How long do hedgehogs hibernate?
Wild hedgehogs can hibernate for long periods of time till it gets warmer.
Their hibernation period can vary between 5 to 7 months from October all the way to even April.
They do wake up in between hibernation periods too if temperature changes. So it really depends on the temperature before they go into hibernation. This is also the reason why sometimes hedgehog goes through warmer winters without hibernating or start hibernating in later months of winter.
They will, however, start to store up fats from all the food they eat during the summer and go into a dormant mode during autumn/winter periods.
As for domestic hedgehog breeds like the African pygmy, they MUST NOT be allowed to go into hibernation or they may die.
Why?
Because unlike the European hedgehog breeds, African pygmy comes from warmer places and are not capable of going through hibernation.
But still, they possess the innate ability to go into hibernation whenever it gets cold. This is the reason why domestic hedgehogs are required to be housed in temperatures between 74°F – 78°F (approximately 23°C to 25°C). Anything too hot or cold and they will estivate or hibernate.
Let us explore more about hibernation and estivation in pet hedgehogs in the next sections
Contents
Hedgehogs hibernation facts in details
Hibernation is a process where hedgehogs drop their body temperature into a state of torpor. They aren’t really asleep but just dormant. Hibernation will help hedgehogs to get through winter when food during this time is scarce.
During hibernation, everything within them slows down. This includes their movement, metabolism, heart rate etc. Their heart rate can drop to as low as 20 beats per minute. Even the breath they take can stop for a long time. Their bodies will do its best to conserve as much energy as possible.
Fun fact
Hedgehogs are able to wake up in the middle of hibernation to look for food then go back to dormant mode once they are filled or when it gets colder.
What about estivation?
Estivation is almost like the opposites of hibernation. It is when the weather gets so hot that hedgehog will take certain actions to cool down their body. Estivation rarely occurs as hedgehogs prefer warmer temperatures but when they do it can be serious.
Estivation can also become even more serious when hedgehogs are dehydrated. Most people who are worried about estivation are mainly owners of domestic hedgehogs.
Dangers of Estivation and Hibernation for domestic hedgehogs
- Estivation and hibernation can lower immune system and metabolism that leave them open to diseases and illness.
- Domestic hedgehogs can go through what it is called a “partial hibernation”. Which is a semi-dormant state when the temperature is too cold. However, it can slowly escalate into a full hibernation if they are not warmed up asap.
- Hedgehogs in captivity do not have the ability to recover from a hibernation so it can be dangerous for them to slip into a full hibernation.
- Estivation, on the other hand, is also equally as deadly for hedgehog in captivity.
- Both prolonged estivation and hibernation can lead to death.
Hibernation Symptoms
- Cold stomach – touch your hedgehogs and their stomach if they are cold, you need to warm them up asap.
- Lack of appetite – when you find that they start to lose their appetite, don’t panic just yet. Make sure to check their body temperatures first.
- Wobbling and sluggish movement – you find them walking around wobbling or sluggish means they are looking for a warmer place.
- Unable to roll or unroll – as the temperature falls they body tends to stiffen.
- Difficult to wake up from sleep – when you try to wake it up, it takes way longer.
How to get hedgehog out of hibernation?
If you ever found your pet hedgehog going into hibernation. You have to warm them up as soon as possible.
You need to warm them up gradually or increase their temperature slowly. If you try to raise the temperature too quickly, they will go into thermal shock.
Do not attempt to throw them into warm water. Most hedgehogs do not like water and a sudden change in temperature will shock them.
If you are using heat pack or hand warmers, do not place them directly on hedgehogs. This might, in turn, burn their skins too. If you want to use hand warms make sure they don’t have direct contact with the hedgehog.
Here are a few recommended ways to warm them up:
- Wrap them up in fleece, put them under your shirt use body temperature to warm them up gradually.
- Wrap hand warmers or heat pack with a blanket and place them close to the hedgehog.
- Turn on the heater in the room. Or turn on the heater for their cage. Read more about cage heating setup below later.
If there is no reaction after 40 to 60 minutes of warming up, please take them to the vet immediately.
After reviving them:
- Monitor your hedgehog closely for the next 2 weeks after you revived them. There is a chance they may go into hibernation again within the next few weeks.
- Make sure temperature is kept warm and consistent. Ensure steps are taken to prevent the hedgehog from being cold again.
- Note that every hibernation attempts lowers their immune system, increasing the risk of illness.
Estivation Symptoms
- Facing belly down – they will place their belly on somewhere cool
- Leg sprawled out – spreading out their legs to get as much of their body on a cool surface
- Sluggish movement and heavy breathing – you might find them breathing hard with their tongue sticking out panting
Hedgehog estivation solution
Lower down the temperature immediately. But not by too much. Lowering the temperature down too much cause them to start feeling cold and go into hibernation.
You can wrap a towel over ice or frozen water bottles and place them over cages to lower the temperatures slightly. Just remember not to change the temperature too drastically or they might go into hibernation very quickly.
All that said, pet hedgehog going into estivation is really rare. After all, they are under a sheltered home. You might want to just watch out for estivation symptoms if you bring them out to your backyard for bonding time.
Hedgehog heating setup
Not all hedgehog household requires heating. It depends on where you are living and periods of the year.
