Hedgehogs are loved by children, and adults can rarely hide emotion at the sight of this cute mammal. In the wild, hedgehogs live no more than 5 years, but at home - all 10-15. And although this animal can not be called convenient for keeping the house, more and more often hedgehogs began to be bred specifically, not just street, but decorative.
What affects lifespan?
It is believed that animals in captivity live much less than in wild conditions.
And often this is true, but not for hedgehogs for sure. Surviving under the auspices of man is definitely easier for hedgehogs.
The reasons for such a high life expectancy:
- the absence of enemies (foxes, owls and badgers) and other obstacles that may cost an animal life;
- the presence of food - in nature, there may be a lean season or conditions that do not allow the hedgehog to find food, and at home he will not die of hunger;
- if the pet becomes ill, the owner should consult a veterinarian; in the wild, the prickly animal can only rely on itself;
- at home, the hedgehog does not engage in “hostilities” for the female or for the territory, and since there is no conflict, there are no victims;
- finally, in the wild, hedgehogs often find themselves under the wheels of a car, they can die due to forest fires, as well as during the poisoning of agricultural crops with pesticides.
So it turns out that in greenhouse home conditions there is little threat to the hedgehog, and as a result of caring for the owner he can become a real long-liver.
How many years live?
That little hedgehog, which you can meet on the street, will be lucky if he lives 5 years. This is considered a decent life for the hedgehog in its natural habitat. But if the hedgehog is your pet, he can count on 10 or even 15 years of life.
But do not save forest hedgehogs and bring them home, changing the animal’s lifestyle. This is not only stress for the hedgehog itself, but also for humans.
A healthy animal feels great in the natural environment, it is better there, whatever one may say. And your help can turn into wounds and bites in your own direction - the prickly baby will want to defend himself. Finally, hedgehog, alas, is a carrier of serious diseases - salmonella, depriving and even rabies. And fleas and ticks live in the hair and needles of the animal. therefore an innocent venture to bring him home, in fact danger and great stupidity.
But fortunately, there are hedgehogs that provide for maintenance at home - African, steppe, Eurasian and eared. The most popular representative of domestic hedgehogs is the African dwarf. This is truly a decorative animal, bred specifically for living with a person. What breeders love the African hedgehog for is its small size and good immunity. He really can live with you for a long, more than a decade.
How to extend the term?
Taking into account the natural features of the animal is always important. Do not forget that hedgehogs are nocturnal residents and with a high probability your biorhythms will not match.
Optimal conditions
At the pet must have your own house. Equip the baby with a nest where he will be comfortable, calm. He should perceive the house as his own territory, where there is no move for the rest. Special cells can be found at the pet store. And you can equip it for maximum comfort every week: toilet, feeding troughs, drinking bowls, rattles and even a running wheel. Still, the pet needs such “simulators” - physical loading for a home hedgehog is required.
And another important aspect is winter sleep. In the wild, by the winter, the animal accumulates a certain nutritional reserve, which helps it survive hibernation. Therefore, the owner’s task is to feed the baby well.
The hedgehog probably will not be able to sleep in a warm room, so he should be moved to the wintering place where the temperature is not above +5. This is the big problem of keeping hedgehogs in the apartment.
Also remember that hedgehogs can fall from a height and break. Contact with wires and household chemicals are also dangerous for the animal.
Proper feeding
Since hedgehogs are predators, they need animal protein. Therefore they give hedgehogs meat, offal and fish. But pets are not worth protecting from vegetables and fruits: they like carrots and apples, they will not refuse crisp cabbage and fresh zucchini. Juices from fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins for small predators. And pets will not refuse a handful of berries, for them it will be the best dessert.
In the wild, hedgehogs prey on insects - beetles and flies, grasshoppers and locusts. It is unlikely that the owners will arm themselves with a butterfly net and run to get a treat for the pet (although this option is possible), but it is more realistic to purchase insects in the pet store.
You can and should give hedgehogs cereals, buckwheat and rice are most suitable. Eggs are also given to hedgehogs: chicken and quail, boiled and raw. Industrial feeds, which should be based on animal protein (at least 30% of the composition), will also be a useful acquisition. Fat in the feed should not be more than 14%.
Care
Do not let the hedgehog just get a job at your place for a walk. If you immediately give him freedom, he will clog somewhere under the sofa, and luring him out will be a problem. And the hedgehog has sharp claws, and he can easily scratch the floor or valuables. Let him settle in his house, where he will spend most of the time.
A hedgehog should be bathed, but only an adult. The temperature of the water during bathing should not be higher than 34.8 degrees, and its level should not exceed 5 cm. Lower the animal into the water gradually, allowing it to get used to the procedure. Support the pet by the head, wash its abdomen and legs. The hedgehog needles are cleaned with a toothbrush and baby shampoo, which subsequently needs to be thoroughly washed off. Wipe the hedgehog with a towel, but do not blow dry (he will be scared).
Do not try to find a hedgehog company. This is a solitary animal. If you need a couple of hedgehogs, you will have to start each one with a cage. Do not accustom the animal to go into the bedroom: you cannot fall asleep from its stamping and snorting.
The hibernation of an animal occurs in autumn - remember the intensive feeding that precedes it. The pet will become lethargic and sleepy, and as soon as you notice it, it's time to prepare a place for hibernation. In the barn, garage, in the attic, the hedgehog will be quite comfortable for wintering. Make him a nest of hay and sawdust, dry leaves and rags. In his nest, he will sleep until spring. In a warm room, the hedgehog will not hibernate.
Hassle with a hedgehog is a given that cannot be avoided. If you are not ready to care for the animal according to the recommendations, if you can not provide him with the proper conditions, it is better to abandon the idea of establishing a hedgehog.
On how to properly maintain hedgehogs at home, see below.
