Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are about the size of a baseball when they curl up and are covered with spines, so they’re not very cuddly. They’re also nocturnal. They’re also prone to lots of external and internal parasites, respiratory diseases, and GI upset. Not what most people would consider a great pet.
BUT
Despite the above comments, some people find these little creatures endearing and interesting. Perhaps kindred souls. Ha.
Jokes aside, here are some introductory comments and general information:
There are two basic types of hedgehogs, the main difference being in size: the smaller African Hedgehog is typically about the size of a hamster (about a pound in weight) and the larger European Hedgehog which is about the size of a guinea pig (2 pounds). They are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa and their natural diet is insects.
Basics:
Hedgehogs like to burrow during the day under logs, rocks, and brush, so provide it with a place to hide. They like to forage for food at sunset.
Hibernation isn’t a requirement for their health, but they will likely go into hibernation if you subject them to temperatures below 60F.
They are a cold natured animal with body temps of about 92F
Hedgehogs can swim and climb trees.
They have a keen sense of hearing and when frightened, they roll up into a ball for protection which may or may not protect them from being eaten by foxes, hawks, owls, badgers, and the like or by getting squished by cars.
Feeding:
Usually, hedgehogs do well if fed a dry dog food along with worms, crickets, and fruits and vegetables. I also recommend supplementing with colloidal minerals as hedgehogs seems susceptible to mineral deficiencies.
Breeding:
I haven’t had any experience, actually with hedgehog breeding, but I know a few basics:
Gestation is about 35 days
The babies, which are called “pups” are born with very soft spines which become stiff at about 3 days old. They need to be nursed for 4-6 weeks just like kittens and canine puppies.
Veterinary Recommendations:
Vaccinations: none recommended
Parasite control: I’ve been successful recommending Revolution, the very effective flea, mange mite, ear mite, heartworm preventive, and intestinal parasite medication made for cats and dogs. It’s off label, untested (as far as I know) but seems to be safe, simple, and effective.
Coming soon; more about hedgehogs:
Health Problems
What to expect when you go to the vet
Misc comments
Links
Coming soon; about gerbils:
Introduction
Health Problems
What to expect when you go to the vet
Misc comments
Links
GERBILS
http://www.agsgerbils.org/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/
This handbook gives tips on how to care for and tame a gerbil as well as what to look for when you are ready to adopt a gerbil. It also explains certain health issues that gerbils may experience and certain behaviors they may exhibit.
http://exoticpets.about.com/library/weekly/aa051598.htm
This site gives good background information as to where gerbils orginated as well as how to care for and handle them.
http://www.animalhospitals-usa.com/small_pets/gerbil_care.html
This site gives a lot of information about small animals including gerbils.
HEDGEHOGS
http://www.animalhospitals-usa.com/small_pets/hedgehogs.html
This website gives valueable insight about hedgehog care as well as their health and reproduction.
http://www.mihog.org/care.phtml
This site talks about basic hedgehog care and also gives the titles of some popular books on hedgehog care. It also gives a list of things everyone should have as a hedgehog first aid kit.
http://www.animalsforawareness.org/cs_hedgehog.html
This site gives a lot of information about hedgehogs and what they eat and how they behave.
