Questions and Answers
What is the classification hierarchy for hedgehogs?
When was the first hedgehog brought to the United States?
1900
When was the North American Hedgehog Association (NAHA) created?
1993
What is the purpose of the International Hedgehog Association?
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How did the hedgehog get its name?
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What is keratin?
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How many spines does a hedgehog have?
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Where is it illegal to own a hedgehog?
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What can happen if you have a rapid change in diet for a hedgehog?
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At what age do hedgehogs become sexually mature?
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What does polyestrous mean?
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What are the signs of a female hedgehog rejecting a male?
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What are the signs when a female hedgehog is ready to mate?
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What is the typical gestation period for hedgehogs?
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What is the typical litter size for hedgehogs?
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How are hedgehog young born?
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When do hoglets begin to wean?
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What is anointing in hedgehogs?
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How long can hibernation last for hedgehogs?
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What is estivation?
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What is the lifespan of hedgehogs?
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What is the typical weight of a hedgehog?
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What is neoplasia in hedgehogs?
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What is wobbly hedgehog syndrome?
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What should you do when unrolling a hedgehog?
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What are some common care tricks for hedgehogs?
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What are some common disorders in hedgehogs?
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Study Notes
Classification of Hedgehogs
- Hedgehogs belong to the following taxonomic hierarchy: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Insectivora, Family Erinaceidae, Subfamily Erinaceinae, with four genera and 14 species.
Introduction to Hedgehogs in the U.S.
- The first hedgehog brought to the United States was a female obtained by the New York Zoological Society in 1900.
- The National Zoological Park and New York Zoo also introduced hedgehogs to the U.S.
Hedgehog Associations
- The North American Hedgehog Association (NAHA) was established in 1993 by breeders and lobbyists; its closure date remains uncertain.
- The International Hedgehog Association was founded in 1999 to educate the public on hedgehog care and promote awareness.
Origin of the Name "Hedgehog"
- The name "hedgehog" is theorized to stem from their habit of foraging along hedgerows while producing low grunt sounds similar to pigs.
Physical Characteristics
- Hedgehogs have between 5,000 to 7,000 spines that protect them in the wild.
- Keratin is the protein that forms their spines, hair, nails, and horns.
Ownership Regulations
- It is illegal to own a hedgehog in several areas, including Georgia, California, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Maine, Vermont, Hawaii, and New York City boroughs.
- There are restrictions on hedgehog ownership in Arizona, New Jersey, and Oregon.
Dietary Considerations
- Rapid changes in diet can lead to diarrhea, a loss of appetite, stress, and illness in hedgehogs.
Reproductive Information
- Hedgehogs reach sexual maturity at eight weeks, but breeding is recommended only after six months of age.
- Males are referred to as boars, while females exhibit signs of rejection through puffing, hissing, or snorting.
Mating and Gestation
- Female hedgehogs signal readiness to mate by lying flat and lowering their spines.
- The gestation period lasts 35 days, resulting in a litter size ranging from one to seven hoglets, with three being typical.
Characteristics of Newborns
- Newborn hedgehogs are born deaf, blind, and helpless, with spines covered by a protective membrane.
- Their eyes and ears usually open around 10 to 12 days after birth.
Weaning Process
- Hoglets are typically weaned around three weeks after birth. Handling is advised only post-weaning.
Unique Behaviors
- Anointing occurs when a hedgehog encounters a new smell; it licks the object, creates foamy saliva, and coats its spines, often displaying side-to-side head movements.
Hibernation and Estivation
- Hibernation duration can vary from a few weeks to several months, influenced by winter conditions.
- Estivation is a summer inactivity period that helps hedgehogs avoid hot weather and food scarcity.
Lifespan and Weight
- Hedgehogs generally live for 3 to 5 years and weigh between 10 to 18 grams.
Health Concerns
- Neoplasia is common in hedgehogs over three years, with a notable incidence of mammary tumors and other malignancies.
- Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome is a significant CNS condition causing non-ambulatory symptoms.
Veterinary Care Insights
- Vet recommendations for unrolling hedgehogs include allowing them to relax, shallow baths, or using anesthesia for thorough examinations as needed.
- Care strategies involve creative methods for medication administration and nail trimming to minimize stress for the animal.
Common Disorders
- Key health issues in hedgehogs include obesity, dental disease, neoplasia, salmonella infections, trauma, dermatitis, hepatitis, pneumonia, and neurologic disorders such as Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome.
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Description
Test your knowledge on hedgehog classification and history. This quiz covers the classification hierarchy of hedgehogs and fun facts about their introduction to the United States. Perfect for biology enthusiasts and animal lovers!