Last Updated on October 30, 2022.
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- The average hedgehog weighs approximately ½ to 1-¼ pounds, and most are the size of a softball or slightly larger when they are rolled into a ball.
- Some adult hedgehogs have a slightly larger build and can weigh up to 2 pounds (the size of a small guinea pig) without being fat.
- Most hedgehogs are 6-8 inches in length, but it is hard to accurately and consistently measure a hedgehog because their body changes shape when it is balled up, relaxed, sitting or moving.
- One way to keep track of your hedgehog’s health is to keep a weekly weight log.
- Around 6 months of age your hedgehog should have reached its adult size. If an adult hedgehog’s weight changes too much in a single week then you should find out why.
- If it is a steady weight gain over a couple of weeks in an adult hedgehog then perhaps you should reduce the treats to avoid an obese pet in the near future.
- A weight loss (when not on a diet) can be a sign of an underlying illness and a veterinarian should evaluate your hedgehog.
- When searching for reasons for a weight loss please keep in mind that a hedgehog is quite capable of “losing” around 20 or 30 grams in a single trip to the potty. It can also “gain” just as much if you allow it to eat its dinner before you weigh it.
- The best time to weigh your hedgehog is on the same day each week and at the same time of day, preferably as soon as it wakes up, before it has a chance to go potty or eat.
- When you measure the amount of kibble in their bowl, you can be certain of how much they’ve eaten on a daily basis.
- It’s best to not leave a full bowl of food, because it may lead to overeating or you may not notice if a hedgehog isn’t eating properly.
VIDEO.: Monitoring Food Intake
VIDEO.: How to weight them
Contributor: Gail Smith, Rebekah Scarola, Briar Patch Hedgehogs, Melissa Ramos
