Warming a hedgehog up will bring it out of hibernation. But warming it up too quickly is also very likely to kill it.
Do hedgehogs eat during hibernation?
To prepare for their hibernation, hedgehogs eat as much as they can during autumn. To build up good fat reserves for winter, they munch all the beetles, caterpillars and earthworms they can find.
Do hedgehogs wake up during hibernation?
Most hedgehogs seem to wake up fairly frequently during their hibernation but rarely leave their nests. These arousals last a day or two and, although generally unprompted, they may be caused by a disturbance or unexpectedly hot weather.
What happens to hedgehogs when they hibernate?
During hibernation hedgehogs are not really asleep, instead they drop their body temperature to match their surroundings and enter a state of torpor . This allows them to save a lot of energy but slows down all other bodily functions making normal activity impossible.
What happens if you wake a hedgehog up from hibernation?
When hedgehogs wake after hibernation and such drastic weight loss they initially wake very disorientated and weak, they appear drunk being very wobbly on their feet . ... So water is a must and as soon as there is any sign of hedgehog activity please make sure that there is food available for them.
What triggers hibernation in hedgehogs?
While heat is usually the primary trigger of hedgehog hibernation, light can play a role as well. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, but they respond to cycles in light just like any other animal. If their room isn't getting enough light during the daytime it can trick them into thinking it's time for hibernation.
Does a hibernating hedgehog look dead?
When a hedgehog hibernates, it balls up into a tight ball, so if it's laid out flat then it's most likely dead . ... Although, if you touch an aestivating hedgehog, it will usually stir and move slightly. So if they are laid out flat but they won't move at all and they're joints are stiff, I'm sorry to say they've died.
When should I stop feeding my hedgehog for the winter?
But should food continue to be left out over winter? The answer is YES... as long as it's being eaten . It's difficult to tell exactly when hedgehogs will begin hibernation, so when you start to see that food is not being taken, you can stop putting so much out and perhaps just offer a few dry cat biscuits.
How do I know if my hedgehog is happy?
The typical sign of happiness is often the chirps and whiffles it makes when you pick the hedgehog up to feed it. When relaxed, you might also note that the hedgehog will have splat out, quills flat, almost always accompanied by a happy sigh.
How do I know if my hedgehog is dying?
Gently cover the hedgehog with an old towel or fleece to make it feel more secure and offer some meaty cat or dog food and water. Once you have the hedgehog settled somewhere quiet indoors, call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) on 01584 890 801.
What happens if hedgehogs don't hibernate?
During winter months there is not enough food available and hedgehogs would starve to death if they did not hibernate, without enough food available they need to reduce the need for feeding and this is done by going into torpor.
What time should my hedgehog wake up?
Most Hedgehogs usually wake up at 6 pm or 7 pm or around the time when the sun goes down. Some hedgehogs can sleep up to 9 pm. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, meaning they become active during the night.
Do hedgehogs lose weight during hibernation?
Not all hedgehogs lose weight during hibernation . Of 10 radio-tracked hedgehogs in Copenhagen, five increased in weight during hibernation [9], almost certainly because of opportunities to feed during periods of arousal.
Is it bad for hedgehogs to hibernate?
If a hedgehog isn't warm enough in their cage there's a chance that they could go into hibernation. ... As a result, hedgehog hibernation among pet hedgies can lead to serious health complications and even death .
Is it too early for hedgehogs to hibernate?
When do hedgehogs hibernate? Typically, hedgehogs hibernate from late December / early January until late March time. However, this is very dependent on the weather and the individual hedgehog, as some will hibernate earlier or later and some not at all!
At what temperature do hedgehogs hibernate?
A lot of breeders and vets use the rule of 68°F is the start of the danger zone. Anything at this temperature or below significantly increases the likelihood that your hedgehog will go into hibernation. They like it toasty!
