Hedgehogs get stressed by disruptions to their solitary, nocturnal routine, including overhandling, loud noises, bright lights, changes in environment, unfamiliar smells, presence of predators (like dogs/cats), lack of hiding spots, and habitat loss/road traffic in the wild, all triggering the release of stress hormones, which can harm their health if prolonged.
Signs of stress
The first, and possibly the most overlooked, sign of stress is the hedgehog's frantic attempt to get away. 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.
Generally, Hedgehogs are scared of humans so as long as you observe them from a distance, they pose no threat.
Motion activated sprinkler repellents provide an innovative way to deter unwanted animals, such as hedgehogs. They use a blast of water to safely and effectively scare away intruders and keep your garden free of pests.
Hedgehogs are easily scared but if your hedgehog keeps huffing for a while and has her quills up she does not feel safe. Whoever says anything different doesn't understand their hedgehog. However it is normal to get a little distressed quite easily.
Symptoms of stress
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.
Toxic foods for hedgehogs include chocolate, caffeine, dairy products, and certain fruits like grapes and citrus. It's essential to avoid these items to ensure your hedgehog's health and well-being. Always consult your veterinarian for specific dietary advice.
Our observations show that nesting Mums often leave their young ones to rest elsewhere. That rest is often through the first and last part of the night but can also be in the day time. Routinely we expect to see hedgehogs come out in the evening around 9.30pm and go back to bed by 5am.
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.
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 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.
Hedgehogs hate the cold. Yet they have to face winter. To do so, they often huddle close together to share body heat. But as they come close to each other, they prick each other with their spikes.
This is what we call 'splooting'. Spreading themselves out to increase their surface area to cool down. This was on one of the recent very hot days. We use self cooling pads they can lie on. They claim to automatically cool down when an animal lies on it.
Wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Spongy degeneration of the brain and spinal cord is the diagnostic feature of WHS. WHS affected brain and spinal cord show extensive demyelination and remyelination. Axonal degeneration is accompanied by loss of neurons in WHS.
As you may know, when hedgehogs get scared, they roll themselves up into little balls. You'll need to handle your pet hedgehog frequently and gently to keep him tame. If your pet rolls up, just cradle him and talk to him gently until he feels safe enough to uncurl himself.
Hedgehogs typically hibernate from autumn to spring (October - March), but this can vary depending on the temperature and food available.
Hedgehogs mainly eat creepy crawlies
The majority of their diet is made up of invertebrates (or creepy crawlies). We know what they eat from scientific studies that have analysed hedgehog poo or looked in the stomachs of hedgehogs killed on roads.
They reduce their body functions to a minimum. With the energy reserves they have piled up by eating, they can survive for up to half a year without food.
What should I never feed a hedgehog? Foods that are toxic to hedgehogs...
Hedgehog - Threats to the Hedgehog
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.
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.
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.
Radio-tracking studies show that hedgehogs can travel around 2km in a night in urban areas, and up to 3km a night in rural landscapes, though distances differ between the sexes. A viable population of urban hedgehogs is thought to need around 0.9km2 of well-connected habitat.