Hibernation in Hedgehogs

Ever encountered a ball of spines? The best bet would be to stay calm, because it is the cute little hedgehog. One can be assured that the hedgehog will not attack unless it senses danger. Hedgehogs are spiny mammals from the subfamily Erinaceinae. There are 16 species of hedgehogs across 5 genera; they are found in Europe, Asia, Africa and New Zealand. They are nocturnal mammals which feed on invertebrates, and are prominently recognized by their spines. However, their spines are not poisonous.

Hibernation in Hedgehogs Explained

Hedgehogs maintain a nearly constant body temperature (35 degrees centigrade) in summer. But what happens when the temperature decreases? Well, hedgehogs are smart enough to survive the cold weather. They have a fantastic ability of keeping their body temperature constant by upping the metabolic rate to generate heat.

Hedgehogs undergo thermoregulation when they are hibernating or when they are about to go in hibernation. Hibernation is one of the major activities of hedgehogs. With the arrival of winter, hedgehogs tune their body in such a way that their body temperature is around +5 to +6 degree centigrade. This is because, in winter the food becomes scarce and they cannot maintain the summer body temperature of 35 degree centigrade.

Hedgehogs are so amazingly in sync with nature that during hibernation, they use their stored quota of fat to make it through the cold weather. They use this energy minimally - just to keep their vital functions going. They create their home or habitat for hibernating, called 'hibernacula'. Or if it is a pet, which is very common in the USA or the UK, the owner can make a home for his or her cute little 'hedgie', as it is nicknamed. Hedgehogs don't go into hibernation before they gain the sufficient weight. The minimum weight required for a young hedgehog to hibernate in the wild is 500-700 grams. In addition to that, there is a sex specification in hedgehogs, males go first into hibernation and then the females. The duration of hibernation could range from 3 to 5 months.

The common places that hedgehogs use to hibernate are timber buildings, under piles of wood or leaves, or in compost heaps. However, if there is enough food, and the climate is sufficiently warm, they may not even hibernate. But it is important that hedgehogs in captivity should not be allowed to hibernate, as it could lead to a few problems. Hibernation in hedgehog is triggered by various conditions.

Factors Influencing Hibernation in Hedgehogs

Low and Sudden Dip in Temperature
A hibernation can be triggered by a temperature too low for hedgehogs. Also, if there is a sudden dip in temperature, they go into hibernation.

Inconsistency in Day-night Cycle
In case of inconsistency in the amount of light and dark, hedgehogs enter into hibernation. If the hedgehog is domesticated, and is forced to awake at erratic and different times of the day, there is a possibility that the hedgehog will go into hibernation. Hedgehogs can tell it is winter by shorter days and longer nights and they start adjusting their biological clock accordingly.

Illness
Another factor which can lead the hedgehog to hibernation is illness. During an illness, hedgehogs, rather than wasting their energy in movement, lower their metabolism to fight infection. If your pet hedgehog is ill, make sure that it is warm enough and take it to a veterinary doctor.

Age Factor
As the hedgehog grows older, it is unable to regulate its body temperature on its own. A lifespan of a larger species of hedgehog is 4 to 7 years in the wild. Smaller species in captivity have a lifespan of 4 to 7 years. However, the lifespan is just 2 to 4 years in the wild. For example, a hedgehog who is 6 years old, intends to hibernate at 72 degree Fahrenheit, while it is ready for hibernating at 70 degree Fahrenheit at a younger age.

Hibernation in hedgehogs also varies according to their species, sex and age. There are also stages when they arouse during hibernation. These are the stages when they move around a bit to hunt for food and reset their metabolism. These spiny animals definitely know how to conserve their energy.