Hedgehog

Starvation is the most common cause of death, often happening during hibernation, so weight and food intake before winter matters.

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Hedgehogs hibernate in winter - a pet owner should be aware this is a normal behaviour, not illness, for this species.

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Faulty or poor teeth appear in a notable proportion of New Zealand hedgehogs, suggesting dental issues can be a concern in this species.

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Hedgehogs are largely nocturnal, so low activity during the day is normal and not necessarily a sign of illness.

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Average life expectancy is only around three years, though they can live over ten, so age-related decline may appear relatively early.

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Starvation is the most common cause of death, often occurring during hibernation, so weight and food intake before winter matters.

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Faulty or poor teeth appear to be common - around 50% of some populations show this trait, so dental health is worth monitoring.

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Hedgehogs are largely nocturnal, so unusual daytime activity or lethargy could be a sign something is wrong.

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They build and use nests regularly, so providing a quiet, sheltered hiding spot will help them feel secure in an unfamiliar setting.

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Hedgehogs are largely nocturnal, so expect them to be most active at night and less responsive or alert during the day.

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They have a hesitant gait and frequently stop to smell the air, so allow them to move at their own slow, cautious pace.

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When alarmed, a hedgehog will roll into a tight ball - give it time and quiet to relax before attempting to handle it further.

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Their body is covered in up to 6000 spines, so handle with care to avoid being pricked, especially if the animal feels threatened.

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They are a favourite in gardens for eating pests, suggesting some comfort around human environments, but they are not domesticated animals.

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They may hibernate in winter, so a hedgehog that seems very inactive or unresponsive in cold conditions may simply be in or near hibernation.

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They are most abundant near human settlements and gardens, suggesting some tolerance of human presence, but they are not described as sociable or interactive pets.

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They have a hesitant gait and frequently stop to smell the air, so allow them time to settle and sniff when placed in a new environment.

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When alarmed, a hedgehog will roll into a tight ball as a defence - avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may trigger this response.

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Their body is covered in up to 6000 spines, so handle with care to avoid being pricked - let the animal uncurl naturally rather than forcing it open.

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They are insectivores with a strong preference for invertebrates - plant-based treats are not a natural part of their diet.

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European hedgehogs may hibernate in winter, so a pet sitter should be aware the animal may be inactive or in a deep sleep during colder months.

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Hedgehogs are largely nocturnal, so expect them to be most active at night and less responsive or sleepy during daytime handling.

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Hedgehogs can carry Salmonella bacteria without appearing sick - always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling them or cleaning their habitat.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Ringworm, a fungal skin infection, can spread from hedgehogs to people - wash hands after contact and see a doctor if you notice an unexplained skin rash.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Hedgehogs may carry Mycobacterium marinum and other bacteria on their skin and spines - avoid handling if you have open cuts, and wash hands well after every interaction.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Keep hedgehog habitats clean and disinfect enclosures regularly - this reduces the build-up of germs that could spread to family members.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Do not kiss hedgehogs or let them near your face - this simple habit greatly lowers any risk of germ transfer from pet to person.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Supervise children closely when they handle hedgehogs and make handwashing a fun routine right afterward - good hygiene keeps the whole family safe.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Children under 5, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are more vulnerable to Salmonella - extra hand-hygiene care is especially important for these groups.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Never kiss hedgehogs or hold them near your face - this simple habit significantly reduces any risk of germ transmission.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

With routine handwashing and basic cage hygiene, hedgehogs can be safe, rewarding pets for most households.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Hedgehogs can carry Salmonella bacteria without looking sick - always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling them or cleaning their habitat.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Their droppings and cage materials may harbor Salmonella - clean enclosures regularly and avoid doing so near kitchen sinks or food prep areas.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Hedgehogs can carry ringworm, a fungal skin infection - wash hands after contact and see a doctor if you notice an unexplained ring-shaped rash.

Source: CDC (Healthy Pets, Healthy People) · Public Domain

Eurasian eagle-owls grab hedgehogs by the face, then skillfully skin their prickly backs with talons before eating them.

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On two islands - North Ronaldsay and Alderney - around 25% of hedgehogs are 'blonde', caused by a rare pair of recessive genes.

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When hedgehogs were shipped to New Zealand in the 1860s-1890s, the long voyage of up to 100 days meant survivors arrived completely flea-free.

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New Zealand hedgehogs have been spotted climbing glaciers, despite the species generally avoiding cold alpine zones.

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In some areas, hedgehogs make up nearly a third of an eagle-owl's diet by body mass - making them a surprisingly top menu choice.

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Starvation during hibernation - not predators or disease - is the single most common cause of death for European hedgehogs.

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Newborn hedgehogs are born blind, but by just 11 days old they can already roll into a defensive ball.

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A hedgehog can carry up to 6,000 spines on its body, each one brown and white in colour.

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