Hedgehogs are small mammals covered with spikes; they belong to the Erinaceomorpha order, although formerly they were considered of the Insective order, nowadays obsolete.
Common Name: Hedgehog
Scientific Name: Erinaceus europaeus
Type: Mammals
Diet: Carnivore
Size: Head and body: 5 to 12 inches; tail: 1 to 2 inches
Weight: 14 to 39 ounces
The hedgehog was named because of its peculiar foraging methods. These animals root through hedges and other undergrowth in search of the small creatures that compose the bulk of their diet—insects, worms, centipedes, snails, mice, frogs, and snakes. As a hedgehog picks its way through the hedges it emits piglike grunts—thus, the hedgehog.
Some people consider hedgehogs useful pets because they prey on many common garden pests. While on the hunt, they rely upon their senses of hearing and smell because their eyesight is weak.
SIZE ADULT
approximately ½ to 1-¼ pounds, 5-8 inches in length
LIFE EXPECTANCY
3-8 years.
TEMPERAMENT
In general, hedgehogs are calm creatures, and they like to be handled gently and kept in a quiet, tranquil environment. Although their thousands of quills look dangerous, they are not as sharp as they look and with the right handling , won’t be too
uncomfortable for bare hands. In addition, Hedgehogs rarely bite.
CAGE
hedgehogs require sufficient space to exhibit a wide range of natural behaviors. This boils down to the “Bigger the better” in terms of a cage. Ideally, the hog should have at least four foot in length to potter in,with a wheel for serious exercise
SUBSTRATE
Bedding material should be non-toxic, low- dust, absorbent, several inches deep, and may consist of Aspen Bedding Orpines havings , pelleted newspaper
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