When rolled into the hedgehogs characteristic defensive ball, the animal is about the size of a large grapefruit. It is a generally common and widely distributed species that can survive across a wide range of habitat types. The average life spent of a hedgehog is approximately 4 to 6 years. If youre interested in having a hedgehog as a pet, you will certainly be interested to know how long you can expect your hedgie to live. For your pet hedgehog you want to provide a well balanced diet that.
This native australian lorikeet species is aptly named rainbow after its brightly colored plumage. Hedgehog project gutenberg selfpublishing ebooks read. I am a firm believer that diet contributes to the longevity of your hedgehog please see feeding your hedgehog. The average longevity of the pygmy hedgehog in captivity is three to five years. The weight of the average adult hedgehog ranges between 7001400 g. Shop for sonic the hedgehog books online at target. Some believe the hybridization of the algerian and white bellied species resulted in a more resilient hedgehog that lived longer. Vanderlip has kept african pygmy and european hedgehogs as. Pet hedgehogs are in most cases a breed called african pygmy hedgehog. Buy the natural hedgehog new edition by lenni sykes, jane durrant isbn. A 10yearold hedgehog would be as rare as 104yearold grandma.
Dr morris is one of the countrys leading hedgehog experts and his book gives factual, down to earth information on hedgehog behaviour, habits, physiology and private life, illustrated with delightful and amusing drawings by. The latin word for hedgehogs is erinaceus and our own british hedgehog is scientifically known as. Domesticated hedgehog news newspapers books scholar jstor february 2014 learn how and when to remove this. Caring for your hedgehog the hedgehogs at petland are an african species, which have been bred in captivity for over 20 years. Hedgehogs are native to mainland britain and are also found throughout northern and western europe. If you are looking for a fun and unusual pet to raise and nurture, consider getting a hedgehog if theyre legal in your state. The european hedgehog erinaceus europaeus, also known as the west european hedgehog or common hedgehog, is a hedgehog species found in europe, from iberia and italy northwards into scandinavia. Larger species of hedgehogs live 47 years in the wild some have been recorded up to 16 years, and smaller species live 24 years 47 in captivity, compared to a mouse at 2 years and a large rat at 35 years. Hedgehogs have been known to eat insects, slugs, baby mice, frogs, fish, worms, small snakes, eggs, and even fruit. Like porcupines, the skin over hedgehogs backs is covered with sharp spines that protect them from predators. He will require a large cage even though he is small. Spam or selfpromotional the list is spam or selfpromotional. Although they are not territorial, individuals do keep distance from other african pygmy hedgehogs. For these reasons an a number of others, wild hedgehogs have a much lower lifespan than pet hedgehogs, typically between 23 years, although they have the potential to live up to 6 or 7 years.
Though there are a variety of rabbit breeds, its difficult to determine whether specific breeds. How to take care of a hedgehog with pictures wikihow. A lot of animals, like hawks, weasels and foxes, eat hedgehogs, so they typically only live two or three years. Free tutorial with pictures on how to make a piece of book art in under 60 minutes by paper folding with scissors, book, and eyes. This earplug increases in length with age, and scientists believe a set of its alternating light and dark layers represents one year of growth. There are 16 species of hedgehog in five genera, found through parts. Please visit our animal info tabs or consider purchasing a care guide book for. She has published in scientific journals and has authored more than 20 books on pet care. Thankfully, unlike our native porcupines, hedgehogs cannot shoot their quills out in defense. One of the most frequently cited reasons for people who give up a pet is, it wasnt what i expected. And unlike the hedgehogs from the book alice in wonderland or the popular video game sonic the hedgehog, they cannot roll along when curled into a ball.
The average lifespan for african pygmy hedgehogs in captivity runs from 46. The hedgehog has a short life span and is solitary in nature. In captivity, they can live to be 8 10 years old, mostly due to a lack of predation and. Dr morris is one of the countrys leading hedgehog experts and his book gives factual, down to earth information on hedgehog behaviour, habits, physiology and private life, illustrated with delightful and amus ing drawings by guy troughton. Hedgehogs can live up to 10 years in captivity, but those hedgehogs are few and far between. Indeed a whole chapter is devoted to rearing hoglets in the bhpss book hedgehog rehabilitation by kay bullen. Hedgehog lifespan the average lifespan for a pet hedgehog is between 4 and 6 years but they can live as long as 10 years. The typical pet hedgehog weighs between 6 ounces and 2 pounds and requires approximately the same amount of space as a guinea pig. Moist food moist food should also be fed to your pet. How to take care of a hedgehog a complete guide diet.
