How Big Do Hedgehogs Get?

Hedgehogs are one of the most beloved animals in the world. From their adorable faces to their spiky, protective hedgehog quills, they have become a popular pet for many households. However, there is still much to learn about these creatures and one of the frequently asked questions is: How big do hedgehogs get? This article will explore this question in detail and provide insights into what size you can expect your pet hedgehog to reach.

Average Hedgehog Size

The average size of a hedgehog can vary greatly, based on breed. The smallest species is the African pygmy hedgehog, which typically reach lengths of 4 to 6 inches and weigh about 1 pound. On the other end of the spectrum are common European hedgehogs, which can grow up to 12 inches in length and weigh around 2 pounds.

Factors that Affect Hedgehog Size

There are several factors that will affect how big your pet hedgehog gets, including:

• Genetics: Hedgehog breeds with larger parents tend to be larger than those with smaller parents.
• Age: Younger hedgehogs usually don’t reach their full adult size until they’re at least one year old.
• Diet: A good diet rich in protein and calcium will help ensure your pet reaches its full potential size.

How Long Do Hedgehogs Live As Pets?

Hedgehogs typically live between 5-7 years when kept as pets, though some can live up to 10 years with proper care. The specific lifespan of an individual hedgehog is determined by a variety of factors including diet and genetics.

Good nutrition is essential for keeping your pet in good health and living a long life. Provide your hedgehog with high quality food that is designed specifically for them, such as dried kibble or canned wet food. Offer fresh vegetables and fruits as occasional treats, but avoid giving too many sugary snacks that may contain artificial sweeteners or preservatives which can be harmful to your hedgie’s health. It is also important to provide plenty of clean water daily and check regularly for signs of dehydration.

In addition to their diet, providing adequate housing plays an important role in the longevity of a pet hedgehog. Cage size should be large enough for them to move around freely, preferably at least two feet square on the floor area plus another foot or two vertically so they can climb if desired.

The cage should also include several hiding places where they can retreat into when feeling stressed or scared, and it should be cleaned regularly with warm water (no detergents) and disinfectant wipes every week or so depending on the amount of use it gets from your pet. Lastly, regular veterinary checkups are key to catching any potential health issues early on which could prolong the life expectancy of your pet hedgehog significantly.

How Big Is The Biggest Hedgehog?

The biggest hedgehog in the world is the North African crested porcupine, which can grow up to 35 inches (90 centimetres) long and weigh as much as 20 pounds (9 kilograms). The quills of this species measure up to 10 inches (25 cm), with some reports showing that they can even reach 12 inches (30 cm) in length.

The smaller species of hedgehogs such as the Eurasian or common hedgehog typically measure around 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) in length and weigh 1–3 lbs (.45 – 1.36 kg). Some larger species such as the Algerian hedgehog may reach 15-18 inches (40-46 cm) in length but still only weigh around 3 lbs or a little bit more than that. These animals are usually found living in forests, grasslands, rocky areas, agricultural fields, gardens and other areas where there is plenty of food for them to eat and shelter from predators.

Are Hedgehogs Human Friendly?

Yes, hedgehogs can be human friendly. With proper socialization and care, hedgehogs can live happily with their owners. Hedgehogs are small and curious animals that make great pets if they are given the right attention.

To ensure a good relationship between a hedgehog and its owner, it is important to handle them regularly from an early age. This helps the hedgehog to become accustomed to being around humans and prevents any potential shyness or skittish behavior later on in life. It is also essential for owners to provide suitable housing for their pet as well as toys, food and water dishes that meet their needs.

Hedgehogs can be easygoing companions if handled correctly; however, some may not enjoy being petted or cuddled due to their prickly spines so caution should be taken when interacting with these animals. Additionally, since these animals are nocturnal by nature, owners should expect periods of increased activity at night time which could interfere with sleep patterns if left unchecked. Despite this minor inconvenience, owning a hedgehog can still be a rewarding experience for both parties involved!

How Big Do Hedgehogs Get In Captivity?

Hedgehogs kept in captivity can grow to a larger size than their wild counterparts. The average length of an adult hedgehog kept as a pet is between 7-10 inches (18-25 cm), with the body weight ranging from 0.7 – 1.3 lbs (320 – 590 g). In comparison, wild hedgehogs typically only reach 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) and weigh about 0.4 -1 lb (180 – 450 g).

The maximum size that a captive hedgehog may reach depends on its species, diet, activity level, and individual genetics. Generally speaking, African Pygmy Hedgehogs tend to be the smallest species reaching an average of 6-8 inches long (15-20 cm) and weighing up to 1 lb (.45 kg). On the other hand, Long Eared Hedgehogs can grow up to 11 inches in length (28cm) and 3 lbs or more in weight (.68kg – 1.36 kg).

When caring for a pet hedgehog it’s important to provide them with space that accommodates their full grown size so they have plenty of room to roam around and exercise freely. Additionally, providing your pet with high quality nutrition helps ensure they are able to reach their fullest potential size while staying healthy!

Do Hedgehogs Like Being Petted?

Yes, hedgehogs do like to be petted. Hedgehogs are social animals and enjoy interaction with their owners. When given proper care, they will form a bond with their owners and become very affectionate towards them. This means that they can learn to enjoy being petted by their owners, as long as it is done in a gentle manner.

When petting your hedgehog, it is important to remember to be very gentle. Hedgehogs have sharp spines that can cause injury if handled too roughly or tightly squeezed. It is best to use light strokes when petting them and avoid rubbing the quills directly since this may cause discomfort for the animal. If done correctly though, most hedgehogs will gradually become more comfortable with the experience and even start seeking out pets from their owner!

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is clear that hedgehogs come in a variety of sizes and can range from as small as four inches to as large as 14 inches. While many hedgehogs tend to stay at the smaller end of this size spectrum, they can still vary greatly depending on their specific species and type. Regardless of size, hedgehogs are beloved by many for their unique personalities and adorable looks.