To wake a hedgehog, use gentle, gradual methods like holding it against your skin under a blanket or offering a favorite treat to entice it out, rather than startling it, especially if it's just waking from sleep or a hibernation attempt, which requires slow warming with skin-to-skin contact to avoid shock. For normal waking, pick it up calmly between 8-10 PM when it's naturally stirring, scoop it with firm movements, and let it warm up in your hands or on your lap before handling or petting.
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, by nature, nocturnal, but that does not necessarily mean that they should not be awakened for bonding or playtime during the day. Some hedgehog owners have found that their hedgehogs have a particular time when they wake up in a better mood than other times.
Please leave a hibernating hedgehog alone unless absolutely necessary. If you do disturb a nest accidentally, cover the hedgehog back up with leaves and retreat.
It happens. As long as the cage is warm enough I would not worry unless it persists for days. Measure the temp in the cage in several spots to make sure it is not too hot or too cool overall. If need be move the heat lamp to one side so she can have more control over whether she is in a warm or cool spot.
Monitor from a distance to ensure no problems develop and if in doubt call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890 801. 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.
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.
Hedgehogs usually sleep for about 14 hours a day, while baby hedgehogs (hoglets) can sleep up to 20 hours in their early weeks. What factors affect hedgehog sleep?
You might notice some strange movements on the part of your hedgie. Swaying and wobbling are two things that sometimes accompany hedgehog hibernation. If you notice any of these it's important to take them seriously because it could indicate wobbly hedgehog syndrome too.
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 usually hibernate from October/November through to March/April. Research has shown that each individual is likely to move nesting sites at least once during this period and so can sometimes be seen out and about. During mild winters hedgehogs can remain active well into November and December.
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.
This is very dependent on the prevailing weather conditions and starts when the temperature in the immediate surroundings becomes and remains relatively low, which in Britain is usually November, December or even January.
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.
Firstly, hedgehogs generally hibernate curled up in a ball. But they don't naturally die curled up. So if your hedgehog is in a ball, there is a good chance it is hibernating, not dead. If the hedgehog is curled into a ball, you can also touch it's spines lightly.
Sleeping Habits
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.
This is probably the biggest thing which hurts hedgehogs the most. Badgers: Badgers are the only animals in the U.K. that can unroll and kill hedgehogs. They are the only real native predator of them.
Hedgehogs can be wonderful pets, and when they bond with you, the connection can feel truly wonderful. Unlike many small animals, hedgehogs can form meaningful bonds with their owners—but it's important to understand that this process takes time and patience. Hedgehogs are not domesticated animals.
Immediate Treatment
Unseasoned scrambled eggs are OK in tiny amounts as an occasional treat, but they shouldn't be a regular part of your hedgehog's diet. Dr. Giese says she only offers eggs for hedgies who won't eat or need the extra fat for health reasons.
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.
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. Giving a hedgehog dried food, or any food when they are suffering from this condition can worsen the situation.
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.”
Hedgehogs require warmth, especially if they are sick or injured. Place a hot water bottle or a warm, not hot, rice bag wrapped in a towel at one end of the box. This provides a cosy area for the hedgehog to rest while allowing it to move away from the heat source if it becomes too warm.