The European hedgehog lives an average of 6 years in the wild and up to 10 in captivity in a zoo. To. I heard on the internet that how long a hedgehog lives varies on the hedgehog, some books say 3-5 years other books say 10-12 years, it said to keep in mind that it may only live for 5 years but be prepared to take care of it no matter how long it lives. Pygmy hedgehogs were first bred in captivity in the United States around 20 years ago but have only been in England for a much shorter time. The same experts say that a 5-year-old hedgehog is like a 75-year-old human. While some hedgies will still develop a problem that may not be easily cured, and may not live as long a life as their owners would like, this is no different than people or any other kind of pet. The key is to do your best, love them, and treat them well. That way, even if your time together isnât as long as youâd like, you can rest easier knowing youâve done everything you can to make your pet hedgieâs time on this planet as happy, healthy, and fulfilling as possible. In order for him to reach that average life span, you'll need to provide him with a proper diet, housing and care. Since hedgehog pets were not common in the past, there are different reports related to their life span when they are kept as pets. Pet hedgehogs, as a result, typically live for 3 to 6 years on average. Many who get lucky and have good genes on their side have been known to live to 8, 9, or even 10 years old at the extremes. The exact age or life span of your pet hedgehog will of course vary. Because they are highly adaptable little creatures, so have thrived and sustained a stable population despite encroaching human habitation. They are mostly solitary and isolated animals and thus the only couple for mating purposes. adminhh HEDGEHOG FACTS, HEDGEHOG FAQ December 20, 2018. all mean less stress and less chance for ill health effects that can shorten a hedgehogâs life. Their weight is also most interesting since they weigh 14 to 39 oz. While lifespan varies, wild hedgehogs tend to live only 2 to 3 years on average. Clownfish can live between 10 to 15 years in captivity. | How long do otters live? However, ferrets that are bought from pet stores usually don’t have a longer life span because they are neutered or spayed at an early age. In nature, hedgehogs live only 3-5 years. And now, you are wondering what’s the average lifespan of a clownfish. Their measurements from head to foot are said to be 5 to 12 inches, while the tail is said to be 1 to 2 inches. The recorded maximum age of male lions in captivity is 25 to 26 years. Some hedgehogs have even lived up to 9 or 10 years! Experts agree that, when they are in captivity, hedgehogs can live 10 years. This anxiety and stress will affect its health and reduce its life expectancy. In addition, hedgehogs that don’t have a proper diet have greater chances of developing diseases which will decrease their life span. So, hedgehogs live between 3 and 5 years, but there are things that owners can do to extend their life expectancy. Adult flying squirrels can live to 5-6 years in the wild. They need a balanced and healthy diet to live longer. Although, sometimes others just find a new nest. Like we mentioned before, squirrels actually do live longer in captivity than in the wild, being able to live up to 24 years, having a much longer life expectancy in captivity than in the wild. Of course, aging is not the main reason why they die so young – they are usually killed by predators. In captivity, male lions live long. Four to six years is a normal life span, but a pet hedgehog can live up to ten years. There have been cases where pet hedgehogs have reached the 8-10 year range, but that’s rather uncommon. This website lists about 9 of the species. How long they live, factors that can influence this, and more. Thatâs not to say that wild hedgehog canât live as long (or close to as long) as their domesticated counterparts. Given optimal food conditions, limited predators, good weather, solid genetics, and a bit of good luck, wild hedgehogs can live for around 8 years or so. Itâs just not common, since life in the wild is all about survival and is a real challenge. In the wild, they live for 3-4 years. One way to provide extra floor space is by having a multi-level cage. However, it is good to know that these cases are very rare. However, how long do hedgehogs live in the wild? Name: African pygmy hedgehog. How Long Do Squirrels Live In The Nest? There have been cases where pet hedgehogs have reached the 8-10 year range, but thatâs rather uncommon. Wild hedgehogs can be one of over a dozen different species, and the overall life span does vary by species. Typically, larger hedgehogs live shorter lives somewhat. However, by far, the main contributing factor to the life span of a wild hedgehog is luck. Like many wild animals, hedgehogs face a lot of predators and other challenges to their survival. This is why the average wild hedgehogâs life span is only 2 to 3 years. Itâs not that they canât live longer, itâs just that they generally, on average, donât. Scarcity of food, dealing with hibernation, predators, moving burrows, and so on can all take a toll. In captivity, they have been known to live up to 10 years of age. Today, they are 17 different species of this cute animal. To keep a healthy hedgehog confined in a small space or garden is cruel and many just give up and die, they need the stimulation of the hunt and feel the need to explore in order to prosper. Such a big difference in life expectancy is not accidental. Size: Five to eight inches long. From what I have read, this is already far better than the average of 1-3 years in the wild (though this is due more to predation, disease, and other environmental factors than to old age). Hedgehogs have a relatively long lifespan for their size. Finally, you are close to finding out how long the grasshopper lives as you read on. Read my post and learn more about the average life expectancy for common cats that live in captivity. There are 14 species of hedgehogs so it varies depending upon the species. Hedgehogs live, on average, for 3 to 5 years. The most common cause of death in the wild is due to predation rather than age. Hedgehogs on the larger end of the scale (8-9 inches in size, or 1 pound or greater) might need an additional foot or two in their enclosures. Available Hedgehogs, Cages and Supplies. 