#HedgehogFacts

[sammelk]

Hedgehogs: Nature's Little Quirky Scientists

Hey there, Tumblr pals! Buckle up for a hilarious and informative adventure as we delve into the wondrous world of hedgehogs. These prickly cuties are not just adorable, they're also like tiny scientists with a pinch of quirkiness. Get ready to laugh and learn with these easy-to-understand science facts!

1. Hedgehog Superpower: Hedgehogs possess a defense mechanism that would make superheroes jealous. When threatened, they curl into a spiky ball of protection. It's like having their own portable fortress! 🦔🛡️

2. Sniffing Snouts: Hedgehogs have an incredible sense of smell. Their snouts are like tiny sniffing machines, allowing them to find food hidden under leaves and even sniff out their hedgehog pals from a distance. Talk about a cute and talented sniffer! 👃🍃

3. Bug Bounty Hunters: Hedgehogs are expert bug catchers. They love munching on insects like beetles, slugs, and worms. They're like tiny pest control agents, keeping gardens happy and bug-free. Who needs a bug spray when you have hedgehogs? 🐛🐜🌿

4. Night Owls: These little spiky creatures are nocturnal, meaning they prefer to come out and explore under the moonlight. While we humans catch some z's, hedgehogs are wide awake, sniffing, foraging, and having their own secret parties. 🌙🦉✨

5. Exercise Junkies: Hedgehogs might look pudgy, but they're quite the athletes! They love staying active by running, digging, and even swimming. Just imagine these tiny balls of quills doing their version of a hedgehog marathon. Adorable and fit! 🏃‍♀️🏊‍♂️💨

6. Tickle Tummy Time: Hedgehogs have an Achilles' heel—tummy tickles! They absolutely love belly rubs. If you want to witness pure joy, give a hedgehog a gentle tummy tickle and watch them squirm with delight. It's scientifically proven to boost happiness levels! 😄🤗💕

7. Precious Hibernators: During the chilly winter months, hedgehogs go into a deep sleep called hibernation. They curl up in a cozy spot and conserve their energy until springtime. They're like tiny fuzzy bears taking long naps, dreaming of warmer days. 🛌❄️🐻

So there you have it, folks! Hedgehogs, the furry little scientists with a whole lot of quirkiness. Stay tuned for more hilarious hedgehog adventures, mind-blowing science facts, and plenty of adorable moments. Don't forget to reblog, share the hedgehog love, and join me on this fascinating journey through the world of these delightful prickly pals. 🦔💫

Stay spiky and keep embracing the wonders of nature!

[rubisleaf]

(via "Hedgehog watercolor" Tote Bag for Sale by RubisLeaf)

🦔 Fun Fact: Hedgehogs are nature's gardeners, helping control insect populations! 🌿🐛 Explore the charm of these spiky garden helpers. #HedgehogFacts #NatureNuggets #FacebookNature #GardenGuardians #WildlifeWonders #HedgehogLove #InsectControl #NatureDiscovery #AdorableAnimals #GardenFriends #SpikyCuteness #WildlifeWednesday #HedgehogMagic #AmazingAnimals #NatureHelpers 🌼🍂

[hedgehogblogggg]

hedgehogfact 0000001#

hedgehogs look like a naked squishy toy when naked

[princesspenelopepricklepants]

A hedgehog fact to remind you that you're not alone. #hedgehogFacts

[hellohuffypuffs]

HEDGEHOG CARE?

I am often asked (actually, ALL THE TIME), how I care for my hedgehogs. So here goes:

FOOD: I currently feed (cat kibble:) “Organix by Castor and Pollux” Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe, “Good Natured” Chicken and Barley Recipe w/ Vegatables, “Royal Canin” Mama and Babycat (for the girls who need fattening up), (canned cat food:) “Natural Balance” Kitten to Adult Indoor Recipe, “Blue Buffalo Wilderness” Salmon Recipe for Kitten. The canned food is for Fox.

BEDDING: I just buy fleece blankets at the dollar store to lay at the bottom of their cages. I spot clean daily, then wash weekly.

WHEELS: I usually go for the “Kaytee” Comfort Wheel, for it’s safe to use and can be found locally. If I could, I would use Carolina Storm Wheels, but I’m not willing to pay $70/wheel for ten hedgehogs 🙄

LITTER: I try to use litter boxes under everyone’s wheels, and I usually just use paper bedding, since I don’t use it as actual bedding. I’m still looking for something to use for a litter box.

SNUGGLE BAGS: (these are the little pouches I have them in often). I have bought two large ones from pet smart (which works well for the four girls). But, I’ve had mine made by an awesome friend, Tanya de Bruijn. I found a bunch of fleece the other day and another friend is making some more for me.

TOYS: crinkle cat balls are okay (supervised), toilet paper rolls (Hedwig and Phoenix are obsessed with them), and mint sticks are awesome. Avoid jingle cat balls—hedgies can get their jaws stuck, which can be fatal.

CAGES: I never buy cages commercially—I’ve made all of mine. Each cage is 4.5 square feet and is made using storage squares found at Walmart. I found it easier and safer to use the solid squares, but have previous used wire ones.

