Warming Up A Cold Hedgehog

Last Updated on November 10, 2013.

• A hedgehog that is cold or feels cool to the touch is in serious danger.
• Captive bred hedgehogs are not accustomed to hibernation and can die from, what to them is, an unnatural torpor.
• Warming up a hedgehog too quickly can do more harm than good. A warm, gentle heat is preferred over forceful, direct heat.
• Our most successful method for warming a cold animal is direct human body heat. Hold the animal in your hands, tuck it in your shirt, or whatever other method feels comfortable to you.
• Heating pads can also be useful, but one must be careful not to overheat or burn an animal that is too sick to move away from the heat.
• Also, don’t assume that the external heating device is doing the trick when in fact it may not be warm enough.
• An animal that has gotten too cold and recovered is more susceptible to future incidents.

Contributor: Susan Crocker, Susan’s Hawkeye Hedgies