Hedgehogs Study Notes

Introduction to Hedgehogs

  • Common Name: Hedgehog

  • Latin Name: Altilorex alba albaventris

  • Primary Sources:

    • LaFeber website

    • Textbooks

    • Additional online resources

  • Preference for LaFeber information citing its accuracy.

Historical Context

  • 15th Century Attitude:

    • King Henry VIII ordered the extermination of hedgehogs.

    • Reasons for extermination:

      • Stealing milk

      • Associated with rabies

      • Perceived as thieves stealing produce

    • Cultural Reference:

      • Cartoon "Ferdinand" depicts hedgehogs as mischievous thieves.

Ecological Benefits of Hedgehogs

  • Dietary Role:

    • Natural pest controllers

    • Primary diet includes:

      • Snails

      • Other garden pests

  • Resistance to Venoms:

    • Believed to have resistance to snake venom.

    • Capable of killing snakes.

  • Cultural Beliefs:

    • Associated with healing and fertility powers.

Taxonomy of Hedgehogs

  • Genus: Altilorex

  • Different Species:

    • Altilorex alba albaventris

      • Commonly known as African pygmy hedgehog.

      • Predominant focus in discussions.

    • Altilorex algiris

  • Distribution:

    • African pygmy hedgehogs mostly found in Central Africa.

Conservation Status

  • Listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List

  • Current population is stable with no immediate threat of endangerment.

Popularity and Regulations

  • Hedgehogs gained popularity as exotic pets in the 1980s.

  • Licensing and regulations vary by state:

    • Allowed in Colorado

    • Restricted in California and other places

  • Organizations:

    • International Hedgehog Association

    • Pedigree tracking and competitions started in 1995.

Terminology

  • Common Names:

    • Hedgie, hog, prickle pig.

  • Breeding Terms:

    • Female: Sow (dam)

    • Male: Boar (sire)

    • Offspring: Hoglets.

Identification and Sexing

  • Sexing:

    • Based on anal-genital distance (AGD).

    • Females: Shorter AGD (vulva and anus close together).

    • Males: Longer AGD (testicles palpable).

    • Misterminology: Prepuce often confused with belly button.

Behavior and Social Structure

  • Behavioral Traits:

    • Male and female hedgehogs do not exhibit significant behavioral differences.

    • Typically solitary and prefer individual housing.

    • Personalities vary:

      • Adventurous, cuddly, nervous.

  • Enrichment Needs:

    • Enthusiastically dig and hide; require burrowing opportunities.

  • Nocturnal Activity:

    • Active at night, can run up to 10 miles; unsuitable for children's bedrooms due to noise.

Vocalization

  • Hedgehogs produce various sounds:

    • Huffing, puffing, popping

    • Males chirp, can scream when distressed.

Unique Behaviors

  • Anointing (Anting):

    • Chewing fragrant items to create a protective paste for quills.

    • Mimics predator presence for camouflage.

Thermoregulation and Housing Requirements

  • Thermal Neutral Zone:

    • Range: 75°F to 85°F.

    • Above 85°F: lethargy and heat stress.

    • Below 70°F: hibernation and stupor.

Diet

  • Species-Specific Nutrition:

    • Omnivorous/insectivorous

    • Wild diet includes:

      • Insects (crickets, mealworms)

      • Berries, grass roots

    • Captivity diet recommendations:

      • Commercial hedgehog diets are preferred

      • Can use high-protein cat food as an emergency substitute.

    • Supplementing with:

      • Mealworms, crickets, minimal fruit.

    • Obesity Risk:

      • Proper diet and management crucial to avoid obesity.

    • Dietary Breakdown:

      • 30-50% protein

      • 5% fat

      • 15% fiber

      • 0.9% calcium and phosphorus

      • Iron: 75 parts per million.

Physical Characteristics

  • Size:

    • Adult weight: 250 to 540 grams (females typically larger).

  • Normal Vital Signs:

    • Temperature: 95.7°F to 98.6°F

    • Heart Rate: 180 to 280 bpm (resting)

    • Respiratory Rate: 25 to 50 breaths/minute.

Lifespan and Reproduction

  • Average Lifespan:

    • Wild: 3 to 5 years

    • Pets: up to 6 years; record lifespan of 11.4 years under optimal conditions.

  • Breeding Information:

    • Sexual maturity: 6 months to 2 years.

    • One to two litters annually; average size: 3 hoglets.

    • Gestation: 34 to 37 days; hoglets born naked (altricial) and eyes open at 14 to 18 days.

    • Weaning occurs at 5 to 6 weeks.

Anatomy of Quills

  • Quills are modified hairs made of keratin.

  • Average hedgehog has 5,000 to 7,000 quills.

  • Musculature related to quills:

    • Orbicularis muscle (contraction for ball formation).

    • Panniculus muscle (erecting quills).

Housing Considerations

  • Space Requirements:

    • Minimum of 4 square feet per hedgehog with hiding spaces and enrichment activities.

  • Temperature and Humidity:

    • Maintain between 75°F and 85°F.

    • Humidity below 40% preferable.

    • Avoid wire wheels for exercise; ensure safety and comfort.

Veterinary Care and Medication

  • Blood collection methods:

    • Jugular or cephalic veins.

  • Injection sites:

    • Quadriceps (care to avoid sciatic nerve).

  • Subcutaneous injections:

    • Use skin tenting techniques.

Health Concerns

  • Primary Health Issues:

    • Obesity: A leading concern due to lack of exercise and overfeeding.

    • Risk of hepatic lipidosis from rapid weight loss.

    • Neoplasia: Increased cancer risk after 2 years of age (75% tumor rate).

    • Dermatophytosis: Fungal infections, including ringworm.

    • Mites and foot injuries (bumblefoot and pododermatitis from poor bedding).

  • Unique Syndromes:

    • Wobbly hedgehog syndrome: progressive paralysis of unknown cause; no cure available.

    • Other concerns: ocular injuries, dilated cardiomyopathy linked to aging.

Community Engagement

  • Hedgehog ownership fosters community with clubs, newsletters, and vast online support networks.

  • They are cherished as pets with strong emotional ties from owners.

  • Overall perception: Hedgehogs have a significant following; owners find joy in their companionship, although challenges exist in care and management.