these pets to warm up to you.
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.
It is quite common for most hedgehogs to be sleeping between 18 to 20 hours a day. For the little ones, they are able to sleep for more than 20 hours a day, hence it is important to wake your baby hedgehogs up for playtime if it has been sleeping for most of the time.
The cage should be large enough to allow the hedgehog to move around. At least 2 x 3 feet (61 x 91cm) should be the minimum floor space provided. Walls must be high enough to prevent escape, as hedgehogs are good climbers. A glass aquarium or smooth-sided cage is a reasonable choice for many owners.
For many species, males are more aggressive than females. Because of this, females are typically viewed as more desirable pets than males. This tendency, however, is not true of hedgehogs. Male and female hedgehogs show no consisten temperament difference in how they react toward humans.
A lot of hedgehog owners recommend one tablespoon of food once to twice a day. Most prefer a free feeding schedule. Baby hedgehogs need to have constant access to food. Pregnant and nursing hogs are expected to eat more.
All animals require time and commitment and a pet should never be purchased on a whim. I'm happy to report, though, that hedgehogs ARE a low maintenance pet. Expect to spend about fifteen minutes to a half hour per week cleaning your hedgehogs' cage, food bowl, water bottle, wheel and other toys.
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.
Talking to your hedgehog while holding, snuggling, bathing, and other enjoyable activities will help your hedgehog associate the sound of your voice with comfort and enjoyment. Over the years we have found the radio and music very soothing for a variety of different animals.
Tea Tree oil/ Eucalyptus/Thieves - this includes: tea tree shampoo, tea tree oil, tea tree sprays and anything tea tree. Even Candles inhaled can harm your hedgehog!