When you’re feeling stressed and in need of a mood boost – pull up a Napper and check out hedgehogs. These spikey little sweethearts are surging in popularity and sure to help you smile. Curious to know more about these prickly animals? Look no further. We’ve put together some hedgehog fun facts to help take the weight off your shoulders for a minute or two.
Hello, Hedgehog!
Photo by Sierra NiCole Narvaeth on Unsplash
Hedgehogs are buoyant
A hedgehog can float in a small tub of water, and these critters actually love to swim!
A hog’s life
Once a baby hedgehog is capable of protecting itself, it'll go out on its own, preferring to be alone most of its life.
Quills of keratin
Hedgehog quills aren’t the same as porcupine quills; they don't come out of the hedgehog’s body. They're more like nails and made of keratin.
Masters of natural self-defense
In addition to having a spiky exterior that makes them not-so-delectable to predators, hedgehogs also have an extra layer of protection as they’re immune to many poisonous plants!
Hedgehogs Need Their Beauty Rest
Hedgehogs are mostly nocturnal, meaning they’re awake at night. But they aren’t awake for long, though. Hedgehogs can sleep for up to 18 hours per day!
Hedgehogs are also true hibernators. During colder winter months they can drop their body temperature to match their surroundings – this is called torpor. During torpor, hedgehogs save valuable body energy.
Hedgehogs' main food sources (insects and plants) are scarce during winter so it makes sense for them to “sleep” their way through.
Photo by Sierra NiCole Narvaeth on Unsplash
More ThanAPincushion With Legs
Ever feel like you want to curl up in a ball when you’re stressed? You aren’t alone! When a hedgehog feels threatened or stressed, it curls into a ball.
It’s a common misconception that hedgehogs can roll away while in their ball shape. Once in its round, spiky shape, the hedgehog must stay still.
As humans, we can’t always roll out of a stressful situation either. When you’re feeling stressed, try putting on the gentle pressure of a weighted blanket. Learn more about how weighted blankets work and the natural health benefits our Nappers deliver in our Ultimate Weighted Blanket Guide.
Read more: Bearaby Hogger
FAQs
Hedgehogs sleep a lot; anywhere from 18-20 hours per day! When hedgehogs feel threatened they roll themselves into a ball (and stay put). Hedgehogs got their name because their favored habitat is under garden hedges.
Are hedgehogs spikey? ›
But the hair on the back of a hedgehog is a thick layer of spikes (or modified hairs) known as quills. These quills are made of keratin, the same stuff our hair and fingernails are made of. Hedgehogs can be white or light brown to black, with several shades found in bands along their quills.
What are the night time habits of hedgehogs? ›
Hedgehogs are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night. They also make sure to hide themselves away in their nest when they're resting, to avoid disturbance and predation. For these reasons, sleeping and resting aren't behaviours we're likely to see a lot in the garden!
How many hours a day does a hedgehog sleep? ›
Hedgehog Sleeping Habits
Hedgehogs sleep between 12 to 14 hours per day, sometimes more and sometimes less. It depends on the season. If it's cold outside or in the room where your hedgehog lives, you might find your hedgehog sleeping up to 18 hours per day.
How are hedgehogs put to sleep? ›
Euthanasia should be performed by first anaesthetising the patient with gaseous anaesthesia in a chamber or via mask induction. This should be followed by an intracardiac or IV injection (via the cranial vena cava) of pentobarbital. Euthanasia should not be performed without appropriate anaesthesia.
What positions do hedgehog sleep in? ›
Hedgehogs only curl up when cold, hibernating or frightened. They sleep in the same positions as dogs; on their side or tummy, and dream just like them too.
Why are hedgehogs so prickly? ›
A hedgehog's spines are its main mode of defence against predators. When threatened, the hedgehog will curl up into a tight, spiky ball. The hedgehog has a muscle around it's body which contracts to allow the hedgehog to curl up, a bit like a draw-string bag.
Can you cuddle a hedgehog? ›
It depends on the personality of the individual hedgehog and how much handling the hedgehog has had in the past. Some hedgehogs do seem to like to snuggle up to their human companions, while others might be shyer or simply prefer exploring and moving about over sitting still and cuddling.
What to do if a hedgehog bites you? ›
Just like any animal bite, there is a risk of bacterial infection of the wound, as the hedgehog's mouth is not a clean place. If you are bitten, wash the wound well, apply disinfectant, and seek medical advice.
Do hedgehogs sleep rolled up? ›
Firstly, hedgehogs generally hibernate curled up in a ball. But they don't naturally die curled up. So if your hedgehog is in a ball, there is a good chance it is hibernating, not dead. If the hedgehog is curled into a ball, you can also touch it's spines lightly.
Hedgehogs sleep in the day and attend to business at night. What they're doing at night is mainly eating. Hedgehogs need to eat a lot of food for their size. They will eat up to 100 beetles and other invertebrates in one night.
Should I wake my hedgehog up at night? ›
It's just fine to play with your hedgie later in the day and we encourage waking up your hedgehog in the afternoon or evening.
How do hedgehogs sleep? ›
Hedgehogs sleep and hibernate in a specially made nest, if you find them 'sleeping' anywhere else it's likely that they are ill and are in need of help. For advice, please contact your local hedgehog rescue centre.
How to tell if a hedgehog is happy? ›
Hedgehogs are known to be very communicative when it comes to their needs, and often make a low purring sound when they are happy or content.
Is my hedgehog sleeping too much? ›
It's perfectly normal for them to snooze away most of the day. While you might be winding down for the night, your hedgehog is just getting started! Natural Sleep Cycles: Hedgehogs have a polyphasic sleep pattern, meaning they take multiple naps throughout the day.
Do hedgehogs sleep in the same place every night? ›
Hedgehogs will not usually eat and sleep in the same place so it's best not to offer food inside the home (except perhaps to tempt them in initially). Once there is a resident, move food away from the box so as not to attract predators or rival hedgehogs to the site.
Do hedgehogs like light at night? ›
Night manoeuvres
Hedgehogs, too, have been the subjects of studies on the effects of ALAN. Like bats, hedgehogs avoid artificial lighting, keeping to less well-lit areas, and this could affect other behaviours.
