The likelihood of hedgehogs being out and staying outside in the sun is rare and one thing that's worth flagging when it comes to their health is that if they're lying out the sun and not attempting to move, it means trouble.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, sleeping during the day and foraging for food late evening through to early morning. If they are out during the day there MAY be a problem. If it seems to have a purpose and is going somewhere, or has a mouthful of leaves, it is probably fine.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal. They tend to sleep soundly during the day and stay awake for most of the night. They are sensitive to light and prefer a dim, quiet environment.
Like wild hedgehogs, pet hedgehogs are also mainly nocturnal. Because of this sleep pattern, it must have a hideout to sleep in during the day. Hedgehogs prefer sleeping in low-light to dark settings, so this shelter should block out the light.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal and only come out at night. Generally, any hedgehog out during the day is probably in trouble and will need to be picked up and taken to a wildlife rescue centre.
Some things your pet may enjoy include balls, small cars and trucks, and stuffed animals. You can also offer him DIY toys. For instance, the cardboard tubes from toilet-paper rolls make great chew toys. (It's probably worth noting that hedgehogs seem to prefer bright colors.)
Threats: The biggest threat to hedgehogs is probably habitat loss, with the change from pastoral farming to arable crops, over the last 30 years. The use of chemicals in gardens and for intensive farming kills the creatures hedgehogs need for food and may also poison them directly. Many are also killed on roads.
Staying warm is key to your hedgehog leading a happier, healthier, and more social life. If your hedgehog gets chilly then they will become grouchy, not want to socialize with you, and they may eventually go into a false hibernation. To help avoid this, it's important to keep your hedgehog warm.
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.
Fruits: Dried fruit should be avoided, but a small amount of fresh fruit can be offered to your hedgehog as treats. Apples, bananas, berries, and melons are popular choices among hedgehogs.
Hedgehogs are definitely more active at night than they are during the day. During the day, they like to do most of their sleeping. And at night they like to do most of their playing, AND rearranging of their 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 are sensitive to temperature changes. The ideal range is between 75°F and 85°F. However, they will tolerate temperatures between 72°F and 90°F. Hedgehogs can go into a hibernation-like state of inactivity when temperatures are too hot or too cold.
Hedgehogs need 12-14 hours of consistent light each day. Without a consistent schedule, your hedgehog may become disoriented, attempt hibernation, and have a lower immune system leading to health problems.
You can do this in April, after their hibernation but before hedgehogs start producing hoglets. However, the ideal time is in October before they go into hibernation, and after most of the litter have been weaned.
“ 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.”
We often keep our homes cooler in the winter than is healthy for our pet hedgies. Click here for a great article on suggestions om providing your hedgie some supplemental heat from: Signs of hedgehogs in danger of being too cold are decreased activity, decreased appetite, sneezing (as opposed to puffling).
Grapes and avocados are toxic to hedgehogs. While some people give crushed peanuts to their hedgies, nuts and raisins are generally considered a choking hazard as they get stuck on the roof of their mouth. Avoid giving your pet hedgehog insects you've caught yourself as they might have digested toxins.
Long-term elevated stress levels, as in humans, can have serious physiological consequences for hedgehogs. The higher level of stress shows that being handled and placed in captivity can cause long-term stress in the animals. This highlights the importance of periods of captivity being as short as possible.
Dr. Keller says, “With appropriate care and keeping, your hedgehog will live about five years, and some even live longer than eight years.”
Talking to your hedgehog while holding, snuggling, bathing, and other enjoyable activities will help your hedgehog associate the sound of your voice with comfort and enjoyment. Over the years we have found the radio and music very soothing for a variety of different animals.
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.
Hedgehogs mainly eat creepy crawlies
The most important invertebrates in their diet are worms, beetles, slugs, caterpillars, earwigs and millipedes. As well as these, they also eat a wide range of other insects.