Hedgies and Hibernation: Is It A Concern?

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Do hegies hibernate? That’s start with a resounding NO! They should not hibernate. Hibernation kills hedgehogs when owners don’t keep the area warm enough. Keeping your hedgies around 75 to 80 degrees is a good, general rule of thumb. Every hedgie is different. Some do fine around 75 degrees and other need it 80 and warmer. The key point is to KNOW your hedgie. Know what effects them or how they react. Some things are trial and error, but the second you see warning signs get that hedgie warm.

How: Keep hand warmers around. Use space heaters in the area as long as you monitor the temp (those heat areas up very quickly.) Use the ceramic reptile heating bulbs. Some even use special heating pads, but those can be scary because a hedgie isn’t always able to get away if it gets too warm.

NEVER use water to warm your hedgie. This can make them sick, cause organ failure, lead to a heart attack, and can lead up to death.

SIGNS of a hedgie being too cool (NOT to the hibernation stage yet):
– Unable to uncurl from a ball
– Lethargic/extremely inactive
– Wobbly/Unable to stand up/Can’t hold up head
– Cool belly
– Slow reactions
= SIGNS OF NEEDING THE TEMP WARMER!!!!

Proper Hedgie Area Temp: 75 to 80 degrees

– Hedgies should have roughly 12 to 14 hours of light daily (kind of like people LOL!)

**Hedgies that are too cool or have hibernated are more susceptible to illnesses and diseases.**

REMEMBER keep your hedgie warm during the cool weather! It may seem like a little thing, but there are definitely very real, severe consequences.

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