To gently wake a hedgehog, start with soft sounds and dim lights as evening approaches, then use firm, deliberate movements to scoop it up into your hands, allowing it to uncurl at its own pace, perhaps offering a favorite treat like a mealworm to encourage it, and avoid startling it with sudden actions or bright lights during its daytime sleep.
Continuing to give the food into a feeding station helps those waking early from hibernation. Also they know where to find food if it is left in the same place regularly. Research has shown that hedgehogs can wake up as many as seven times over a winter.
If you do find a hedgehog then move slowly and calmly. Pick it up with gardening gloves, along with any nesting material it may have been sitting in, and place it in a cardboard box lined with newspaper.
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….
If you find a hedgehog which looks like its sleeping or 'dead', it may well be trying to hibernate. Please place them somewhere safe and covered (e.g. in a hedge or shrub or nesting box) and keep a close eye on it for 24-48hrs, minimising any further handling, if possible.
Despite their preference for limited physical affection, once your pet hedgehog has adapted to being handled and settled into its environment, you can gently stroke their quills and allow them to climb up your arms and explore various areas under supervision.
Cold to the touch: The hedgehog's body temperature will be much lower than usual, almost matching the surrounding environment. 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.
Hedgehogs have prickly quills along their back to protect them from predators. They are shy animals and will roll up into a tight ball and hide their face if they are frightened. Always approach a hedgehog slowly and handle them with a small towel so you don't prick yourself on one of their quills.
However if you find a hedgehog staggering around, lying still (not in a nest), with flies around it or obviously sick or injured be it day or night, it needs urgent help. Sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs are very susceptible to hypothermia.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal by nature so they are naturally going to sleep during daylight hours. Many hedgehogs are not inclined to wake up until the lights go out for the evening. Baby animals are known to sleep more than adults so don't be surprised if you need to wake your hedgehog up for playtime.
Yes, hedgehogs do remain in a state of deep sleep for most of winter. Their heart rate and body temperature drops and they become much less active. Although, sometimes they wake up to get in a more comfortable position, urinate or take a drink.
Keep the box in a quiet, warm place: a hot water bottle filled with hot tap water wrapped in a towel can provide a gentle heat source – make sure it doesn't go cold! You can provide some fresh water and meaty cat or dog food, but don't try to feed the hedgehog directly.
Just like any other pet, hedgehogs love treats. Waxworms are a favorite with these guys. You can also offer Hedgie some cooked chicken, turkey, or egg. Low fat/high protein wet cat or dog food is also fine, as is the occasional pinky mouse.
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.
So if you're hedgehog is curled up in a ball and gives a little ripple or shudder when you touch it, as well as maybe a little snore, it is most likely hibernating, not dead.
Warming up a hedgehog too quickly can do more harm than good. A warm, gentle heat is preferred over forceful direct heat. Our most successful method for warming a cold animal is direct human body heat. Hold the animal in your hands, tuck it in your shirt, or whatever other method feels comfortable to you.
Immediate Treatment
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 bath may help your hedgehog relax and get to know you through the bathing process. Even the grouchiest hedgehogs will uncurl in water. Allow a tiny gentle stream of water to run over your hedgehog's back. Many times the sound of the water alone is enough to get a hedgie to uncurl.
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.
Hedgehogs are very adorable, and can make wonderful animal friends. You'll want to play with your hedgie regularly, but your hedgehog should also have plenty of toys to keep him amused when you are away or occupied, as these inquisitive little ones do need stimulation and exercise.
The best way to work out if a hedgehog is healthy is by its size and weight. You can estimate a hedgehog's weight without disturbing it by thinking about fruit… A hoglet that's: About the size of an apple (weighing less than 300g) will need specialist care to survive the winter.
“Bedding will need to be changed frequently. I recommend daily spot cleaning to remove feces, a midweek change of bedding, and a thorough cage cleaning (everything removed and the cage washed) at the end of each week,” says Dr. Kehoe. Their cage should offer a place to hide and sleep during the day.