You know your hedgehog is sleeping by finding them curled in a tight ball, often in their nest, unresponsive to light activity, but they'll show subtle signs of life like a slight ripple or snore if you gently touch their spines; however, if you see them in a ball and cold out in the open, it could be hibernation or illness, so check for wobbly movement or lack of appetite and seek rescue advice if concerned, as they sleep deeply and can seem unresponsive.
A hibernating hedgehog will be completely rolled up into a tight ball with no face visible. You can tell that the hedgehog is hibernating and not dead by the fact that it will 'ripple' when touched very gently. It may also emit a little 'snore'! Hedgehogs also generally don't die curled up….
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 for about 14 hours daily, hoglets up to 20 hours. They are nocturnal, active primarily at night to forage for food. Proper environmental conditions are crucial for their sleep quality. Diet significantly impacts their energy levels and overall health.
Hedgehogs sleep and hibernate in a specially made nest, if you find them 'sleeping' anywhere else it's likely that they are ill and are in need of help.
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.”
A recycled newspaper bedding (Carefresh or similar product) should be used as a substrate for your hedgehog. Make the bedding several inches thick as hedgehogs like to burrow. The bedding should be replaced at least weekly, and changed more often as needed.
Check if the hedgehog:
As pets, hedgehogs can recognize and remember their owners' scent and voice, making them a loyal and affectionate companion. They can also quickly learn routines and habits, such as when it's time to eat or play.
Hedgehogs are known to be very communicative when it comes to their needs, and often make a low purring sound when they are happy or content.
Eyes and ears: Hedgehogs have pretty poor eyesight, so they instead rely on their sense of smell to get around and hunt for food. Hedgehogs have short ears, mostly concealed by their fur.
Hogs make a whole gamut of sounds when they're asleep depending on what they're dreaming about at the time.
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.
There are some other obvious signs of hedgehog hibernation that you'll want to look out for. If you notice any shivering or a reluctance to uncurl from their ball you should take it seriously. This could mean they're cold and in the early stages of hibernation.
They reduce their body functions to a minimum. With the energy reserves they have piled up by eating, they can survive for up to half a year without food.
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.
A hedgehog will hear you before it sees you! Although their eyesight is poor, hedgehogs have great hearing and a well-developed sense of smell. They're also good runners, proficient climbers, and can even swim!
Choose things that are pretty sturdy, such as rawhide chews, balls, small cars, and stuffed animals. Hedgehogs can't see well, so they tend to go for brightly-colored toys. Just be sure to stick with safe items. Don't give your hedgehog anything with small parts, sharp edges, or dangling ropes.
Not usually no. 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.
Signs of dehydration in a hedgehog: Dull eyes Shaking/wobbling Collapse Out during the daytime Pale gums Sitting with hunched back Skin tenting What to do if you find a dehydrated hedgehog? Either stay with the animal or if this is not possible pick the hog up in a blacket/towel/jumper and place in a secure box.
If your hedgehog is unusually still in the evening—sleeping in short, restless bursts, waking and dozing repeatedly, or staying sluggish when they would normally explore—it can be a sign of unhappiness or even illness.
Only solid bottom cages are suitable for hedgehogs, any wire bottom cages could trap their legs or rip off toenails. Provide a soft bedding free of dust, such as recycled paper pellets or if you use wood shavings use only kiln dried pine or aspen. Do not use cedar shavings as they could irritate your hedgehog's lungs.
It's a good idea to put out food for hedgehogs all year round. In spring, it will be a boost for those emerging from hibernation, while in late summer and autumn it will help them build up those all-important fat reserves to survive the colder months.
Slow breathing: Breathing will be extremely slow and shallow in the hedgehog - often difficult to detect. Curled up: Hibernating hedgehogs usually curl into a tight ball. Non-responsive: Gently touching or moving the hedgehog will not wake it up or provoke a reaction.