Dec 10, 20 a hedgehogs lifespan can vary depending on the breed of hedgehog, his living conditions, and any preexisting illnesses. In captivity this alligator can live more than fifty years. Hedgehugs by steve wilson, hedgies surprise by jan brett, emma by paola opal, herbies big adventure by jennie poh, apple tro. If people dont know how to care for them properly or dont have a realistic idea of their personalities, they cant make an informed decision about whether or not a hedgehog. This may be as simple as placing it in your lap and talking to it. The smaller species of hedgehog usually live for 2 to 4 years, and the larger species can live for. Inappropriate the list including its title or description facilitates illegal activity, or contains hate speech or ad hominem attacks on a fellow goodreads member or author. Erinaceus europaeus common name western european hedgehog lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits maximum longevity 11. You might hear your hedgehog running on a squeaky wheel or rearranging its cage furniture, but for the most part, hedgehogs are very quiet pets. When caught in the mouth of a predator, however, hedgehogs will twitch and jump so that their quills poke into. Since the longeared hedgehog is naturally parasite prone and can carry diseases as bad as plague, it is highly. A meat or chicken dry cat food that is high in protein is a decent alternative. Learn the basics for caring for pet african pygmy hedgehogs.
Dr morris is one of the countrys leading hedgehog experts and his book gives factual, down to earth information on hedgehog behaviour, habits, physiology and private life, illustrated with delightful and amusing drawings by guy troughton. Sonic the hedgehog may have been all blue and cool in the sega video games but the real animals have their own special appeal that only hedgehog lovers can understand. The basic facts the british hedgehog preservation society. The african pygmy hedgehog ranges in southern africa from senegal to sudan and zambia. How to care for pet hedgehogs basic hedgehog care guide. Larger species of hedgehogs live 4 7 years in the wild some have been recorded up to 16 years, and smaller species live 2 4 years 4 7 in captivity, compared to a mouse at 2 years and a large rat at 3 5 years. Related and similar species are also found as far as north africa, the middle east and central asia. Without the constant dangers of the wild, however, ravens can live much longer. British hedgehogs the basic facts the british hedgehog. According to the animal ageing and longevity database, the longestlived member of the species survived 69 years in captivity. An owners guide to a happy healthy pet wrobel, dawn, brown dvm, susan a. Mealworms and crickets are the most commonly fed insects in captivity but the staple diet for a hedgehog should be a storebought, specially formulated hedgehog kibble. Freeranging european hedgehogs generally live 34 years, however the maximum lifespan reported is 8 years. There are more than ten different species of hedgehog including the fourtoed hedgehog, the north african hedgehog, the european hedgehog, the longeared hedgehog and the desert hedgehog.
Keeping and caring for african pygmy hedgehogs as pets. However, if you are looking to have a hedgehog as a pet, african pygmy hedgehogs are your best choice. The text describes the life cycle of the european hedgehog with reference to the 14. The african pygmy hedgehog is by far the most common species of domesticated hedgehog. In the wild, hedgehogs are primarily insectivores, but they will often eat whatever is available.
The books homepage helps you explore earths biggest bookstore without ever leaving the comfort of your couch. The project received anecdotal reports of a raven that lived to the age of 80, but were unable to verify the story. Book hedgehog how to make a piece of book art paper. As a nocturnal creature, it constantly moves, covering up to several miles in one night. The tube was pressurized, but not emptied of its oxygen, for robotnik didnt want shadow dead.
