Download "Hedgehogs" as a Word Document

At Each Pet Hedgehog's First Annual Visit
WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING:

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION At this time, the owner and doctor can discuss health, behavior, nutrition and how to enjoy your Hedgehog. This examination is repeated yearly to assure the continued health of your precious pet.

FECAL CULTURE to make sure that the Hedgehog is not harboring abnormal numbers or types of bacteria such as Salmonella in the digestive tract. This is repeated each year to be as sure as we can that Salmonella is not an issue and humans are not placed at risk.

FECAL CONCENTRATION TEST to screen for nematodes (worms), coccidia and other internal parasites. To accomplish this, droppings can be collected into a closed, refrigerated container until 1/2 teaspoonful or more of fresh specimen is collected. The sample is then delivered to the clinic quickly to assure accurate results. This need only be done on the first annual visit.

TRANSPONDER SCANNING To see if your valuable family member has been given his or her very own, irremovable and unalterable identification number.
BLOOD SMEAR To see if your valuable family member is afflicted with Babesia blood parasites.

IN ADDITION, IT MAY BE ADVISABLE TO HAVE:

DIRECT FECAL TEST for pets which may be harboring tiny one-celled protozoan parasites such as Giardia and Trichomonads.

ISOFLURANE ANESTHESIA and a complete examination of the relaxed patient. At that time, Dr. may perform:

GENERAL BLOOD PANEL for suspicious or obviously sick Hedgehogs. This is a detailed test panel with many areas of health investigated.

X-RAYS are a great help in establishing good, detailed "baselines", or to investigate suspected illness.

If you wish additional services, such as worming, neutering, transponder implantation etc., please discuss them with the staff at your earliest opportunity.

The African Pygmy Hedgehog

Most of the hedgehogs sold as pets in the United States are Erinaceus albiventris, also commonly known as the White-Bellied, Four-toed, or African Pygmy hedgehog. It is estimated that there are between 8,000-10,000 in the US. They are used to warm climates and a diet primarily of insects. The most unique feature of hedgehogs in general, of course, is their spines investing an extensive mantle which they can pull shut from below to present a spiny exterior ball that discourages predators (and soft handed people). They shed and replace their spines regularly, renewing about 80% of them each year. With lots of attention, hedgehogs can become quite tame.

They are said to live for ten years in captivity, but our experience is currently telling us 3-4 years, perhaps a bit more. They often prefer solitude most of the time. While the African Pygmy hedgehog is not an aggressive animal, fighting is common between either sex and males in the same cage may fight violently.

They are capable of a range of sounds. Hissing usually occurs when the hedgehog perceives a threat. They can make a clicking sound and even a high-pitched squeal. Grunting is the more common sound in a well socialized pet hedgehog. Eyesight is adequate for their needs, no more. Their sense of smell is probable more keen, but their primary sense is generally considered to be their hearing. A rather peculiar habit of hedgehogs is self-anointing. Some substances trigger the hedgehog to lick until they form a frothy saliva, which is then spread onto the spines. The purpose of this behavior is unknown.

In the wild these animals may hibernate or estivate (which is not as intensive as hibernation) as the weather turns cold. We recommend that you do not encourage this in your pet hedgehog.

LIVING QUARTERS:

The ideal hedgehog cage should not be wire, but rather smooth sided, and easily cleaned. A couple of square feet of floor space is adequate, but more can be better. Hedgehogs do not breed well in small cages so if you plan on breeding your pet, be sure to take this into consideration.

A large aquarium works well. It is a very good idea to provide a “warm zone” in one end of the quarters by placing a suspended brooder reflector with an appropriate bulb above the cage. This setup should allow the hedgehog to move into a cooler area at will (the other end of the cage). Place a thermometer at each end of the habitat so you can monitor the temperature and adjust the range according to the habits of your particular pet. Begin with 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. . Some will use a shallow litter box with non-clumping litter. Bathing seems unnecessary.

A variety of beddings have been used successfully, including wood chips, paper pellets and newspaper or towels, but all require strict attention to cleanliness. Astroturf” can make a good substrate. Cut 2 pieces to fit the cage, that way one is clean and fresh in the cage while one is out for cleaning. Whichever substance you decide to use, it is extremely important to keep the cage clean. You can spot-clean daily, but you must thoroughly clean the cage at least once weekly.

Hedgehogs will come out during the day, but they are nocturnal creatures by design. Providing them with a day-night cycle is very important. They should be exposed to “full spectrum”, a.k.a. “5,000 degree color temperature” light 12-16 hours a day. Some keepers reverse the day-night cycles so they can witness the activity of these often nocturnal critters. For example, set your light’s timer to turn on the lights at 1-3 AM and off at 1-3 PM. This way, your hedgie is likely to be active during the family’s evening social hour.
BREEDING:

When hedgehogs court, it is a noisy and long process. It is probably best to place a male with one or more females for a week. If a female gains weight 3 weeks later, pregnancy is probable. Isolate pregnant females. Gestation takes about 5 weeks, litters are medium in size, 3-5 is average. They open their eyes at about 12-18 days of age and take solid food at about 21 days. Orphans have been reared on Kitten milk replacer.

