Hobbies And Interests
Erinaceinae
The family Erinaceidae consists of hedghogs and gymnures, with hedgehogs being further classified in their own subfamily Erinaceinae. Hedgehogs consist of 16 species that grow up to 13 inches in length, at an average size of 6 to 8 inches. They are usually brown, tan or yellow in color and have pointed snouts and short tails. Hedghogs are covered in rigid quills, except for their facial area and underside, which occurs with coarse hair. These nocturnal animals hibernate in midwinter. When in distress, hedgehogs roll into tight balls with their spines pointing outward.
Origins of Name
The name "hedgehog" was first used about 1450 and comes from the hedgehog's piglike manner of eating and grunting as well as its propensity to create burrows in hedgerows. Hedgehogs have been introduced as pets in different regions worldwide, however, they occur naturally in the wild throughout Europe, Africa and Asia in temperate, drier areas.
Diet
Hedgehogs are traditionally categorized as insectivores, which are carnivores that exclusively feed on insects. However, hedgehogs also eat snakes, carrion, frogs, snails, bird eggs, fruit and mushrooms.
Gender Differences
While hedgehogs are solitary creatures in the wild, only coming together during breeding, captive hedgehogs have shown socialization differences along gender lines. Captive bred females hedgehogs appear to prefer companionship, going to some lengths to socialize with another hedgehog. Females that are bred together exhibit bonding tendencies. However, captive males are violent toward each upon sexual maturity, thus keeping males apart is recommended. In addition to males and females having different sexual, anatomical components, they have exhibited differences in their preferred breeding time. Studies have shown that in some species, while the males are ready to impregnate females during early spring, females do not fully engage in breeding activities until conditions are more suitable, later in the season.
Mating
The mating ritual of hedgehogs begins when a male circles around a female's body, as she lowers her snout, snorting and hissing. The encircling may last for a few hours, as the male attempts to mount the female several times. If she accepts his advances, she flattens her spines and they engage in copulation. Otherwise, the male attempts to mate with other females. Hedgehogs are polygynandrous, meaning males and females have numerous mates throughout the season.
Life Cycle
Once a female becomes pregnant, her gestation period is 35 to 58 days. Litters range from three to six newborns, depending on the species. Hedgehogs are born blind and without quills. However, the quills become apparent within a few hours of birth, and eyesight slowly develops. Depending on the species, hedgehogs are weaned within six weeks and are ready to mate in a year. Hedgehogs have a lifespan of two to seven years, depending on the size, species and environment, however, some have been reported to live up to 16 years.