BASICS
How many species of hedgehog are there?
14
What is one important nutrient hedgehogs get from eating insects?
Do hedgehogs usually live alone or in large social groups?
Alone
Approximately how many spines can an adult hedgehog have?
5,000-7,000
What type of shelter can a wild hedgehog use to hide from predators and bad weather?
A nest made from leaves, grass, etc.
the sharp, stiff hairs on a hedgehog’s back
Spines
What can persistent diarrhea after eating a new food indicate?
The food may not be tolerated, or the hedgehog may have an illness
Why might a hedgehog hiss, puff, or jump when something surprises it?
It is trying to defend itself because it feels frightened
Why should insects fed to pet hedgehogs come from a reputable supplier instead of being caught outdoors?
Wild insects may have been exposed to pesticides or parasites.
Why can cedar or strongly aromatic wood shavings be unsuitable for hedgehog bedding?
The oils and dust can irritate the respiratory system
What does a hedgehog do when it feels threatened?
It curls into a ball
What is one common sign that a hedgehog may be having trouble with its food or health?
Losing weight or refusing to eat.
Why might a hedgehog sniff the ground while walking?
To find food and learn about its surroundings
Why can a sudden drop in temperature be dangerous for a pet African pygmy hedgehog?
It can trigger an attempted hibernation-like state
Why should a hedgehog’s enclosure have good airflow but not a cold draft?
To maintain fresh air without chilling the animal
Are hedgehogs naturally active mostly during the day or at night?
Night - Twilight until Dawn
What is the name of the beetle larvae commonly fed to pet hedgehogs?
Mealworms
Why might a hedgehog sway or rock its body while exploring an unfamiliar scent?
It may be investigating the scent using its nose and other senses
What is the term for an animal that is most active at dawn and dusk?
Crepuscular
What kind of floor should a hedgehog’s enclosure have to protect its feet?
A solid floor
How long does a hedgehog live?
About 5 years
What makes up much of a wild hedgehog’s natural diet besides insects?
worms, slugs, and snails
What is the name of the unusual behavior in which a hedgehog foams at the mouth and spreads the foam onto its spines after encountering a new smell or taste?
Anointing
Why can hibernation be dangerous for an African pygmy hedgehog kept as a pet?
African pygmy hedgehogs are not adapted to prolonged cold-weather hibernation in the same way as some wild temperate-climate species
At least 2 square feet