Keeping the Temperature Constant with a hedgehog heat pad One of the most important things that you can do to prevent hibernation is to keep the temperature constant. Hedgehogs should be kept in an environment that is between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
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 environmental temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees. Keep your hedgehog's cage away from drafts, direct sunlight, or cold areas. You may want to provide your hedgehog with a small warm spot in his cage where he can go to get warm but would also be able to get away from if he feels 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. Be careful not to use ice and never put your hedgehog in a cold bath as cold tends to be more dangerous than heat for these animals.
A heating setup is extremely important as it can mean life or death for your hedgie. If your hedgehog gets too cold, below 72°F, they may try to hibernate or go into shock. If they get too hot, they won't be able to self-regulate the heat and begin aestivation.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal and usually sleep during the daytime. Pregnant or nursing mothers may need to be out during the day.
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 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.
Signs of hedgehogs in danger of being too cold are decreased activity, decreased appetite, sneezing (as opposed to puffling). So, if she's not on her wheel and exploring at night, eating her food and turning down mealworms and other treats, check the temperature in her enclosure!
Acceptable bedding materials include shredded paper, newspaper, recycled pelleted/absorbable material, and wood shavings, such as aspen or untreated pine. Avoid corncob bedding as it tends to grow mold when wet.
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.
Heatstroke can cause hedgehogs to lay out during the day, this is of course not normal being nocturnal. They become very dehydrated and will often lay on their belly with their legs hanging out the sides. If they are laying on their sides then it is very serious.
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…
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.
They also need to be provided with mental stimulation when they are in their cages, such as ramps, ledges, tunnels, and other “cage furniture” to climb through or on. PVC pipe and toys such as balls, bells, and certain chew toys meant for cats or birds are also great for keeping hedgehogs busy.
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.
Light. Because they are nocturnal, hedgehogs do best with a consistent source of light for about 12-14 hours each day. It's a good idea to have a light with a timer near the cage, or keep an overhead light on for the allotted time.
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.
If a noise is loud to you, it is probably too loud for your hedgehog as well. Observe the sounds your hedgehog is making towards you as well. If he is purring, he is happy and content.
Depression. Without room, a hedgehog will show signs of depression, such as excessive sleeping, refusal to eat, repetitious behaviour, and self mutilation.
Hedgehogs like to rest in damp, dark places, like log piles or composts.
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.
Routinely we expect to see hedgehogs come out in the evening around 9.30pm and go back to bed by 5am. Hedgehog living in the garden where there is food will often come out when the food arrives as they hear the clink of a bowl or the munching of another hedgehogs with their acute hearing and come out immediately.