Sploots/Splats: If you see your hedgehog splooting/splatting, check and make sure they are not too warm. You can provide your hedgie with a "cool side of the pillow" by adding a plain (or fancy) ceramic tile away from the heat source.
Hedgehog Lying Flat.
A hedgehog lying flat who is cold and still is much more likely to be dead. More likely, but not definitely. Hedgehogs who overheat lie flat and press their bellies to the ground, which is usually a cooling surface. If this doesn't work, they go into a state called aestivation.
A sign of a hot hedgehog is a hedgehog laying flat on their belly also referred to as splooting, comfortable hedgehogs can also sploot so if you see this behavior and temperatures are over 80 ° F, your hedgehog is overheated.
A hedgehog's go-to vocal is huffing and puffing, but he's not trying to blow the house down. This sniffing is a normal vocalization he makes while going about his business of exploring. An unhappy hedgehog, on the other hand, will show his disdain with a hiss or a clicking sound.
Signs of stress
The stressed hedgehog may also twitch or shake its head nervously. It is almost as if the hedgehog is saying “Sensory overload. I can't take it anymore.” The hedgehog might give you a warning bite if the first two signs are overlooked.
It is initially most evident by the "wobble" the hedgehog has when it tries to stand still. It gradually progresses from the hind end and starts to affect the front of the body leading to tetraplegia or quadriplegia (partial or total loss of use of all limbs and torso).
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.
A hedgehog seen out in the day is uncommon. Seeing one out in daylight could be a key indicator that the hedgehog is sick and in need of your help, especially if it is during winter time when most hedgehogs should be hibernating. Sick hedgehogs could be thin, dehydrated, possibly poisoned or have breathing problems.
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.
“In general, any time your hedgehog is less active, not eating well, or you notice more specific signs like coughing, sneezing, trouble breathing, abnormal urine or feces, etc., a vet visit is warranted,” she says.
Fluke can cause excessive hyperactivity and the poo to smell particularly horrid. I can smell fluke before I see it under the microscope. Hedgehogs with lungworm can have a terrible deep cough like a smoker's cough. A high worm burden will often put a hedgehog off eating.
Sometimes a belly rub feels really good, and this hedgehog is here to show us just how good. Yep, it's impossible to ignore his blissful little face as he gets a mini massage!
Aside from health issues, one reason a hedgehog might stop running is if they are overweight. It's more difficult to run with added weight. And some hedgies will give up their night-time jogging routine. It's also possible for a hedgehog to stop running out of boredom.
A well-socialized hedgehog is friendly and welcomes interaction from her owner. If your happy-go-lucky pet turns into a growling bundle of huffiness overnight and refuses to uncurl, something may be wrong. Constant hissing or grumbling are also signs she could be in pain or distressed.
I have disturbed a hedgehog, what should I do? If the hedgehog is hibernating, gently replace the animal into the space, re-cover with old nest material and leave alone. If this is not possible then place the hedgehog in a large box or in a part of the garden the hedgehog will be safe and sheltered.
The hedgehog's nose should be moist and clean. It should not be dry, bubbly, or running. Your hedgehog's ears should be clean with no drainage, crustiness, or flaking on the outer part of the ear. Check the skin to make sure there are no abrasions, lumps, bumps, excessive dryness, bare patches, or signs of mites.
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.
– You should handle it for at least 30 minutes daily to ensure enough socialization and bonding with you. – If your hedgehog begins to become aggressive, shaking, starts biting you, or you notice green poop, this is a sign that he's becoming stressed and had too much handling that day.
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.
Keep your distance from a hissing hedgehog, just like you would from a hissing snake. When a hedgehog hisses, it means he is really annoyed and wants you, other hogs or other animals to clear off. Hedgehogs will often make the hissing noise if their nest is disturbed or if they are cornered or approached by a predator.
Hedgehogs reach sexual maturity in their second year of life, and after this can breed every year. Males attempt to woo females in lengthy encounters that involve much circling, sometimes lasting hours, and rhythmic snorting and puffing.