Although a lot of people wouldnt even consider hedgehogs as a viable option for a pet, just like hamsters, ferrets, and other small mammals, raising these cute little animals can be both fun and a rewarding experience. Pet hedgehogs are unique animals so they also make unique pets. A hybrid of two different wild species native to africa, the african pygmy hedgehog, is a domesticated species known to be intelligent. Encourage trust by giving it treats by hand, and add an old tshirt youve worn for a day to its enclosure so it gets accustomed to your smell. Graesser ideally, hedgehogs will live 57 years but the study mentioned above indicates the average pet lives less than the ideal life span. Here youll find current best sellers in books, new releases in books, deals in books, kindle ebooks, audible audiobooks, and so much more. A detailed guide to the natural history and the care in captivity of a. Mar 31, 2020 hold the hedgehog every day as you let it get used to you. Western european hedgehog erinaceus europaeus longevity. Dry hedgehog or cat food there is commercial hedgehog food, but it is not always available at some pet stores. The african pygmy hedgehogs body is 5 to 8 inches long and can weigh between 12 to 1 12 pounds. But in spite of this, it is very popular amongst pet enthusiasts across the world.
Its a mediumsized bird measuring about 10 to 12 inches and weighing about 2. Although theyre low maintenance, africa pygmy hedgehogs are solitary animals and. Four to six years is a normal life span, but a pet hedgehog can live up to ten years. There are two other more rare types of domesticated hedgehogs. This happens all too often with dogs and cats, and more unusual pets such as hedgehogs are no exception. In captivity hoglets put on weight much more quickly than in the wild. In captivity 810 years behaviors african pygmy hedgehogs are solitary and territorial. Lack of predators and controlled diet contribute to a longer. Hedgehogs make great pets for those who are patient and dedicated. The average lifespan for african pigmy hedgehogs in captivity runs from 46 years, with some living as long as 8 years. In order to get life spent to your hedgehog to this average age you have to care your hedgehog very perfectly. Domestic rabbits usually live between 812 years, in contrast to wild rabbits, which may only live a few years because they deal with disease, starvation, and predators, said judith pierce, adoptions director at the san diego house rabbit society. Incorrect book the list contains an incorrect book please specify the title of the book. The hedgehog by pat morris the mammal society 2011 isbn.
From what i have read, this is already far better than the average of years in the wild though this is due more to predation, disease, and other environmental factors than to old age. The african pygmy hedgehog is the most common type sold as pets. Guide to hedgehogs and hedgehog care for new owners hedgehog books. They find shelter in and under logs, rocks, roots of trees and brush piles, in termite mounds, in burrows, and under buildings. Although theyre low maintenance, africa pygmy hedgehogs are solitary animals and dont crave human interaction. Not only do they eat a very different type of food when compared to other pocket pets, but they are covered with tiny little spikes and roll into balls when scared. It is a wellknown species, and a favorite in european gardens, both for its endearing. Erinaceus species erinaceus europaeus common name western european hedgehog lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits maximum longevity 11.
Hedgehogs have a relatively long lifespan for their size. Wild animals suffer stress in an unnatural environment and hedgehogs are no exception. Females that are raised together have shown some bonding tendencies, but it is not absolutely necessary to purchase multiples for companionship. Hedgehog faq 37 intro to hedgehogs as petssection captivity runs from 46 years, with some living as long as 8 years. The most common species of domesticated hedgehog is the fourtoed hedgehog atelerix. May 30, 2019 if you are looking for a fun and unusual pet to raise and nurture, consider getting a hedgehog if theyre legal in your state. Caring for hoglets the british hedgehog preservation society. This kibble has mashed up insects along with vitamins and minerals to create a balanced diet specifically formulated for an african pygmy hedgehog. The project received anecdotal reports of a raven that lived to.
A complete guide to raising pet hedgehogs pethelpful. Many factors contribute to the lifespan of a hedgehog. Dry food should be the primary portion of your pets diet. Their small size and easygoing, affectionate nature allow them to fit into just about any pet owners home.
About the african pygmy hedgehog hedgehog care 101. The length of a hedgehogs life depends on several factors. Care for new owners hedgehog books hedgehog guide pet hedgehogs book 1. Shadow lay on a platform inside the vacuum tube, an air mask strapped to his face, breathing deeply and evenly. Hedgehogs are popular pets, and they live a lot longer in captivity than in the wild. Many hedgehog breeders and owners have found that female hedgehogs bred in captivity may prefer, and even crave, companionship and will go to great lengths to be with another hedgehog. Hedgehogs dont bark or squawk and wont disturb their neighbors. On average this animal reaches sexual maturity 3 months earlier in captivity.