Hedgehog lifespans vary, with wild hedgehogs typically living 2-4 years, while pet hedgehogs, especially African Pygmy or Four-toed species, often live 4-8 years, sometimes reaching 10 years with excellent care, though average pet life is often cited around 3-5 years, with longer lives attributed to controlled diets, no predators, and vet care.
The average lifespan of a hedgehog is 3-6 years, however they have been known to live up to 8 years with excellent care.
For the most part they like being petted on their rump too. I have found that stroking their backs from mid area down is a good area even for fussy hedgehogs. Not all are belly friendly as they feel really vulnerable there.
Hedgehogs can develop a variety of illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, gastric ulceration, acariasis, neoplasia, dental problems, and pneumonia.
The intelligence of a hedgehog is to that of a hamster, they may learn certain behaviors through positive reinforcement or conditioning but only at a very basic level. 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.
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.
Hedgehogs tend to bond with their owners. They will remember your voice, your smell, and even your appearance.
WOBBLING AND WEAK
Hedgehogs are very strong on their feet and to see one wobbling, swaying, or falling over is a bad sign. Often due to being extremely weak from dehydration or severely emaciated. You will likely see indented skin around their spines with an elongated oval rather than round body.
Since hedgehogs can carry Salmonella bacteria, with or without signs of disease, sensible hygiene precautions are advised as a routine measure when handling these animals (see Prevention below). People with salmonellosis most typically develop signs of gastroenteritis.
Handling and care. Prepare a cardboard box with high sides by lining it with a towel or scrunched up newspaper (so that the hedgehog can hide). Find yourself a pair of gardening gloves before gently scooping up the hedgehog into the box.
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.
The more the attachment develops between you and your hedgehog, the more you will grow to love and enjoy your pet. Some hedgehogs will bond to their owners for life (HHC). Bonding does require effort, persistence, and an understanding of hedgehogs.
Hedgehogs do not normally bite as a main form of defense or aggression. When they are scared, frightened, or defensive they traditionally raise their spikes and curl in a ball.
Hedgehogs can thrive living alone and do not need to be kept with other hedgehogs. Occasionally, two females may be housed together but it's typically recommended for hedgehogs to live alone. Additionally, they should not be housed with any other species in their enclosure.
In human years, a five year old hedgehog is about 76 - this is called the 'founder's effect' and can be seen in other animals as well. So, if a hedgehog lives 5-7 years it has lived a full life.
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!
They are often on hedgehogs brought in to us that are in poor health. Ticks feed off the blood of hedgehogs along with most other animals such as dogs. If a tick manages to latch on to a human there is a chance of getting some horrid bacteria.
A dog bite can be hard to spot on a hedgehog. Long canine teeth can sink into the flesh beneath the spines. Though the wound may quickly heal over if it is infected it will go on to cause problems for the hedgehog weeks after the event.
During extreme muscle exertion, the 'purse-string' muscle can fold up over the pelvis and get stuck: the pop-off syndrome (Bexton, 2019). The muscle goes into a spasm, which leaves the hedgehog unable to roll up and causes the pelvis and hind legs to remain visible. This is very dangerous for the animal.
Badgers are hedgehogs' main predators in the UK. They are the only animals strong enough to tackle a hedgehog's spiny defences. Hedgehogs and badgers share what's known as an asymmetric intraguild predation relationship.
Always report a dead hedgehog to Garden Wildlife Health. You can do this online in a couple of minutes using this link.
Baby hedgehogs are called hoglets
Hedgehogs usually give birth in June and July, though the hoglet season can begin in early spring following a mild winter and stretch until autumn. The average litter size is four or five young, though can be as many as seven. However, they usually only wean two or three successfully.
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.
Chirping like a baby bird = hungry hoglets in the nest. Screaming Hedgehog = in pain and distress. Hissing Hedgehog = warning sign - keep away!
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.