DIET:

Hedgehogs are primarily insectivores and should be fed a diet which reflects this. If you are going to feed an insect diet, it must be quite varied, you cannot just buy crickets. Feeder insects such as waxworks, caterpillars and other SOFT bugs. Avoid more than just a few crickets, as they can become a problem if allowed to form a MAJOR portion of the diet. See “Encyclopedia of Live Foods” and “Feeding Insect Eating Lizards from TFH Publications, and “Eat This Bug”, by Lynn Davis, Hillview Press 650-364-0231. Also see Silkworms1@aol.com, “Southern Cricket”, 1-800-545-6418 or www.southerncricket.com, or Grubco, 1-800-222-3563, www.grubco.com, www.timberlinefisheries.com. Pick up a copy of Reptile Magazine, they list many sources of feeder insects in the ads.
Cat and/or dog foods do not appear adequate for insectivores such as hedgehogs, even when supplemented with live insects. There are several commercial hedgehog diets on the market. but the best insectivore diets available to zoos are being incorporated into “Insectivore Fare” from Reliable Protein products (760-321-7533 or zoofood@att.net. This product is available here at the clinic. In addition, I have visited with Michael Massie of Pretty Bird International about his Hedgehog maintenance and breeding diets and I feel tentatively comfortable in his formulas. Cat food is not a good diet. If you must use cat food, It must be pulverized and mixed with equal parts of pulverized Hi Fiber Primate diet(1). If the hedgie becomes plump, cut back on the quantity.

The amount of food given should be carefully controlled. Keeping the hedgehog’s bowl full at all times may be pleasing to us as pet owners, but is not in the best interest of the hedgehog. We are already seeing fatty liver problems, probably associated with overfeeding. Start with 2 rounded teaspoons a day. ”Hedgies” are somewhat resistant to new diets, so be both persistent and patient. A small scale is recommended to monitor the hedgehog’s weight regularly . Water can be provided in a small crock which should be cleaned daily.

HEALTH ISSUES:

PARASITES: Hedgehogs are afflicted with a number of internal nematode, cestode and protozoal parasites as well as several external parasites such as fleas, ticks an Chorioptes mites. The effects of a mite infection can be quite startling. Extensive quill loss may occur, and the skin can become crusty looking. Many pet books describe this condition as “crusty ear”. Some hedgehogs carry a ringworm fungus which can afflict people with an atypical dermatitis. Once these parasites are identified, your pet can be appropriately and effectively treated.

OBESITY: Improper diet and overfeeding can result in an obese hedgehog. These animals are prone to all the associated problems that come with obesity, including “fatty liver disease”. It is very important to be sure that the diet you are feeding your pet is the appropriate one. Cat food diets have been one of the #1 causes of obesity and fatty liver disease.

SALMONELLA: Like the reptiles, hedgehogs are potential carriers of Salmonella. It is important therefore, that you practice good sanitation whenever handling your pet hedgehog. Hedgehogs should be checked for salmonella annually to protect them from serious disease as well as safeguard the family from illness. If your pet does carry Salmonella, treatment is available.

DENTAL ISSUES: Periodontal disease is all too common in Hedgies. Dental issues can be addressed with regular checkups. Home care would include a dental hygiene program such as a cat dental kit. “Ah, miss Tiggywinkle, Will that be Malt flavor dentifrice or Chicken?”

LONG TOE NAILS: Hedgehogs toenails can grow beyond a reasonable length and cause the animal difficulties. Regular toenail trimming is a good idea.

Human dermatologists have described cases of ringworm in pet hedgehog owners. Any skin changes in your hedgie should be investigated by your veterinarian.

BABESIA BLOOD PARASITES: These one-celled organisms can cause extensive damage to organs like the kidneys.

Dr. Cathy Johnson-Delaney, Dr. W.B. “Skip” Nelson, and Stephani Knutson. Last revised July 2001.

References: (1) Mark E. Griffin, Ph.D., Purina Mills

Hedgehogs Of The World

There are several kinds of “spiny” or “spikey” animals. Some examples include the porcupine which is a rodent, the echidna, which is a monotreme (egg-laying mammal), the tenrec and the hedgehog, which are insectivores. None of these kinds of mammals are very related to each other, but never-the-less look very much alike. Perhaps the most difficult to tell apart are the tenrecs and the hedgehogs.

Tenrecs (also called Madagascar hedgehogs) and true hedgehogs are both insectivores, but have evolved on their own since Madagascar split from the main African continent about 60 million years ago. It is called convergent evolution when two such distantly related animals look so very similar. There are two branches of the true hedgehog family, the “spiny hedgehogs” and the “hairy hedgehogs” or “moon rats”.

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Insectivora

Family: Erinaceidae (“true” Hedgehogs)

Subfamily Echinosoricinae (hairy hedgehogs)
Erinaceidae (spiny hedgehogs)

Hedgehog Species - Family Erinaceidae

SUBFAMILY ERINACEINAE “SPINY HEDGEHOGS”
GENUS ERINACEUS: EUROPEAN HEDGEHOGS

Erinaceus europaeus: (Western Hedgehog) This is the most familiar species of this genus, the common European hedgehog. It is overall a dull brown color with a shiny black nose and dark button eyes. Each spine is mainly white with a deep brown band (to black) around the center. The underbelly varies in shade from white to dark brown.

