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. If the temperature drops below this, the hedgehog may start to hibernate.
Don't let your hedgie get cold!
It's important to keep your hedgehog in an environment between 72 and 80 degrees. This is not always comfortable for us humans. We often keep our homes cooler in the winter than is healthy for our pet hedgies.
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.
Use a microwaveable heat pack.
These are ideal for long journeys as they can stay warm for many hours, depending on the quality of the pack. Some can last between 8-10 hours after only 5 minutes in the microwave! Again, just ensure that they are not too hot to touch as they could burn your hedgehog.
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. Most under tank heaters must be applied directly to the cage so that air does not flow between the cage and the heating element.
While the room you keep their habitat in may feel comfortable to you, remember that hedgehogs are much smaller and lack the clothing you wear to keep yourself warm. They are quite sensitive to the cold, and can begin to enter hibernation in a room that feels just chilly to you.
Whenever you pop in to check on your hedgehog or play with them, take a moment to make sure your heating product is working properly. Just putting your hand near it will ensure that it's at least running, and if it's too cool or hot you'll probably notice. In our opinion though, you should always use a thermometer.
Hedgehogs feel best in temperatures between 75 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures that are too hot or too cold can make a hedgehog lethargic. Cold temperatures can cause your hedgehog to attempt to hibernate, which can be fatal in captivity.
A quick thing you can do is provide body heat for your hedgehog. Take them and put them under your shirt or gently between your legs (if they're warm). This is an effective strategy for bringing up their temperature without doing it too drastically.
If your hedgehog is very poorly or is cold, you can also give it a hot water bottle or a drinks bottle filled with warm water and wrapped in a tea towel, to snuggle up to.
This behaviour is critical for survival, and during hibernation extraordinary changes occur within the body of hedgehogs: breathing rates slow down, body temperature drops, and metabolic patterns adapt to the colder environment. This relatively simple coping method allows hedgehogs to just shut down.
100 watts is the minimum wattage to properly heat your hedgehog's cage, 150 watts is optimal. I prefer Flukers 150-watt bulbs because I've seen them last 4-5 years before burning out. Alternatively, here is another cheaper brand that comes in a two-pack, but be aware these bulbs will likely only last 2-3 years.
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.
Hedgehogs don't need to be warm to hibernate, in fact they drop their body temperature down to match the environmental temperature. This lets them save the energy they would have used on trying to keep warm. It also means they don't move around and eat as usual.
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.
“ 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.
Signs of stress
Many hedgehogs are busy and want to try to explore but a stressed hedgehog will be much more persistent and not easily distracted. 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.”
HEATSTROKE AND DEHYDRATION
If they are laying on their sides then it is very serious. Often seen in the summer months but also dehydration can be a problem in the winter months.
A hedgehog that is cold or feels cool to the touch is in serious danger. Captive bred hedgehogs are not accustomed to hibernation and can die from, what to them is, an unnatural torpor. Warming up a hedgehog too quickly can do more harm than good. A warm, gentle heat is preferred over forceful, direct heat.
Hedgehogs are sensitive to respiratory disease caused by Bordetella, Pasteurella, and Corynebacterium infections. Watch out for sneezing, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing. Diagnosis involves radiographs and a culture of their discharge and is treated with antibiotics. .
Taking your hedgehog outdoors can be a really great experience for you and your hog. Most hedgehogs enjoy playing outside, sniffing the grass, chasing leaves and exploring a new environment. However, for your hedgehogs safety, you must keep a close eye on him.
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.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night. They also make sure to hide themselves away in their nest when they're resting, to avoid disturbance and predation. For these reasons, sleeping and resting aren't behaviours we're likely to see a lot in the garden!
Hedgehogs sleep away 95% of the day and night. Don't worry, this is perfectly normal. In the beginning, your hedgehog might not come out to play while the lights are on or while you are awake. After your hedgehog adjusts to the normal sounds of your home, they may start coming out on their own more often.