Hedgehogs are thought to be small pets that do not take much room. However, they are constantly compared to porcupines that are much bigger than hedgehogs. Hence, there is always confusion regarding size when it comes to hedgehogs.
A hedgehog’s size depends on what breed it is. Therefore, it varies accordingly. Typically, a wild breed hedgehog will be a foot long, while a domesticated hedgehog will grow to between 5 and 9 inches.
Before you decide to house a hedgehog, it is important to know how big they can get and how much room you need to keep it. Through a little research, you can get an idea and prepare to bring your new pet hedgehog home concerning how big it will grow.
How Big Do Pet Hedgehogs Get?
As aforementioned, the size of pet hedgehogs is dependent on their breed. Therefore, all pets will grow a different size. There are also external factors that contribute to the size of a hedgehog that as their diet, lifestyle, and disease, that should be accounted for.
There are three common breeds of domesticated hedgehogs: African Pygmy, Egyptian Long-Eared, and Indian Long-Eared. These breeds grow to be smaller than those in the wild. One reason for their small size is selective breeding. Small hedgehogs are more preferred as pets, and hence, the breeding revolves around small hedgehogs alone.
Adult hedgehogs that are domesticated can grow to be as big as 5 to 9 inches. The baby hedgehogs are small and reach full adult size in 10 to 11 months.
How Big Do Wild Hedgehogs Get?
Wild hedgehogs tend to be bigger than domesticated hedgehogs. These hedgies also mature later than domesticated ones. It takes around 10-11 months for a pet hedgie to reach full adult size, while a wild breed takes at least 11 months. The size of a wild hedgehog is between 10 to 14 inches.
How Heavy Do Pet Hedgehogs Get?
As pet parents, it is important to keep your hedgehog’s weight in check. These tiny mammals can easily become obese if fed too much or the wrong diet.
A domesticated hedgehog will weigh between ½ to 1 ¼ pound. If your hedgehog weighs less than half pounds, it is underweight, and its diet should be checked out. On the other hand, if your hedgehog weighs more than 1 ¼ pounds, it can go towards obesity which is harmful to them.
How Heavy Do Wild Hedgehogs Get?
There are 13 species of wild hedgehogs that have been recognized. These also include the three domesticated species. How much wild hedgehogs weigh depends on their breed. Usually, wild hedgehogs weigh between ¾ of a pound to 2.5 pounds.
How Big is a Baby Hedgehog?
A baby hedgehog is called a hoglet. When a baby hedgehog is born, it only weighs 25 grams or an ounce. Around four weeks of age, these hoglets are ready to leave their nest and appear to be the size of a small hedgehog.
Does Captivity Affect the Size of a Hedgehog?
Hedgehogs are solitary animals that prefer to be alone. A wild hedgehog can walk around and be alone when it needs to be. Domesticated hedgehogs are often kept in captivity, which makes people wonder if it stunts their growth.
However, this is not true.
Being held in captivity does not affect the size of a hedgehog. What matters the most when it comes to how big a hedgehog will be is its breed. Domesticated breeds grow to be smaller than wild hedgehogs because they have been bred this way purposely.
People prefer to house small ones as compared to big ones because they take less space. Since hedgies like to explore and cover a lot of ground in the wild, a small hedgehog is preferred.
Big hedgehogs will take more space and require more area to explore. You will need a big cage for a big hedgehog. Failure to provide a hedgehog with ample space can lead to becoming depressed and other issues such as losing its appetite.
Hence, as a result, small breeds are bred to avoid this problem. Small hedgies make better pets than big ones.
Any that belong to small breeds are generally smaller in size than other breeds, even in the wild. This shows that the main factor contributing to their size is its breed rather than being held in captivity.
Can Hedgehogs Have Weight Problems?
Hedgehogs in the wild are constantly on the run during nighttime when they explore, search for food, or mate. Hence, wild hedgehogs get a lot of exercise.
The small size of the hedgehog makes it more prone to weight gain. This means that if your hedgehog is not burning enough calories, it can take the road to obesity. Obesity in hedgehogs can lead to health issues and shorten their lifespan.
This problem is prevalent in many domesticated hedgehogs. Hence, you should ensure that your hedgehog has a lot of space to run in its cage and has a wheel. If you feel your hedgehog weighs too much, consult your vet.
Summary
How big a hedgehog gets depends on its breed. It is important to know how big the hedgehog you are bringing into your home will get, so you prepare accordingly. Domesticated hedgehogs are smaller in size than wild hedgies because of selective breeding.
People usually like small hedgies as pets because they take less space as compared to bigger ones. Pet hedgies also weigh less than wild ones.
When hedgies are born, they weigh only 25 grams or as much as an ounce. It is often a misconception that those who are domesticated are small because they are kept in captivity. However, that is not true, as breeding is the main factor contributing to their size.
They can also have weight problems, and hence, they must have ample space to run and a wheel in their cage.
