Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are noiseless, odorless, inoffensive and nondestructive in their manner. They are nocturnal and therefore are active in the evenings. If they are allowed to run in the house, they tend to hide in corners or under furniture. Many hedgehogs dig in carpets or in houseplant dirt, if accessible, and will forage for spiders and insects in the home. Most hedgehogs prefer dim, quiet environments and may react with fright at loud noises or bright lights. Hedgehogs are solitary by nature. When encountering something new in the environment a hedgehog may "taste'' it, then begin hypersalivating and create a foam, which it then spits onto itself. The process is called "anting'' or "anointing.'' Most owners will promptly rinse or bathe the hedgehog to get rid of the material.

Vital statistics

• Body length: 7 inches (17 cm)

• Body weight: male African: 500-600 g, female African: 250-400 g, male European: 800-1200 g, female European: 400-800 g
• Sexual maturity: 3 months
• Maximum life span: 4-7 years

What should you feed your Hedgehog?

The hedgehog diet is omnivorous, high in protein and low in fat. High fat foods adversely affect the hedgehog's health and longevity. To minimize obesity, ad lib feeding of adults should be discouraged. One should feed in the evening a portion size that is almost completely consumed by morning. Only a small amount of food needs to be present during the day for ...

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