We usually wean our babies at 7-8 weeks of age depending on litter size. BY Hannah Keyser. Of course, make sure that however takes your babies will provide a good home, and ask them to let you know how their pet is doing. Hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus engelmannii) is a low-growing succulent native to the southwestern United States. Aloe, from which we get an excellent burn ointment, is a succulent plant. This time, Terrence from Winnipeg wrote in and asked: “How long do baby hedgehogs stay with their mother?” That’s a tough question Terrence! Watch me grow – Baby hedgehogs growing up! After cats, hedgehogs might be the internet's favorite animal. On some unfortunate occasions, a mother will reject her hoglets. It is necessary to leave babies from a big litter like this with mama for a bit longer to give them a good start! Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, in San Jose, California, is now home to 3 baby Hedgehogs. Wait until the far end of this range (46 days) before assuming that your hedgehog … It is believed that if for instance, a cold spell of weather in spring brings about a shortage of natural food, a pregnant hedgehog will resume hibernation and the development of her embryos will slow down. You must know your hedgehog and decide if it is worth the risk. Aloe plants produce offsets, also known as pups, as part of their growth cycle. The breeding of fancy colored hedgehogs is a relatively new area of expertise. As with most small mammals kept as pets, hedgehogs live longer in captivity, mainly due to a better diet and a lack of natural predators. The hedgehog fad is over, and while they're still gaining popularity among responsible owners it's no longer easy to sell babies for high prices. (Pat Morris, The New Hedgehog Book)Hedgehogs reach sexual maturity in their second year of life, and after this can breed every year until death. A domesticated baby hedgehog has an unstable life, from their birth until the time they are weaned. Not all are ready by then – but that’s a good rule of thumb. Also, it may seem like they don't fight, but at night when you're asleep they're probably mating, which is pretty violent between hedgehogs...he bites onto her spikes and she runs around the cage trying to dislodge him. July 27, 2018. iStock. A jam jar ... careful when using it on small babies and always avoid the eyes, ears, nose and mouth). Mark the date when your hedgehogs mated, then count 35 days from then to get the probable due date. Also, make sure to separate the males and females to avoid breeding – they will be nearing their sexual maturity at two months old. Many of the hedgehog books on the market don’t even picture hedgehogs other than the common variety. Dividing aloe plants away from the parent produces a whole new aloe to enjoy. There are many things that can go wrong during this time. Their penis is retracted within a penile sheath that is located in the mid-abdominal region of the hedgehog. The three baby hedgehogs, also … You can't keep a male and a female together because they will breed constantly and eat the babies. Most pet stores have never seen a colored hedgehog! Courtship is a grandiose term for what is actually a rather ill-tempered and seemingly tedious affair. And hedgehog breeders must provide diligent care to ensure the babies thrive. The gestation period for hedgehogs ranges from 35 to 58 days, depending on the species. The testicles are located in the abdomen and are generally not seen. Watch the mother for signs of postpartum depression. The trio, born in late March, is part of the zoo's education outreach program. And small amounts of hard-boiled egg, baby food, or fruit can be given as occasional treats, but only in moderation. 3 or 4 is more common. If you can't find homes, try a classified ad or flyers in stores. This action mimics their foraging efforts in the wild and provides mental stimulation for captive hedgehogs. What If The Mother Won’t Care For Her Babies? * Males and females will need to be in separate cages and males should not be housed with other males. This cactus earned its name because its short, spiny stems resemble hedgehogs. Seven babies is a big litter for hedgehogs! Male hedgehogs are called boars. In the wild, hedgehog babies tend to struggle to survive, with most litters generally producing only two or three successfully weaned babies. Hedgehogs like chasing and eating crickets (which should also be gut-loaded). Females should not be kept with males because if a female has babies while there are other hedgehogs in the cage, it will cause her stress and she or the other hedgehog are likely to eat the babies. When the litter is this large, the babies grow somewhat slower. The trio, born in late March, is part of the zoo's education outreach program. If the females stay with mom, watch your food levels, since the babies may begin to hog the food causing mom to lose weight and suffer malnutrition.