6. If their breeding is in captivity compared to when left out to survive in … Don’t forget that this exercise will make them happier too. A hedgehog is a very active animal. There is such a wide variety of misinformation out there on age ranges. 0 If you find an injured hedgehog, wearing thick gardening gloves, pick it up by holding it in both hands round the middle, scooping it up. Making hedgehog homes in the garden and providing food will help hedgehogs. If the ferrets are well-taken care with appropriate behavior and a healthy diet. It is interesting that they live in New Zealand too, but hedgehogs were introduced there. Since hedgehog pets were not common in the past, there are different reports related to their life span when they are kept as pets. How long do Syrian Hamsters live in captivity? The average lifespan for African pygmy hedgehogs in captivity runs from 4-6 years, with some living as long as 8 years. Captive frogs can live up to 15 years on average. Hedgehogs can live up to 10 years in captivity, but those hedgehogs are few and far between. When they first appeared, they were considered as quite rare, as such people eager to own one would be willing to pay upwards of £190 for one Pygmy hedgehog. Spending some time playing with your hedgehog, providing relatively large cage space and installing a wheel inside the cage should be sufficient to keep your hedgehog physically active and healthy. Our longevity has a lot to do with our diet, environment, and health habits. So itâs tough to say exactly how long do pet hedgehogs live. They can live with you up to 6-10 years. Hedgehogs can live up to 10 years in captivity, but those hedgehogs are few and far between. Like many non-traditional pets, there are regulations and restrictions on whether or not you can keep them as pets in many areas around the world. There are a variety of reasons for this. In the US, for example, several states prohibit people from keeping pet hedgehogs. Some of this is born out of old, ill-informed beliefs about hedgehogs carrying certain diseases that were a threat to livestock and farm animals. Most of that has been disproven in modern times thanks to science. However, in other areas, prohibitions against pet hedgehogs are based on a much more real concern â the fact that hedgehogs are not native to the area. If pet hedgehogs get lose, they can upset the environmental balance and devastate local animal and insect populations. Hedgehogs are not native to North America, and this is the reason why they are still banned in many states in the US. No. You should never keep a wild animal as a pet, and that includes wild hedgehogs. Animals that are born and live in the wild are not suited for life in captivity. They may have parasites or other illnesses that can be transferred to humans. And their temperament and the change in their living conditions will likely lead to health issues, unhappiness, and premature death. If you want a hedgehog as a pet, we donât blame you â theyâre cute and awesome. Just be sure to get one from a reputable breeder or pet store, rather than trying to capture a wild hedgehog. Both your new pet hedgie and you will be much happier and healthier by following this advice. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, which … Although African Pygmy Hedgehogs are small creatures, they are very active at night and need plenty of space to roam around in. If you will have it for any perio⦠If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. They do not face the problems of hunger or conflicts in captivity and the only reason for their death is the old age. Assuming this hunch is correct, hedgehogs in captivity continue to self-anoint because this is ingrained behavior that hasnât worn off yet. How Long do Fat-Tailed Gerbils Live? Hedgehogs are 20–25cm long and typically weigh up to 1.2kg. Such body mass will ensure that the hedgehog has a good body fat resource to see it through the long sleep. First, itâs important to understand a hedgehogâs life cycle. In the wild or in captivity, hedgehogs mature incredibly fast. By just a few months old, they are mature enough to reproduce. By around 1 year of age, they are what, in human terms, would be considered âgrown-upâ, old enough to have kids of their own, equivalent to a human 30 to 40-year-old person. And then their aging slows down considerably, as they remain âmiddle-agedâ for much of their life â though they continue to age, and eventually reach a period equivalent to being âsenior citizens.â It just takes them comparatively longer, where their first few decades (in human years) fly by fast, and then their aging slows down. This is not dissimilar to many other small mammals. Live insect food especially is an important source of enrichment for African pygmy hedgehogs - allowing them to carry out their natural foraging and hunting behaviour. Fat-tailed (also called Duprasi) gerbils have a longer life expectancy than Mongolian gerbils. Hedgehogs have a relatively long lifespan for their size. Leave a Comment / FAQ, Fun Facts / By zoe.nian.chai / December 29, 2020 December 29, 2020. How long do African pygmy hedgehogs live as pets? Domesticated hedgehogs need, at a minimum, about 8 square feet of space in their enclosure. When they first appeared, they were considered as quite rare, as such people eager to own one would be willing to pay upwards of £190 for one Pygmy hedgehog. The minimum recommended size for a cage is 4 feet long and 2 feet wide, but the more space you can provide the better. European Hedgehog: Species in ⦠During this time female hedgehogs must guard against males because they will sometimes feed on young hoglets. When under extreme stress or during sickness, a hedgehog can also lose its