Yes, 2 years old is considered middle-aged for a pet hedgehog, not young, as their average lifespan in captivity is around 3-7 years, though some live 8-10 years with excellent care, while wild hedgehogs typically only live 2-3 years due to predators and disease. A 2-year-old is well into adulthood and approaching prime time for age-related issues like Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS) to potentially develop, so proper care is crucial.
2 month old hedgehog = 10 year old human 6 month old hedgehog = 20 year old human 14 month old hedgehog = 30 year old human 3 year old hedgehog = 40 year old human 3 1/2 year old hedgehog = 50 year old human 3 3/4 year old hedgehog = 60 year old human 4 year and 2 month old hedgehog = 70 year old human 5 year and 4 ...
If you're considering bringing home a hedgehog, you may be wondering just how long your prickly companion will be by your side. The average lifespan for African pygmy hedgehogs in captivity is 4–6 years, with some living as long as 8 years when provided with excellent care.
The research team determined the age of the dead hedgehogs by counting growth lines in thin sections of the hedgehogs' jawbones – a method similar to counting year rings in trees. During hibernation, bone growth is reduced markedly or even stopped.
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.
This decline is partly due to a loss of natural habitat, which provides both shelter and food for hedgehogs. Fencing, pesticides, garden hazards (like ponds, strimmers and netting) and development and construction also have an impact. And of course, cars are a major threat to hedgehogs, killing thousands each year.
As hedgehogs age they become less active and are generally slower in what they do. Their gait may appear to be stiffer and as they age it may be more difficult to get around.
Each hedgehog's comfort with being cuddled varies and depends on their personality and previous handling. Hedgehog quills are sharp and rise when threatened, but they do not typically break human skin.
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.
Typically, hedgehogs only need to see the vet once a year for a check-up, which helps save you time and money on vet visits. They can also provide a lot of entertainment as they are extremely curious about the environment around them.
Male hedgehogs in general lived longer than females (2.1 vs 1.6 years, or 24% longer), which is uncommon in mammals.
Baby hedgehogs need special care when they are born. These tiny and vulnerable newborns, often referred to as hoglets, require a warm safe, quiet environment. You can typically adopt hedgehogs from pet stores once they have been weaned and have reached an appropriate age, usually around 6 to 8 weeks old.
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.
Currently, the most reliable technique involves ventrobuccal (lower jaw) sectioning to count the periosteal growth rings. Changes to calcium metabolism during hibernation results in a slowing of bone deposition in the periosteum, the thin connective tissue membrane covering the bones.
Hedgehogs can develop a variety of illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, gastric ulceration, acariasis, neoplasia, dental problems, and pneumonia.
Check if the hedgehog:
How to Keep a Hedgehog Happy
No, hedgehogs will only sleep in a nest during the day, so any hedgehog lying out on the lawn will be very poorly and will need to be picked up and taken to your nearest wildlife hospital as soon as possible.
Hedgehogs often comfort their owners with cuddles, licks, and offer their paws or cuddly bellies for rubs. Their defences completely drop if they are able to form a close connection with their hedgie parents.
Although hedgehogs do bite, their tiny teeth are unlikely to cause you very much pain. The force of a hedgehog bite is typically linked to what your pet is feeling. An angry hedgehog could cause a bite that hurts a bit.
Hedgehogs will not usually eat and sleep in the same place so it's best not to offer food inside the home (except perhaps to tempt them in initially). Once there is a resident, move food away from the box so as not to attract predators or rival hedgehogs to the site.