The hedgehog's breeding season lasts from about April until September. The main period of activity is in May and June, when the nights are warm. The gestation period for hedgehogs is about four and a half weeks. Most baby hedgehogs are born in July and June. Females that lose their litter for some reason are capable of having a second litter, but they are unlikely to come after October. The average family size is about 4 or 5, possibly 6 or 7. So, theoretically, given that a female can have 2 litters a year, a female hedgehog could raise 10 babies in a year. This is unlikely, as most of these baby hedgehogs would die. A more realistic figure is that a female could raise 2, possibly 3 babies a year.
When hedgehogs are born their spines are just below the skin, so they don't cause their mother pain. They are blind at first, but after about 2 weeks their spines begin to show more, and their eyes open. Hedgehogs also have baby teeth, just like humans. These fall out by about week 3.
Hedgehogs leave their nests when they are about 4 to 5 weeks old, and they then must learn to fend for themselves. 1 out of 5 hedgehogs die before they leave the nest.
Good reminder that Autum Juveniles will be spotted any time soon - our carers are full to the brim with the babies from the beginning of the breeding season - more this year than any other and many have closed their doors as they cannot take any more it - fingers crossed the Autumn Juveniles will be more successful
Wed Sep 12, 2012 8:10 am
