How to raise a hedgehog : first of all with love and with the awareness that it will not be identical to keeping a dog or a cat. It will not wag its tail next to us and will not purr, but it will be an important presence in our garden. And welcome, because it is an ecological and useful animal, against harmful insects.
In the case of an abandoned animal , it will be useful to know how to raise a hedgehog, at least for a few weeks, without being frightened by its primary and well-known form of defense: curling up and raising its quills to protect itself from potential predators. In winter, the hedgehog is also not active: it hibernates in autumn, with a good reserve of fat.
How to Raise a Hedgehog in the Garden
If we find a hedgehog in our garden, it is most likely lost. It is better to try to explore the area where we found it to see if it has been cleaned with a mower or something similar that has inadvertently destroyed its nest. Without reference points, it is necessary to take care of it and here it is useful to know how to raise a hedgehog in the correct way.
It feeds on earthworms, snails, various insects and can find plenty of them even in our garden without damaging plants and flowers, in fact, it could even protect them by hunting harmful animals. Let’s therefore evaluate the possibility of hosting this prickly animal. If we want to try, let’s provide it with a container with fresh water and check that there are shrubs available so that it can build a den even with leaves and stones.
How to raise a baby hedgehog
Especially the smaller ones are often in trouble because of traffic. It is not at all rare to meet one on the road, even dead, but if it is still alive, let’s help it and learn how to raise a hedgehog. It is a nocturnal animal that crosses without looking, let’s keep our eyes open if we know that we are traveling on a road that borders an area that could be close to its natural habitat.
At this point, having found an injured hedgehog , we assess the physical damage it may have suffered, hoping that it is simply disoriented. If it is truly injured, it should be taken to the nearest veterinary centre for first aid and also for a “cleaning” to eliminate any parasites.
Although it can be exciting to understand how to raise a hedgehog, let’s not get carried away by selfishness: if it is a female, especially, let’s try to bring it back to where we found it. It is also a protected animal and if it is a young one that has wandered away from the nest, it will be able to find it on its own.
How to Raise a Hedgehog in Captivity
The hedgehog is not a cage animal, so we can keep one in the garden if the size is suitable and the climate is not too harsh, but let’s not insist on wanting pets at all costs when there are numerous dogs and just as many cats that need a home.
Don’t just think about your own joy but also and above all about that of the poor hedgehog who was not born to live in captivity.
How to Raise a European Hedgehog
In our area, we will mostly encounter breeding a European hedgehog. If we find a mother with a litter, however, instead of thinking about How to breed a hedgehog, we avoid touching them because it could be harmful. This unless they are in danger of life, of course. In any case, we should contact a veterinary center to operate in the most appropriate way.
How to Raise an African Hedgehog
African hedgehogs are also animals born to live in nature and should only be raised if we have a garden large enough and suitable to meet their needs. In nature, hedgehogs eat insects such as moths, crickets and honey worms. If our garden is not able to provide these nutrients in nature, we will have to buy them in pet shops or online.
Even cat biscuits or small dog biscuits could be fine . The African hedgehog should be considered an exotic animal, so it cannot roam in the garden or in the corridor, it should be kept in a terrarium or in a tank and in winter it needs heat : it should never be in an environment with less than 20 degrees.
Let’s remember that they love to walk for miles and miles so let’s always leave them free to roam, especially in the evening, which is their favorite time.
What to do if you get stung by a hedgehog
If you are stung by a hedgehog, it is important to act promptly to prevent the onset of infection. Here is what we suggest you do:
- Before applying any dressing, it is important to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water to remove any debris or dirt.
- After cleaning the wound, apply an antibiotic cream to prevent infection. If you do not have one, you can buy it at the pharmacy without a prescription.
- Cover the wound with a sterile dressing or bandage to prevent contamination and be sure to change the dressing every day.
- Monitor the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. If you notice these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
How long does a hedgehog live?
A wild hedgehog in nature has an average life expectancy of about 2-7 years. The lifespan of a hedgehog depends on whether there are predators in their territory and the availability of food.