Breeding Hedgehogs – What to know
Breeding hedgehogs may be something that you are interested in. However, there are many things to consider before you start breeding your cherished hedgehogs.
First, you must be aware that when it comes to breeding hedgehogs, you do run the risk of having the mother die. You also run the danger of losing some or all the litter as well. This is why many people opt not to reproduce their hedgehogs. What many folks do not realize is that often, with first litters, the mummy could also eat the babies, and then again, she may simply abandon them.
Another issue concerning the breeding of hedgehogs is that it’s important that you have homes set up for the babies, ideally before breeding even starts. Hedgehogs are not ‘common’ pets, and finding houses for them isn’t necessarily easyespecially if you’re selling the babies.
If you suspect that breeding hedgehogs is going to net you a fulltime revenue, or even a little additional earnings, think again. There are costs concerned, and those costs frequently eat up any profits which will exist.
While the masculine hedgehog may do all the work when it comes to mating, it is going to be you doing all of the litter is born. You could have to hand feed the babies, and of course, you will have to ensure that the mum doesn’t harm the babies too. Additionally , the litter must be handled, so the babies are socialised before they go off to their new homes.
The last thing that you must consider before you start breeding hedgehogs is that first you will need to get a license from the USDA. Second, you’ll need to have a veterinarian for the ma, and you will need to have each member of each litter examined by the veterinarian as well to guarantee their good health. This could be pricey.
With all of that said, you need to know the basics of breeding hedgehogs. Your male and female must both be healthy, and both need to be examined by a veterinarian before breeding bred when they are between the ages of 6 and 12 months, though they could essentially chum and conceive when they are about 8 weeks old. The younger the hedgehog is, the more chance for things to go wrong. She will safely be bred until she is about 2 or three years old.
Once the female hedgehog is pregnant, she’s going to need to nest. You have to provide her with materials to make her nest. She should be kept in a solid (not wire) cage. The gestation period is about thirty seven days for hedgehogs. Once the female has given birth, you need to keep her calm, and you need to give her privacy for roughly 2 weeks. Don’t annoy mom and her babies, or there may be awfully bad – and sad – implications.
Again, breeding hedgehogs is something that requires serious consideration. If you think there is money to be made, do not get into breeding. If you love the look and feel of baby hedgehogs, do not get into breeding. Before you start breeding hedgehogs, make the time to talk to other breeders, and learn as much about it as you doubtless can.
Pet InsuranceTagged with: Breeding • Hedgehogs
Filed under: Hedghogs
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