Erinaceus concolor (roumanicus): (Eastern Hedgehog) There are only minor differences between this species and it western cousin. The most noticeable difference is a distinct white bib extending from its chin to halfway down the chest. These two species often hybridize.

Erinaceus algirus: (Algerian or Vagrant Hedgehog) This species is slightly smaller than the Eastern and Western European hedgehogs. It is much paler in color with a totally white underside, and can be easily identified by the pencil-wide parting in the spines on its head and its longer legs and larger ears.

Erinaceus albiventris (pruneri): (Four-toed or White Bellied Hedgehog) Similar in size to the Eastern and Western European hedgehogs, this species is speckled black and white, with white spines banded dark brown. It’s ears are shorter than it’s spines, like the Western hedgehog’s, but most of this species lack the great toes on their hind feet. This does not occur in any other species of insectivore. This species is found in open country with dry soil and plenty of cover - woodlands, bush savanna, thickets.

Erinaceus frontalis: (Cape Hedgehog) Very similar in build to the four-toed hedgehog. The white spines have a broader dark band. This hedgehog also has a dark brown muzzle and forehead with a white band that passes over the shoulders onto the throat and chest. The legs and underside are grayish to dark brown. It is found on wooded savannas, woodland, open grasslands, fields and small shrubby kopjes.

Erinaceus amurensis: (Eastern Asian or Manchurian Hedgehog) Living on forested grasslands, this species is found in China and Korea and is possibly the only species of hedgehog that has been introduced to Japan.

GENUS HEMIECHINUS: LONG-EARED HEDGEHOGS

Hemiechinus auritus: (Long-eared Hedgehog) This hedgehog lives in arid desert and scrubland. It seldom drinks - it probably gets its moisture from its prey (small vertebrates and insects). In size it is smaller than the desert hedgehog and has cream-colored spines with two slate-gray bands and the same longitudinal grooves as its cousin. The face is white with some brown shading and its underside, legs and claws are completely white. Its white ears are longer than the desert hedgehog.Hemiechinus dauuricus: (Daurian Hedgehog) This species is found to the east of Mongolia and the Gobi Desert into China. It is very similar to the long-eared hedgehog. It feeds mainly on small rodents. Very little is known about its way of life.

GENUS PARAECHINUS: DESERT HEDGEHOGS

Paraechinus aethiopicus: (Desert Hedgehog) This hedgehog lives in the Sahara south of the Algerian hedgehog’s range in the harshest conditions possible. Even though it is smaller than it’s northern cousin, the Algerian hedgehog, it has much larger ears. In coloration, this hedgehog has a white forehead, chin, throat, breast and ears. The face and tail are dark brown. The stomach is spotted brown and white. It’s spines area a sandy color with dark tips with vertical grooves on them.

Paraechinus hypomelas: (Brandt’s Hedgehog) Brandt’s hedgehogs are found on islands in the Persian Gulf and on some mountains bordering the Arabian Sea. It is almost completely black with some white hairs on its face, pale legs, and ears which are as large but slightly narrower than those of the desert hedgehog.

Paraechinus micropus: (Indian Hedgehog) Very similar in its lifestyle to the long-eared hedgehog, this species inhabits the hot arid regions of the sub-continent. Unlike other hedgehogs, it will sometimes take food back to its nest for future use.

SUBFAMILY ECHINOSORICINAE “HAIRY HEDGEHOGS”

Echinosorex gymnurus: (Greater Moon Rat) The size of a rabbit, this is the largest species of the living insectivores and considered the most primitive. It has a naked tail covered with scales. The overall color is black with whiter markings on its face, neck, shoulders and tail. It has two very powerful scent glands that emit an odor described as rotten onions. The greater moon rat is strictly nocturnal.

Hylomys suillus: (Lesser Moon Rat) This species also lives in the forests of south-east Asia, but also extends into Yunnan in China and into Java in the south. It is much smaller than the greater moon rat (10-12 cm long). It has a very short tail and is a rusty brown all over.

Neohylomys hainanenesis: (Hainan Moon Rat) Found on the Chinese island of Hainan and not discovered until 1959, this species is already threatened with extinction due to the clearance of its forest home. It is slightly larger than the lesser moon rat, rusty brown and gray in coloring with a black stripe down its back, dull yellow markings on its sides and a pale-colored underside.

Podogymnura truei: (Mindanao Moon Rat) This species has lived in the mountain forests for centuries and is trapped occasionally for food by the aboriginal natives. It has long, soft fur on the body and on the tail.

Neotetracus sinensis: (Shrew Moon Rat) This is the smallest of the moon rats. It lives in cool damp forests above 2000 meters in northern Burma, Vietnam, Thailand and the Szechwan and Yunnan Provinces in China. It looks very similar to the lesser moon rat but has fewer teeth and much finer fur.