What Is A White-Breasted Hedgehog?
A white-breasted hedgehog is a mammal that has an armor of spikes around its body that it utilizes to defend itself. A white-breasted is the most petted hedgehog in the United States of America. The hedgehog’s body can range in length from seven to nine inches, with a tail that is around half an inch in length.
These little, adorable pets can weigh anything from half a pound to a pound and a half in weight. The upper body of a white-breasted hedgehog is covered with spines that are dark brown and whitish in color.
The belly, face, and legs are all coated in a white, fluffy coat of fur.
A white-breasted hedgehog has small eyes and a long snout, which distinguishes it from other hedgehogs. The lower jaws of the white-breasted hedgehog are longer than the upper jaws, and vice versa.
Hedgehogs with white breasts are not linked to porcupines in any way. They are related to shrews and moles in appearance and behavior.
White-bellied hedgehogs, often known as white hedgies, are a type of hedgehog with a white belly.
When the hedgehog rolls itself up into a ball, spikes can be seen in every direction. This is the hedgehog’s most unique habit. In order to protect themselves, the white-breasted hedgehogs perform this action.
The pet’s face, tail, and feet are hidden from view. It has the appearance of a spiky ball. The majority of predators will pass it by.
What Does A White-Breasted Hedgehog Eat?
Like other species of Hedgehogs, your white-breasted hedgehog will primarily eat insects, mice, frogs, small birds, worms, caterpillars, slugs, and toads, in addition to plants and fruits.
Your white-breasted hedgehog is also capable of consuming small snakes, and it has a particular fondness for eggs. This cute fuzzy pet will also feed on eggs from bird nests if they are available.
You should note that hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, which means that they sleep during the day but are awake and active throughout the night. White-breasted hedgehogs enter a condition of hibernation during the winter when your pet will curls up into a ball and constructs an underground nest.
White-breasted hedgehogs build nests using dried leaves and can be found in parks, under shrubs, in a pile of logs, or inside a potting shed. The white hedgies get out of their nest during warm days to be fed and to drink water.
Did you know that your white-breasted hedgehog can hibernate for five months!
What Is The Life Cycle Of A White-Breasted Hedgehog?
Between the months of April and September, the white-breasted hedgehog female gives birth to 1 to 10 young, with 4-6 being the most common number. Hoglets are the name given to these newborns.
Hogglets are born white, and their tiny spines are protected by a membrane coating when they are firstborn. Within hours of being born, the membrane begins to shrivel up.
Although they are soft at first, the spines quickly stiffen to provide protection against predators. When it comes to caring for the hoglets, the males are completely indifferent.
White-breasted hedgehogs have a lifespan of about 2 to 3 years in the wild. While in captivity, white-breasted hedgehogs can survive for a total of ten years.
Where Can You Find A White-Breasted Hedgehog?
In England and Ireland, the white-breasted hedgehog can be found in parks, woods, forests, gardens, and farming, among other places. White-breasted hedgehogs are protected and may not be captured or trapped.
The most serious threat to the white-breasted hedgehog is the loss of its natural habitat, as well as the use of insecticides in landscape gardens. The toxin makes its way into the food supply. Hedgehogs are poisoned as a result of their diet.
How Do White Hedgehogs Behave?
Sound production abilities of hedgehogs range from sneezing to snorting and even clicking. When they are afraid, they shriek with delight. When they are interested in anything, they produce a purring sound.
Although hedgehogs are nocturnal species, they do not mind being left alone for extended periods. During the day, they like to sleep and will become more active in the late hours.
White-breasted hedgehogs eat at night therefore you should feed your hedgehog in the evenings every day. Before you retire for the night, check on their food and replenish their supplies.
Pine and cypress mulch are preferred bedding materials for white-breasted hedgehogs, and you should keep a water bottle near them at all times.
White-breasted hedgehogs will consume cat food, but they can also be fed specific hedgehog food that can be purchased at pet food stores.
What Is The Difference Between A White Hedgehog And A Porcupine?
The White-bellied Hedgehog, in contrast to the Porcupine, prefers to hibernate during the dry summer months, a behavior known as aestivation. Instead of being caused by high temperatures, this is supposed to be caused by food shortages. It usually lasts no more than two months.
Breasted in white throughout the year, female hedgehogs remain fertile and give birth to a litter of four to five pups, each of which is wrapped in a fine silky membrane that protects the sensitive spines and prevents the females from being hurt during the delivery process. Within a few days, the spines become rigid.
A white-breasted hedgehog has a similar appearance to the Crested Porcupine, however, it is far smaller. At the same time, unlike the porcupine, the incredibly sharp spines, rather than quills, do not detach when the animal is attacked by a predator.
Instead, when confronted with a serious threat, the white-breasted hedgehog will roll up into a ball and make some snorts and whistles of intimidation.
Final Thoughts
There are a variety of reasons why you might be interested in keeping a white-breasted hedgehog as a pet. A white-breasted hedgehog is a little and extremely silent creature with a white breast.
There are many different expressions on their little faces, and they are really interesting to look at.
You should consider keeping a white-breasted hedgehog as a pet because it is non-aggressive and does not have a strong scent. They are naturally attentive, and once they have gained your trust, they can be extremely playful.
They are simple to care for as pets, and if handled gently over time, they will not curl into a ball of spines.
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