There are so many kinds of animals in the world that if you try to research, your life may not be enough. Considering that many more parts of regions such as the ocean have not been explored, your life may not be enough. But the subject of this article is about a very specific animal.
The animal in question is the hedgehog. Hedgehogs are actually pretty safe creatures and have some unique features. Although it is not a very common situation, some people may use their pet preferences in favor of hedgehogs. In this article, we will give fun information about hedgehogs and answer questions.
What do hedgehogs eat and where do they live? Interesting information:
What do hedgehogs eat and what do they feed on?
- Mealworm: Live, frozen or dried. Regardless of how, mealworms are a very good source of chitin for hedgehogs. But in general, worms that are alive can be more functional. Since they also move in their live state, they cause the hedgehog to make an effort to catch it, which means it’s a good source of mental stimulation.
- Crickets: Crickets, which have more or less the same characteristics as mealworms, are also good sources of chitin. Although live ones are preferred for the source of mental stimulation, frozen or dried ones will also work.
- Types of fruits: Although dried fruits are irrelevant as they are harmful, fresh fruits given in certain amounts are quite appetizing for hedgehogs. Apples, bananas, strawberries and melons are a few of the fruits that hedgehogs usually prefer.
- Vegetables: Dried vegetables are likewise irrelevant here. In addition, it is useful to avoid starchy vegetables (corn, potatoes, carrots, etc.). Fresh tomatoes, green beans or cooked zucchini are just a few examples of hedgehogs’ vegetable menu.
- Cooked meat: Although consuming a lot of cooked meat is still harmful, high protein and low fat cat, dog food or cooked chicken can be fed in small quantities.
- Scrambled eggs: If you’re looking for a change from their regular fixed meal, your hedgehog might like some scrambled or hard-boiled eggs as they’re rich in protein.
Although hedgehogs differ depending on the species they are referred to, they are generally considered omnivores (both meat and grass-eating creatures) or insect eaters. But omnivores fit the general definition of hedgehogs more. A hedgehog living in the wild consumes various plants, etc., instead of specifically consuming insects. He can also fill his stomach with food. Hedgehogs around the world feed in different ways to adapt to the conditions of their region. Pet hedgehogs may be the ones who suffer the most from this condition. The most common domestic hedgehog is the African Pygmy hedgehog. Because they are hybrids, they do not have the same diet as a hedgehog living in the wild.
So where do hedgehogs live?
It is known that there are about 17 hedgehog species worldwide, and all of these species are quite close to each other. Although Europe, Africa and Asia are the regions where hedgehogs live in general, there are cases where hedgehogs are seen in New Zealand. But unlike other species of this species, Erinaceus eurapeus is Europe’s own hedgehog. Since the discovery and promotion of this hedgehog was made in Europe, it is more associated with that side.
Hedgehogs can adapt very well to their environment. We are talking about a process of adaptation that can extend from the tropics to the northernmost climates of Finland. Their spread over the world started from several different regions. They spread from England and Ireland on the west side and through Europe, Asia, Russia and China on the east side. Hedgehogs can live in most existing places. It is possible to come across hedgehogs in deserts, hills, forests, meadows and even in human settlements.
Fun facts about hedgehogs:
- They take the shape of a ball to protect themselves.
- They usually live as ‘lone wolves’
- Congenital resistance to snake venom
- Their oldest relatives lived about 125 million years ago
- They have armor on their bodies
They take the shape of a ball to protect themselves.
This mechanism, which exists in all types of hedgehogs, is their best chance to protect themselves. If hedgehogs sense that they are in danger or are warned by an external factor, they roll into a ball shape to protect themselves and deter predators in their pursuit. In this way, they can sharpen their spines and create their defense mechanisms, and they can also protect the fur-covered parts of the face, chest, legs and stomach.
They usually live as “lone wolves”
It is not possible to see hedgehogs as a group. They usually live alone and only look for a mate when they need to mate. When the male hedgehog female finds a kip, she circles around repeatedly for the mating ritual. After mating, the male leaves the female immediately and continues to live. Meanwhile, the female gives birth to 4-6 cubs in about 6 weeks. Interestingly, the mother does not share the house with her cubs and the pups are weaned quickly. In about 4 to 6 weeks, the cubs begin to live on their own.
Congenital resistance to snake venom
Many European hedgehogs contain natural proteins in their blood that neutralize or weaken snake venom. Some animals, such as the mongoose, pig, and honey badger, have also acquired this immunity as a result of their evolution. This resistance that hedgehogs have is very important. Because hedgehogs can withstand venomous snakes and even prey on them. Of course, no matter how resistant they are, this immunity is not 100%. Being bitten by a highly venomous snake can be fatal.
Their oldest relatives lived about 125 million years ago
In 2015, a group of Spanish scientists discovered fossils of a mammal that could be associated with the hedgehog. This discovery was of great importance as it enabled the first observation of spine-like structures in Mesozoic mammals. The size of the animal and the presence of keratin structures gave rise to new ideas. According to scientists, this fossil, which is about 125 million years old, may be the ancestor of spiny mice and hedgehogs, with many similarities.
They have armor on their bodies
When you think of hedgehogs, the first thing that comes to mind may be their spines. These spines provide a signature appearance for all hedgehog species. The spines in question are actually 1-inch evolved hairs made of keratin. An adult hedgehog has between 5,000 and 7,000 hairs. These hairs, which cover the sides and back of the body, form the hedgehog’s biggest defense mechanism. They are neither poisonous nor sharp like a barbed wire and rather tightly attached to their bodies. Most hedgehogs have natural feathers. This feather, which is very soft when they are first born, is replaced by hard ones over time.
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