Unit 9, Lower Soldridge Business Park, Soldridge Road
GU34 5JF Medstead, Hampshire
Hours 08:00 - 20:00
Checking the weight of a hedgehog.
How much does a hedgehog weigh?
In order to make a rescue, and then know how to manage and feed a hedgehog properly, it is important to know its weight accurately.
Please always use scales.
But, if rescuing when they are not at hand, we can judge weight by comparing to commonly found objects.
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Every hedgehog is different and the weights and rates of growth can vary a lot. Here is an approximate guide.
NEWBORN
Less than about 35g 0 ~ 7 days
(as big as a ping pong ball)
JUST WEANED
about 35-60g 7 ~ 14 days
(as big as a mandarin)
SMALL BABY
about 60-120g 21~28 days
(as big as a tennis ball)
YOUNG
about 120-250g roughly 6 weeks
(as big as an orange)
YOUNG ADULT
250g+ around 8 weeks old
(as big as a grapefruit)
How much they weigh and how fast or slow they are gaining weight dictates how we should look after them and, above all, the correct nutritional requirements.
It is always damaging to give cow's milk to any hedgehog.
It is also dangerous to give cat biscuits and cat mousse to a newborn which is still far too young to have a metabolism that can cope with this diet.
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Only when the teeth begin to form (after about three weeks of life ~ 70 / 90gr) can you start to give the first mousse, and later shredded small kitten biscuits.
Knowing the weight of a hedgehog during the period before hibernation is very important.
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Until a few years ago it was believed that a hedgehog would probably not survive the winter if it weighed less than 600 grams.
This theory has been modified by different scientific studies carried out by biologists.
When deciding the successful weight for the survival of hedgehogs over winter hibernation, there are other factors which can be taken into consideration.
The environment.
(gardens, protected places, open countryside, woods, inhabited areas).
The territory or geographical region.
(altitude, plains or mountains, whether southern or northern European countries).
The climate.
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There is a big discussion around suitable hibernation survival weights which can vary from country to country.
