Do hedgehogs need to hibernate?

For African miniature hedgehogs, 23~27℃ is a suitable temperature. If the temperature is too low, it will lead to digestive problems and diarrhea and gastroenteritis. Metabolic and immune system problems can also occur, which can easily lead to colds and respiratory diseases. All these will cause hedgehogs to lose appetite, refuse to eat and even die. However, there are differences in the physique of each hedgehog, so it is necessary to adjust the feeding temperature according to the actual situation.

The weather is getting colder, so it is particularly important to choose suitable heating supplies to keep the hedgehog warm. Here is a brief introduction to some commonly used heating-related supplies.

1.? Thermohygrometer

Thermohygrometer is used to measure the temperature and humidity of the feeding box, and the owner can confirm whether the feeding environment is suitable according to the measured value and make corresponding adjustments in time. It is very necessary to choose a thermometer, whether it is electronic or mechanical, so be sure to ensure its accuracy. If necessary, you can buy more than one, which is convenient for reference and comparison, and in case of emergency. The thermometer can be fixed in the feeding box to avoid being close to the heat source and water source and affecting the accuracy.

2.? Heating pad

The heating pad is the most commonly used heating equipment, and generally pet heating pads such as crawling pets can be selected, which is suitable for almost all feeding boxes. Because most of the heating pads are equipped with temperature adjustment switches, try to choose the ones with higher power, so as not to reach the ideal temperature at the maximum when it meets low temperature. Usually, the surface temperature of the heating pad is high. If it is placed directly at the bottom of the feeding box, it may cause hedgehog drowsiness, loss of appetite and even burns. It is suggested that padding materials, such as towels and blankets, should be laid above the heating pad, or the heating pad should be vertically fixed inside the feeding box to avoid problems.

3.? Heating lamps

There are many kinds of heating lamps, and crawling heating lamps can usually be selected, but UVA heating lamps and sun lamps with spotlight effect are not recommended. Because of its high calorific value, the feeding box that is not resistant to high temperature should be used with caution to avoid danger.

? Ceramic heating lamps

Ceramic heating lamps do not emit light and have a relatively long service life, so they can be used with temperature controllers. However, the surface temperature is quite high, which causes the loss of water molecules in the air and the humidity drops rapidly. It can be divided into ordinary type and mini type. If the height of the feeding box is enough, it is recommended to choose ordinary type, because under the same power, ordinary type has higher calorific value than mini type.

? Ordinary heating lamps

Ordinary heating lamps are divided into day lamps and night lamps. Unlike ceramic lamps, ordinary heating lamps can emit light, and once they are broken, they can be found in time. The influence on the humidity of the feeding environment is not as great as that of the ceramic lamp. The disadvantage is that the calorific value under the same power is not as high as that of ceramic lamps, and frequent switching is easy to break, which is not suitable for use with temperature control.

For feeding boxes with natural lighting, night lights can be used for heating in the morning and evening. The night light is specially treated, and the light is dim, so you can observe hedgehogs at night without affecting them. For the breeding box with dim environment, daytime lamp can be used instead of natural light, and night lamp or ceramic heating lamp can be used at night, which will not affect the biological clock of hedgehog while heating.

? Installation notes

It is recommended to buy several heating lamps with different powers, and choose the appropriate installation according to the measured temperature to ensure the appropriate temperature in the feeding box after heating. When installing, ensure the height of the lamp and the distance from the articles inside the feeding box to prevent the articles from burning and the hedgehog from climbing and climbing to the heights, which will lead to burns.

Generally, the heating lamp is installed above the feeding box. Because the hot air goes upward, the heating lamp is more suitable for closed environment. If it is semi-closed or open environment, it may need a more powerful heating lamp and use it with a lamp holder or lampshade.

4.? The heating mode of pet air conditioner

is similar to that of ceramic heating lamp, which releases heat radiation through electric heating wire. The difference is that there are more fans and high-temperature resistant shells, so the heating speed is fast and the temperature is uniform, and it is not easy to burn. However, the volume is larger than the heating lamp, and there will be some noise. When purchasing, you need to consider the installation height and whether the hedgehog, which is extremely sensitive to sound, has any influence.

5.? Other heating methods

In addition to heating the feeding box, we can also heat the environment, such as using floor heating, air conditioning, heater and so on. This kind of heating method keeps the temperature more stable, the temperature difference is small, and the humidity change is small, but because of the large power consumption, the use cost is higher.

6.? Auxiliary supplies

? Temperature controller

temperature controller, that is, we often say temperature control. Used to set the upper and lower temperature to ensure that the temperature of the feeding box is stable in an interval. In addition, it also ensures that the heating equipment can be turned off in time when it suddenly fails to prevent accidents. Generally, temperature control is equipped with an induction probe, which is placed in the feeding box to test the temperature in the box. The temperature control probe should not be too close to the heating lamp or close to the surface of the heating pad to avoid inaccurate temperature values.

? When the timer

is used with heating equipment, it can set the switching time and automatically switch between two heating equipment, thus reducing the possible risks of using the same heating equipment for a long time.

? Warm nest

usually used in cold weather to help hedgehogs keep warm. Owners can buy or sew according to their own preferences.

? Self-heating package

In cold weather, if there is a power failure, the heating equipment is suddenly damaged, or the hedgehog is taken out, you need to use a self-heating package such as a reptile heating package or a baby warming package. Generally, it is attached to the inner wall of the feeding box or the outer wall of the take-away box, which can help keep warm for a period of time. When in use, use a thermometer to ensure that the temperature is appropriate. Due to the high surface temperature of the heating bag, avoid direct contact with the hedgehog when using it to avoid scalding.

? Anti-scalding net cover

separates the heating lamps without affecting the heating, which can not only prevent the hedgehog from scalding when climbing, but also prevent the owner from scalding when cleaning the feeding box. As far as possible, choose materials with fine mesh, high temperature resistance and no rust to ensure safe use.

? Humidifier

Generally, the ambient humidity is 4~55%RH. After using the heating equipment, the humidity in the feeding box will decrease. If the humidity is too low, the hedgehog's skin will become dry, a lot of dander will appear, and the water consumption will increase. At this time, a humidifier can be used to appropriately increase the humidity.

Hedgehog is an animal with different temperatures, that is, it can't maintain its function completely by regulating its body temperature. It is the same as warm-blooded animals when it is active, but it will keep its body temperature slightly higher than the ambient temperature in order to reduce consumption at rest. Generally, hedgehogs usually hibernate in this way in winter, but African mini hedgehogs, as pet hedgehogs, have no habit of hibernation, so letting them hibernate without heating in winter is tantamount to gambling with their lives. If it is impossible to provide them with suitable ambient temperature in winter, it is not recommended to buy and raise them.