How Long Can Hedgehogs Go Without Water?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Whether omnivores or insectivores, hedgehogs are known for their ability to go long periods without food, if necessary. They have survived

10 weeks

without food or water in a controlled environment.

How long can a hedgehog last without water?

Whether omnivores or insectivores, hedgehogs are known for their ability to go long periods without food, if necessary. They have survived

10 weeks

without food or water in a controlled environment.

Do hedgehogs drink a lot of water?

So, do hedgehogs drink a lot? Based on their body size,

you shouldn’t expect a hedgehog to drink a lot of water

. Typically, an adult hedgehog should be able to consume between 25-40 milliliters of water each day. On the other hand, younger hedgehogs drink far more water with an average of 60 milliliters per day.

Do hedgehogs die easily?

So, do hedgehogs die easily?

Hedgehogs can die easily

, with death from poor diets and diseases being the major factors that affect the lifespan of hedgehogs. Moreover, since hedgehogs hide their illnesses, many people cannot tell when these creatures are sick or almost dying until it is too late.

How long can a hedgehog be left alone?

Can be left home alone for

a few days

. Unlike other pets which you can’t leave home alone, our hedgehog is okay to leave alone when we are away for a few days. We leave our hedgehog with enough food for a couple of days.

Should you feed a hedgehog every night?

Every evening,

leave out a handful of food per hedgehog in a shallow dish

. For extra protection, you can serve the food in a feeding station. … If feeding additional wet food, make sure to replace it daily in case it goes off during warm weather or freezes in the cold.

How often do you bathe a hedgehog?


Once a month

bathing is adequate for the average hedgehog. Some hedgehogs need baths frequently and others seldom need one. Bathing generally helps to relieve dry skin; however, bathing too frequently may contribute to dry skin.

Is it cruel to keep a hedgehog as a pet?

They are reported to be Ecologically Friendly as long as they are domestically bred. Also, keeping them as pets appears to be a healthy relationship between animal and human (

it’s not cruel to keep them

in your home).

Do hedgehogs curl up when they die?

Firstly, hedgehogs generally hibernate curled up in a ball. But

they don’t naturally die curled up

. … If the hedgehog is curled into a ball, you can also touch it’s spines lightly. A gentle touch will not be enough to rouse the hog from hibernation.

How do you know your hedgehog is dying?

Most times hedgehog dying signs would appear combined and not as a single symptom. For instance, if your hedgehog is not eating or drinking, displaying weakness and sleeping through the night, it’s very likely your hedgehog is terminally ill and dying slowly as

its organs are shutting down

.

Do the quills on a hedgehog hurt?

Since the quills are more spread,

they will become more sharp to the touch

. The quills should not break through your skin though, but it could be a bit more painful to touch. Some owners describe the feeling as touching a bunch of toothpicks.

How do you befriend a hedgehog?

One of the best ways to win your hedgehog’s trust and affection is to use

treats

that it will love and want more of. Since hedgehogs are insectivores (insect eaters) in the wild, freeze-dried crickets and mealworms are a great treat to use while you’re taming your hedgehog.

What does it mean when my hedgehog lays flat?

Temperatures

that are too hot

or too cold are a stress to your hedgehog. … A hedgehog that is too hot will lay flat on it’s tummy with all four legs stretched out in sort of a “splat” and will probably be taking quick, short breaths. Moving it to a room with recommended temperatures should slowly cool the hedgehog.

How much does a hedgehog eat in one night?

They like to fill their stomachs twice each night. An adult hedgehog needs around 130 calories a day to survive. To get this, they will eat

roughly 75grams, or 3 ounces

, of food a night. To put this in perspective, hedgehogs eat about 8% of their body weight each night.

How many times does a hedgehog eat a day?

How many times a day should you feed a pet hedgehog? A lot of pet hedgehog owners recommend

once to twice a day

. Some say they prefer a free feeding schedule and keep their hedgie’s bowl full at all times. Bear in mind that this could lead to obesity however as hedgies are greedy eaters.

How do I know if a hedgehog needs help?

If it seems to have a purpose and is going somewhere,

or has a mouthful of leaves

, it is probably fine. Otherwise a hedgehog found out during daylight should be restrained in a box or cage, INDOORS, then call a rescue for advice. Hedgehogs sleep and hibernate in specially built nests.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.