Sometimes, due to temperature conditions that hedgehogs are not prepared for, our pets do attempt to enter a hibernation state. This can be very dangerous for them, and if they are not warmed appropriately, hibernation can be fatal. Even if they are warmed and rescued from a hibernation attempt, it can be very hard on a hedgehog's health. Respiratory infections, lowered immune system, dehydration, and organ failure can occur as a result.
The best way to deal with hibernation is to prevent it completely. Keep your hedgehog's environment at a constant temperature of 75-78 F, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. In addition, make sure your hedgehog's cage receives appropriate lighting for at least 12 hours during the day and 12 hours of darkness at night.
If you live in an area where there is a chance that you will lose heat or electricity during the winter, prepare ahead of time by stocking up on fleece blankets and air activated hand warmers that can be wrapped in a washcloth or small blanket to provide your hedgehog with a warm area.
Some hedgehogs, especially those that are older, very young, or have health issues, may be prone to hibernation even at 74 degrees. These hedgehogs may benefit from having a heating pad set on low under one corner of their cage to provide them with a warmer zone to go to in case they get cool. This would be in addition to their regular heat source.
Best heating options
CHE (ceramic heat emitter) bulb with a heat lamp. When choosing a heat bulb it is important to choose the CHE, as it does not let off any light, only heat.
Space heater or house heat to warm the entire room that the hedgehog is in.
Heating pads and discs should only be used as a secondary heat source and not as the hedgehog’s only source of warmth. One must be cautious with heating options so that they aren’t knocked over causing burns, injuries or fires.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hibernation attempts are being unresponsive in a tight ball, lethargy, shaky gait, no food and water consumption, and difficulty in waking up. The abdomen of a hedgehog should feel warm to the touch, but may feel cool or even cold if the hedgehog is attempting to hibernate.
If you think your hedgehog is attempting to hibernate take steps immediately to begin warming them back up. Do not warm them too rapidly though, because this can cause them to go into shock. The best way to warm them is to lay the hedgehog's belly against the skin of your abdomen, and cover them with a warm blanket. You can also try placing them on a heating pad set on low temperature, or covering them with a towel that has been slightly warmed in the dryer. Do not place them in warm water, as being wet can actually cause heat to leave their skin faster. Do not put the hedgehog in the oven, or in an extremely warm location. Do not place them on an extremely warm surface, as they may not be able to move off of the surface before their skin burns.
As soon as your hedgehog starts waking up and moving around, offer lukewarm water to drink and small amounts of soft foods. Continue your efforts to warm your hedgehog until the belly is warm and the hedgehog is fully alert and able to move around normally with no shakiness or unsteadiness of the gait.
Continue monitoring your hedgehog closely for several days after a hibernation attempt, as they may be prone to a repeated attempts. Also watch for signs of respiratory problems, such as loud breathing, nasal discharge, open mouth breathing, or exaggerated movement of the chest while breathing. Monitor food and water consumption, and encourage sluggish eaters by softening their dry food with a little warm water, and providing favorite and high fat treats.
Hibernation in our pet hedgehogs is not natural or normal. It can be fatal within a short period of time. Prevent hibernation with an appropriately heated and lit environment, and always be alert for signs of hibernation.
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