spines. A mother squirrel will build several nests, in … Hedgehogs as Pets The African pygmy hedgehog is the most common type sold as pets. In fact, smaller hedgehog species will live a nearly double of the normal lifespan. Pet hedgehogs live up to 10 years in captivity, though their average lifespan is closer to 4 to 6 years. However, spines normally come out when a hedgehog sheds baby spines and replaces them with adult spines. How long do ferrets live in captivity? It should not contain toxins and it should not be made of a material that is prone to accumulation of dust and dirt. As living in wild decreases the life to 3-5 years. Related posts: How long do rabbits live? However, mothers have also been known to eat their young if the nest is disturbed. ChaCha again! Top 5 Hedgehog Heating Products For Cages, The Complete Guide to Travelling with your Hedgehog. On average, hedgehogs bred in captivity can live as long as 10 years. And itâs not all sunshine and roses, either â pet hedgehogs do encounter some problems that can shorten their life span. For example, in the wild, hedgehogs cover several miles every night as they hunt and forage for food. This provides them with a lot of exercise. In captivity, even with an exercise wheel and ample-sized cage, itâs far easier for hedgehogs to get overweight. Like in humans, obesity in hedgehogs can lead to a host of health problems and premature death. But, in general, pet hedgehogs (who also happen to be on the smaller side in terms of overall hedgehog size) tend to live much longer than their wild counterparts, and, if well cared for, can keep their owners company for many years. Where Do Hedgehogs Live? Though quite small, hedgehogs are not rodents, and usually live about twice as long as the average pet rodent. ; Vegetables-You can add some vegetables to your hedgehog’s food like carrot, bean. Hedgehogs live in the wild in the regions of Africa, Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia. They have a distinctive waddling gait and are covered in characteristic brown spines. Experts think it could be a stress release or a form of protection. In captivity, they have been known to live for as long as 10 years. In some cases, even more than 20 years. Hedgehogs For Sale. The majority of mine have lived to be over 4 (most of those around 4.5 years). Find out what to do with an injured or sick hedgehog or an orphaned young hedgehog. On average, wild hedgehogs tend to live between 2 and 3 years, while hedgehogs in captivity usually live between 3 and 6 years.This number can vary greatly, though, depending on factors such as type of hedgehog, family history, daily care, and a little bit of luck.. As the owner of a hedgehog, it makes sense that you'd want to know the lifespan of your pet. Lack of predators and controlled diet contribute to a longer lifespan in captivity (8â10 years depending on size). It is amazing when a small hedgehog can live as long as a dog, right? In the wild, hedgehogs live to be around 2-3 years old. It can grow to be around six to nine inches long. Try to create an environment where your animal will feel happy and de-stressed. Hedgehogs typically live two to three years in the wild. Where Do Hedgehogs Live? We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Nutrition can decrease of increase life expectancy of your hedgehog. The newborn claimed to be called “hoglets” by Nat Geo, only stay with their mother for four to seven weeks. Depending on the species, the gestation period is 35â58 days. In captivity, the duration of their life increases by a factor of 2, sometimes it reaches 16 years. The oldest captive frog recorded is the European Common Toad (Bufo bufo), which lived for 40 years at the London Zoo. Signs that a hedgehog is. Ferrets as pets have a longer life span of 5-10 years, and you can enjoy them for quite a long time. It is natural to breed, but they shouldn’t be carrying baby hedgehogs all the time. Put it into a cardboard box lined with newspaper and give a small towel or tea towel for it to hide under. In some regions, keeping a fat-tailed gerbil is even forbidden. In the wild, hedgehogs live a short life of 2-3 years. The one drawback of this kind of life cycle is that it means they do not necessarily live for an incredibly long time. Early maturity tends to mean a shorter lifespan (among many, many other factors). Compared to cats and dogs, for example, they tend to live shorter lives, and mature several times faster than either of those typical household pets. Combined with size, genetics, metabolism, and many other factors, this can mean you donât necessarily get as much time with a pet hedgehog as you do with some other types of common household pets. You need to know this going in, as those who have a hard time saying goodbye or moving on from pets that have passed on may find the hedgehogâs typical life span to be too short for them to handle. If you search the answer to this question, you’ve probably bought a clownfish. That may not sound very long, but 3-6 hedgehog years is actually more like 46-91 in human years. How long do hedgehogs live? The bedding is also important because the hedgehog spends a lot of time on it. Mbi EntHow Long Do Hedgehogs Live. Whatâs curious about the average lifespan of this creature is that this figure differs greatly from the animalâs ideal life expectancy. How long do clownfish live? How long they live, factors that can influence this, and more. When you have a hamster as a pet, then you need to be extra cautious and careful about them. They are known for being timid little animals, but as any hedgehog owner will tell you, hedgehogs respond to their ownerâs voice and appearance and are very interactive if socialized properly. Female lions naturally live longer than male lions. Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia is good to know that these cases are very serene,,! A dog, right learn more about the average lifespan of this is... That, when they are in captivity, as they get used to captivity rescue named. 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