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21. CHAPTER. Hedgehogs. History of Hedgehogs. Common in Britain, Europe , North Africa, and Asia Not native to U.S . - First brought to United States in 1900 Several small herds by 1993 North American Hedgehog Association (NAHA) founded in 1993

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  1. 21 CHAPTER Hedgehogs

  2. History of Hedgehogs • Common in Britain, Europe, North Africa, and Asia • Not native to U.S. - First brought to United States in 1900 • Several small herds by 1993 • North American Hedgehog Association (NAHA) founded in 1993 • NAHA replaced by International Hedgehog Association in 1999

  3. Characteristics of Hedgehogs • Most common: White-bellied • From 7 to 10”, weigh 9 to 25 ounces • Long snout • Four digits on each foot, 36 teeth • Primarily nocturnal • Spines over back, sides, and crown of head – made of keratin

  4. Characteristics of Hedgehogs • Large eyes and ears • Short tails and usually short legs • Primary color: Mixture of brown, black, and white • Short life span (~5 years) • Very little odor • Only sounds some low grunts and clicks

  5. Swimming Hedgehog

  6. Handling Methods for Hedgehogs • Animal unfamiliar with handler • Rolls into ball as natural reaction to danger • Use gloves when lifting • Animal familiar with handler • May walk into cupped hands • To lift, place one hand on each side of body and under belly

  7. Hedgehog Ball

  8. Desirable Qualities ofHedgehog Housing • Appropriate housing • Aquariums • Large plastic tubs • Plastic cat or dog carriers • At least 2 square feet of floor space • More allows room for litter pan, nest box, exercise wheel • Aspen shavings best floor covering

  9. Housing • Nest box • Litter box • Heavy, sturdy food bowl • Vacuum-type water bottle

  10. Feeding Methods for Hedgehogs • Basis of diet • Insects, but also worms, snails, bird eggs, and small vertebrates (frogs and snakes) • Diet must include proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and fiber • Commercial foods preferred • Supplement with small pieces of fruits/vegetables or earthworms, wax worms, crickets every 2 to 3days • Eating a carrot

  11. Maintain original diet, change slowly if needed • Feed at night

  12. Hedgehog Diseases and Ailments • Mites • Intestinal threadworms • Intestinal worms • Coccidia • Eye infections • Diarrhea • Overgrown toenails

  13. Hedgehog Reproduction • Sexual maturity • Females: 8 weeks but no breeding until 6 months • Males: 8 weeks but may be unable to impregnate until later • Gestation period: ~35 days • Capable of several litters annually • From 1 to 7 young, 3 on average • Young are born deaf, blind, and helpless

  14. Process of Anointing • Steps • Encounters new smell or object • Licks at smell or object, producing foamy saliva • Stiffens front legs and swings head from side to side • Spits and smears spines with the saliva • Theory • Reason unknown • May be form of protection from predators or method of attracting a mate • anointing

  15. Other Hedgehog Processes • Hibernation • Helps animals survive winter’s cold by saving energy • Heart beat drops by 90%, body temp declines, respiration slows • Fat reserves sustain animals • Period may last from few weeks to 6 months • Warm weather ends process

  16. Estivation • Like less-intense hibernation in hot, dry climates with little food • Animals seek cool place, metabolism slows • May wake and enter/exit cool place several times

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