The hedgehog is an omnivorous mammal that belongs to the hedgehog family. The natural habitat of these animals are forests, meadows, river floodplains, plains. In Eurasia, hedgehogs are widespread almost everywhere, but in some regions they are listed in the Red Book as an endangered species.

Living in natural conditions

The breeder must understand that the main thing in caring for a pet is to recreate the conditions of its natural habitat as much as possible. How do hedgehogs live in the wild?

Nutrition
Hedgehogs are a family of omnivores. The opinion that these animals feed only on mushrooms and fruits is a myth. In fact, hedgehogs eat arthropods and rodents. In addition, the animal needs fruits and berries.

In conditions of prolonged starvation, hedgehogs are able to eat earthworms and even snakes, including poisonous ones. However, such a diet will not be beneficial for the animal.

Lifestyle
Hedgehogs live in shallow burrows, which are hermetically closed in the cold season. They hibernate when the ambient temperature drops below 15 ° C. In this case, the mammalian heart rate is reduced to 20 beats per minute, and the respiratory rate is reduced to one.

Hedgehogs mate in the spring after hibernation. In a litter, a female can have up to 8 cubs, pregnancy lasts 40-49 days. The life expectancy in the wild rarely exceeds 5 years.

How to choose a hedgehog

Before buying a hedgehog, you should carefully examine it. The animal should be mobile, its skin and needles should look healthy, and there should be no crusts or mucus on its eyes. The first manifestation of many diseases in hedgehogs is excessive loss of needles and sour eyes. The wisest decision is to consult with your veterinarian before purchasing.

Hedgehogs get used to the area in which they live quite strongly. When a pet is bought and transported to a new location, he experiences stress. This is due to the fact that hedgehogs have poor eyesight, but excellent sense of smell and hearing. In a new home with unfamiliar smells, the animal will feel in constant danger until it gets used to its surroundings. How to facilitate the adaptation process? There are some simple tricks:

1. Take the hedgehog in your arms more often. This is not to say that these animals need constant company, but the pet needs to get used to the new owner.
2. Hand-feed the animal. This is the best way to win over any animal. Show that you are friendly.
3. Eliminate the influence of strong aromas. Air fresheners, perfumes, cigarettes and other sources of odor should be removed from the room where the cage with the hedgehog is located.
4. Place your unwashed clothes near the cage. The hedgehog will quickly get used to the owner if he constantly feels his presence.
5. Do not place your pet in a noisy room, this will only increase stress.

Cell selection

Hedgehogs are very mobile animals, they like to run, therefore the cage must be large enough. It is important that it closes securely, as these pets are real escapees. You cannot choose two-tier cells. Pets have poor eyesight, and it is difficult for them to climb to the second floor. In addition, the bones of hedgehogs are fragile, climbing and entangling in the rods, the pet can damage the paw.

There must be a litter in the cage, it should be made of natural materials: wood sawdust or grass. Hedgehogs love to hide, they definitely need a mink. A small but closed house can replace it at home. Another required component is a running wheel, otherwise the hedgehog will suffer from physical inactivity.

You can try litter box training. To do this, fill it with materials other than bedding. Ordinary cat litter is suitable for these purposes. However, it must be borne in mind that hedgehogs do not lend themselves well to such training and relieve themselves wherever they want.

Nutrition

The most common disease in captive hedgehogs is obesity. It becomes the cause of their premature death, therefore, it is worthwhile to balance the pet's diet as much as possible.

You can buy special food for hedgehogs at pet stores. If it is absent, dry food for cats is suitable, the taste preferences of animals are very similar. In addition, the hedgehog should be fed with meat, fish, eggs and fruits.

Low-fat boiled chicken or fish, boiled eggs, non-acidic apples, ready-made peas are suitable as complementary foods. Food must not be salted during cooking, and raw meat must not be given. There are a number of products that are forbidden to feed hedgehogs, these include: tomatoes, grapes, raisins, milk, avocado, alcohol, sweets, bread.

The pet feeder should be low and wide enough for the hedgehog to climb inside. This will make it easier for him to eat. At the same time, it must be heavy so that the pet cannot turn it over.

A few basic rules

1. Monitor the ambient temperature. When it drops to 15 ° C, the hedgehog will hibernate. This condition is often perceived by the owners as death, but in fact the pet is alive. Already at 22 ° C, hedgehogs become lethargic, adynamic, there is a risk of pneumonia.
2. You cannot put two males in one cage. These animals have a fierce struggle for territory between the representatives of the stronger sex, they can injure each other or even kill.
3. Always close the cage and check for leaks. The hedgehog will take every opportunity to escape and can cause many problems because of this.
4. Release the animal periodically so that it can run around the room. In the wild, hedgehogs have a fairly large territory.
5. Feed your pet in the evening, as its activity increases at night and energy is needed at this time.
6. It is normal for needles to fall out, but if the needles do not grow back and remain bald, see your veterinarian.

With proper care, the lifespan of a hedgehog in captivity can reach 12 years. It is worth adhering to the basic rules, and the pet will delight you with its presence for a long time.

Video: how to care for hedgehogs