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Hedgehogs Hibernation – How Long Does It Last?

If you’re a new Hedgehog owner and are wondering how long do Hedgehogs hibernation lasts, you have come to the right place.

hedgehogs hibernating

Hedgehogs are one of the mammals that are hibernators. During hibernation, Hedgehogs aren’t truly asleep; rather, they just drop their body temperature and enter a state of torpor. This allows the Hedgehog to actually save lots of energy.

When do hedgehogs hibernate?

Well, recent studies have actually revealed that hedgehogs normally hibernate between November to March. But remember, a Hedgehog will only hibernate if the temperature is too cold, so it can depend on how heavy the winter is during the time. A hedgehog will feed off its fat stores it has built over the summer.

How Long Do Hedgehogs Hibernate

I can depend on the temperature; on average, a Hedgehog will hibernate for around 4-6 months. It can depend if it is a wild winter or a heavy winter.

Do hedgehogs hibernate as pets?

This is a common question we receive. If your hedgehog isn’t warm in their cage, they may go into hibernation, which is a hedgehog’s natural response to a low temperature. As a result, hedgehog hibernation among a pet hedgehog is not a good thing and can be fatal. If you keep your hedgehog habitat at a good and constant temperature, you will be safe.

hedgehogs hibernation facts

How do you know if a hedgehog is hibernating?

If a hedgehog is hibernating, it will roll up into a very tight ball and have no face visible. If you want to tell if the hedgehog is dead or hibernating, just give it a quick tap, and you will be able to tell whether or not the hedgehog is dead or not because of the fact it will ripple when touched. Also, hedgehogs don’t normally die curled up in a ball.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in the wild, a wild hedgehog will hibernate for around 4-6 months, but if you own a pet hedgehog, it should not generally be hibernating.

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About Grace Hocker

Hi, my name is Grace and I am a pet lover. Ever since 5 years old, I've owned some sort of pet from Bearded Dragons to Rabbits. I have dedicated my life to helping pets, and am here to help you get the best for your pet!