However, there are those that may have seasons and temperature changes. So if you are one of them, it is good to prepare some heating.
Quick recap
Understand that the ideal temperature for domestic hedgehogs should be between 74°F – 78°F (approximately 23°C to 25°C).
Anything below 70°F or 21°C they may go into false hibernation. The same goes if it is too hot. Your hedgehog will start to estivate. This can happen if you leave them under the sun for too long as well.
Comparison of different heating methods
Space heater
Space heaters are great heaters for winter periods. Not only they keep hedgehogs warm, they keep the small room warm as well.
They can be expensive so if you already own one in your room it will be great otherwise buying a space heater just for your hedgehog is definitely not feasible.
Space heaters are categorized into 2 types. A ceramic space heater and an oil filled space heater. Both are adequate for hedgehogs.
- Ceramic heater provides accurate spot heating that is effective for heating smaller areas. Hence it is more suitable for hedgehog cages.
- Oil filled heaters are also good as they provide long-lasting heat to larger rooms. So they can be more cost effective compared to ceramic.
Advantages of using the space heater
- Able to provide heat to a small room
- On and off automatically once it reaches a certain temperature
- Portable and lightweight
Disadvantages of using the space heater
- Can be expensive just to heat up for your hedgehogs
- Might not be enough heating for bigger rooms
- Uses a lot of energy compared to other heating options hence higher electric bills too.
Ceramic heat emitter
Ceramic heat emitter or CHE, in short, is one of the most recommended heaters by hedgehogs owners. The reason is they are inexpensive and really easy to use. They are like a light bulb that you can be attached to a lamp.
The best part?
CHE does not produce light, just heat. Once turned on, they can produce heat for as long as you want. When paired with a thermostat and timer, you can set the temperatures you prefer to control when to switch the CHE on and off.
To use a ceramic heat emitter, you will need a dome clamp lamp that is about 8.5″ or 10″ and more importantly a thermostat to regulate temperature.
What wattage should be used for CHE lamps?
Depending on your cage size, it is recommended to get a CHE of at least 100 watts to provide enough heat to larger cages.
Advantages of using a ceramic heat emitter
- A cheap and efficient heat source
- Excellent spot heating
- A reliable source of heat
- One bulb can last really long
Disadvantages of using a ceramic heat emitter
- The first-time cost can be high
- Although each bulb can last long but they do burn out like lightbulbs eventually
- You will need to purchase other equipment like the lamp, thermostat etc
Other precautions with CHE:
- Do not use a CHE with plastic cages, they will melt or overheat
- CHE must be used with a thermostat
Heat lamp
The heat lamp is similar to CHE. It is a light bulb that produces heat and has to attach to a lamp. Then it will be placed over the cage to be turned on whenever it gets cold.
It is also excellent for spot heating but unlike the CHE, it produces light along with heat. As hedgehogs need to experience times of day and night, switching on the lights 24/7 during cold periods is just not feasible for them.
Similarly, to CHE, heat lamps required a dome clamp lamp that is between 8.5″ or 10″ and a thermostat to regulate temperature.
Advantages of using the heat lamp
- Excellent spot heating
- Easily available
- A reliable source of heat
Disadvantages of using the heat lamp
- The first-time cost can be higher
- Produces light
- Requires thermostat
Heating pads
Using heating pads under sleeping areas or fleece flooring is a great way to provide additional warmth to your hedgehogs during cold periods.
You can also place them under cages or behind liners. Make sure they are wrapped up in towel or blanket to avoid direct contact with hedgehogs or they might get burned.
Advantages of using heating pads
- The easy way to provide temporary warmth.
- The cheaper alternative for temporary warmth.
Disadvantages of using heating pads
- Can’t control heat. It might get really hot.
- Inconsistent heat. Some heat pads lose heat after a while.
- Can’t heat up cage properly. Only direct points of contact.
Step by step setup of heating source
Regardless of which heating device you use, you definitely need a good digital thermometer to measure the temperature of the cage and make sure temperatures do not fluctuate.
After which depending on which heater you use, follow the steps below:
Space heater
Space heater is rather straightforward. Hook it up to a power source and switch it on. There are space heater that do not have a reliable built in thermostat. If there isn’t one you will have to get an external one.
To set up an external thermostat, just plug space heater into the thermostat and set the temperature on it and switch on the space heater.
Volia, you have a ready space heater with consistent heat.
Take note, space heaters can be a fire hazard especially if you are running it 24/7. Make sure you take the necessary precautions when setting it up.
Ceramic heat emitter (CHE) or heat lamp
Both heaters requires a lamp attachment to go with the bulb. Once attached place them above the cage as seen in the image.
Then connect the heater to the thermostat, set the temperature to your desired figure and plug the other end of the thermostat into a basic timer socket.
Heat pads
Heat pads are also simple and easy to set up. Just wrap them up in towel and set them under bedding or cage. You can also place them into liners or below fabric bedding.
Just make sure not to avoid direct contact with your hedgehog and it should be fine.
Epilogue
Heating is very important during winter or if you are living is always cold. Just understand that hedgehog can even slip into hibernation just a few temperatures below the advised range of 74°F to 78°F (approximately 23°C to 25°C).
So let us know what are your thoughts on heating…
Do you have any other effective heating methods to keep your hedgehogs warm during cold periods?
Let us know in the comments sections.