HEAT: hedgehogs need heat or they can go into hibernation, which unfortunately, is fatal for this species of hedgehog because they do not have enough fat on their bodies to go through a proper torpor. To avoid this, they should be kept relatively warm. With just one hedgehog, I would recommend using a Ceramic Heat Emitter (a lightless heat lamp) to keep them warm, but because I have so many, I just keep the heat up in my apartment.

TRANSPORTATION: I often take my hedgehogs out on errands, or visits. I use snuggle bags, and if it’s cold, and I’m carrying more than one hog, I use a heat pad (for pets) in a large snuggle sack, a blanket and a cat / small dog carrier. I try to be discreet and only use bags that people wouldn’t think contained a live animal.

GROOMING: Hedgehogs have nails that grow relatively quickly, and they also require baths. I clip their nails every two or three weeks (if I can—Phoenix hasn’t let me clip his nails yet). For bathing, I do this as needed so I don’t dry their skin out. I place them in warm water about an inch deep, that has some aveeno lavender baby wash in it. I have a toothbrush for exfoliation. I squirt some baby wash on the brush, dip in water and exfoliate for about 5 minutes. I then rinse them off with warm water, exfoliate again with my hands, and then use the toothbrush to add a dash of coconut oil on their skin. They all hate it but it needs to be done. I always make sure they are 100% dry before putting them back in their cage.

BONDING: Each hedgehog requires daily bonding time (or as I do it, every other day). I usually have them in my lap and they sleep while I watch TV or edit photos or paint or whatever. I try to do this in the evenings. Having snuggle sacks helps with the bonding sometimes, too. I do this with one hog at a time—it makes them feel more comfortable. I usually try to have background noise on as much as possible, too.

SHOTS?: Hedgehogs honestly don’t require much vet care such as shots and checkups. It’s nice to have an exotic vet that can do yearly have checkups, but they don’t require vaccines.

TAMING: Hedgehogs are naturally very defensive creatures. They are “scared” of humans unless hand tamed at a young age. To avoid a defensive hedgehog (like Phoenix), hold daily, for as long as possible, with BARE hands (allows them to get used to your smell better). It hurts, but your hands do develop a defense over a few weeks. Pet firmly (no poking with a finger). Avoid jumping or reacting to any noises they make. It only helps their case.

I feel like I’ve covered everything but if I have missed something you’d like to know, feel free to ask. 🙂

[princesspenelopepricklepants]

A dark and brooding hedgehog fact. #hedgehogFacts

[hellohuffypuffs]

Read This Before Buying a Hedgehog

Hedgie Must-Knows: -hedgehogs need a large wheel (12") and at least one place to hide (an igloo, for example). -hedgehogs should not be fed "hedgehog" food, for it is actually just fillers and bad ingredients. Your best bet is to feed them a high-quality cat food (I feed mine Organix and Royal Canin) -some hedgehogs are sweet, most are not. I have two grumpy hogs, and two sweet hogs. I can only actually snuggle with one, Hedwig. -hedgehogs need to be held as much as possible, and as soon as possible. They are not the same as most animals, who require a one week adjustment period. -hedgehogs need weekly to biweekly baths. I bathe Marvel every week, as well as Olive. I bathe Mischief as needed. And I've only bathed Hedwig once since she came home a week ago. -hedgehogs do this weird thing called anointing. If they like a smell, taste or texture, they foam up at the mouth while biting that thing, then contort their backs to spit it on themselves. It has to be seen to be believed. -hedgehogs don't have belly buttons. If you see a "belly button", it's a male. If it doesn't have a "belly button", it's a female. It's super easy to tell the gender. -hedgehogs need nail clippings. I need to figure out a way to get Marvel's nails clipped because she hates being touched, but her nails are so long. 😒 -hedgehogs need heat set ups. Hedgehogs will hibernate (which is fatal, for they do not have the ability to survive hibernation like other animals do), so to prevent hibernation, they need to remain between 71-85*f. I don't use one because I live above the boilers in my apartment building, so without heat, my apartment sticks to about 76-83*f on average. This is why hedgehogs are illegal in some states. They live in hot temps and if left in the wild, they could survive in said areas. They can become a pest like gophers (or prairie dogs). -I can't stress this enough. HEDGEHOGS ARE NOT RODENTS, therefore, their needs should never be compared to that of a hamster, for example. THEYRE NOT THE SAME. I hope you enjoyed reading about hedgehogs, and will maybe reconsider. #olivehedgie #hedgehogfacts

[princesspenelopepricklepants]

An obscure hedgehog fact. #hedgehogFacts

[princesspenelopepricklepants]

An irreverent fact. #hedgehogFacts

[princesspenelopepricklepants]

A smashing fact. #hedgehogFacts

[princesspenelopepricklepants]

A pointed fact. #hedgehogFacts

[princesspenelopepricklepants]

A magical realist fact. #HedgehogFacts #hedgehog

[princesspenelopepricklepants]

Hedgehog fact 1901: a fact with an explanation on http://princesspricklepants.com #HedgehogFacts