Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a breeder is reputable?
- Read this.
How can I tell if my hedgehog is overweight?
- Hedgehogs, collectively, do not have an "ideal" weight. Each hog has a unique range where they are considered healthy. Some hogs are healthy at 250g, some are healthy at 720g. If your hog cannot ball up easily, they may be overweight. Other symptoms of obesity include fat pockets around the thighs/arms and a double chin. From above, your hedgehog should be a perfect teardrop shape. If their sides are sunken in, they may be underweight. If their sides bulge, they are overweight.
What do I do if my hedgehog is attempting to hibernate?
- (Hibernation symptoms include: cold to the touch (belly), shaky, lethargic, wobbly, unable to unball, and lack of movement.)
- Get them under your shirt, immediately. Skin to skin contact is the best way to warm them up slowly. DO NOT PUT YOUR HOG IN WATER. It can shock their system and lead to more issues. Once they are under your shirt, pile on the blankets and get as warm as possible. It is very important to keep them in your shirt even after they begin to wiggle around. They must be completely warmed up before they are put back in their cage. Make sure you bump up the cage's temperature a few degrees after the attempt, because they are more likely to attempt again for up to a week after the initial attempt. If your hedgehog shows no signs of movement after an hour on your stomach, GO TO THE VET.
What can I do if my hedgehog's skin is dry?
- There are several options. Some people use coconut oil or Vitamin E in the bath. However, for existing dry skin, Humilac is your best option. It is a topical spray, and can be applied daily to the skin under the quills.
Is there a difference in temperament between male/female hogs?
- No. There is no personality difference based on gender. Your best bet for finding a social hog is to buy a young baby (6-8 weeks) from a reputable breeder who socializes the babies regularly. Keep in mind that male hogs, upon reaching sexual maturity (5 weeks), may masturbate. It's not a big deal, but it does happen and you may have to wash the remnants off of their fur every now and then.
How can I get my hedgehog to be more social?
What is quilling?