What are 5 interesting facts about hedgehogs?

15 hedgehog facts for kids

  • They are nocturnal.
  • They are called hedgehogs for a reason.
  • Hedgehogs can hibernate.
  • Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant.
  • They weren’t always called hedgehogs.
  • Their long snout is useful.
  • They don’t use their eyes to hunt.
  • There isn’t just one species of hedgehog.

What is special about hedgehogs?

Hedgehogs are famous for their prickly spines, which they have everywhere except on their face, legs and bellies. These cute critters depend on their spines for defense, both while they sleep and when they face enemies.

How did hedgehogs get their name?

The hedgehog was named because of its peculiar foraging methods. These animals root through hedges and other undergrowth in search of the small creatures that compose the bulk of their diet—insects, worms, centipedes, snails, mice, frogs, and snakes.

Are hedgehogs blind or deaf?

Although their eyesight is poor, they have good hearing and a well-developed sense of smell. Hedgehogs are good runners, proficient climbers and can even swim.

What is a hedgehog house called?

Artificial hedgehog houses (or hibernacula) are also used by hedgehogs and can be really fun to make.

Can hedgehogs swim?

They are great swimmers Nocturnal creatures, hedgehogs can run and swim up to 2km a night in search of food.

How smart are hedgehogs?

The intelligence of a hedgehog is to that of a hamster, they may learn certain behaviors through positive reinforcement or conditioning but only at a very basic level. Hedgehogs are known to be very communicative when it comes to their needs, and often make a low purring sound when they are happy or content.

How fast can hedgehogs run?

about 4 mph
Common hedgehogs can run in short bursts of speeds of about 4 mph. (Jack Russell terriers, for instance, can bound to speeds of 25 mph.)

Are hedgehogs blind?

Hedgehogs are born blind, with a protective membrane covering their quills, which dries and shrinks over the next several hours. The quills emerge through the membrane after the hoglet has been cleaned, or after the membrane falls off.

What Colours can hedgehogs see?

No Glasses Necessary. Compared to humans, hedgehogs have poor eyesight. That’s OK, however, because they don’t really use their eyesight all that much. Their limited eyesight allows them to see the outlines of objects, such as a tree, and their color vision is limited to shades of cream and brown.

How many teeth do hedgehogs have?

In fact, it is illegal to have a hedgehog as a pet in many places. Hedgehogs have teeth—up to 44 of them, and, like any wildlife with teeth, they can bite! They can also carry parasites on their quills.

Can hedgehogs have chocolate?

Hedgehogs should never be fed avocados, onions, grapes or raisins, chocolate, any raw meat or egg yolks.