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Breeding Hedgehogs
Breeding hedgehogs may be something that you are interested in. However, there are many things to consider before you start breeding your beloved 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 risk of losing some or all of the litter as well. This is why many people opt not to breed their hedgehogs. What many people don’t realize is that often, with first litters, the mother may also eat the babies, and then again, she may simply abandon them.
Another issue concerning the breeding of hedgehogs is that it is vital that you have homes lined up for the babies, preferably before breeding even begins. Hedgehogs are not ‘common’ pets, and finding homes for them isn’t always easy…especially if you are selling the babies.
If you think that breeding hedgehogs is going to net you a full time income, or even a little extra income, think again. There are expenses involved, and those expenses often eat up any profits that may exist.
While the male and female hedgehog may do all of the work when it comes to mating, it will be you doing all of the work after the litter is born. You may have to hand feed the babies, and of course, you will have to ensure that the mother doesn’t harm the babies as well. Furthermore, the litter must be handled, so that the babies are socialized before they go off to their new homes.
The final thing that you must consider before you begin breeding hedgehogs is that first you will need to get a license from the USDA. Second, you will need to have a veterinarian for the mother, and you will need to have each member of each litter examined by the veterinarian as well to ensure their good health. This can be costly.
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 begins. Females can be bred when they are between the ages of six and twelve months, although they could actually mate and conceive when they are about eight weeks old. The younger the hedgehog is, however, the more chance for things to go wrong. She can safely be bred until she is about two or three years old.
Once the female hedgehog is pregnant, she will need to nest. You must 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 about two weeks. Do not disturb mom and her babies, or there could be very bad – and sad – consequences.
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 just love the look and feel of baby hedgehogs, do not get into breeding. Before you start breeding hedgehogs, take the time to talk to other breeders, and learn as much about it as you possibly can.
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