How do hedgehogs mate? This question is asked by many people. Most likely, this is not a very pleasant process. After all, during such an action, you can also tear your stomach against the sharp thorns of your partner. If you think so, then we will now tell you all the details of this process. Believe me, nature has provided for everything. We will now consider all aspects of this issue.
Opinions of people
Now there are a lot of theories about how hedgehogs mate. Some even suggest that they drop needles or lay eggs. Of course, all this is wrong.
So, how hedgehogs mate ... There is one more theory - they do this, clinging to each other, in, so to speak, missionary position. Unfortunately, scientists have also refuted this theory. Nevertheless, how do hedgehogs reproduce?
"Prickly" truth
Mating occurs in exactly the same way as in most mammals. The female lies on her stomach, presses needles to her body and bends her back. In the meantime, the male comes up from behind, climbs onto the hedgehog, and then directly proceeds to the process itself. That's all, the secret is revealed. As you can see, it’s a little fun in it.
Hedgehog breeding
Now let's talk about the scientific description of the reproduction of these animals. So, hedgehogs are polygamous. Already in the second year of their life, they become sexually mature, they are ready for mating and breeding. In winter, hedgehogs fall into hibernation, that is, their life is divided into some periods. Therefore, as in many mammals, the breeding period in these animals begins in the spring, April-May, and continues until the end of summer.
The female carries babies for about 40 days. As a rule, from two to eight hedgehogs are born per year. True, cubs often die, because they are not able to gain enough fat before hibernation. The first two months the babies spend with their mother, after which the young growth is ready to live independently. At two months of age, the animals leave the mother and never return to her.
Hedgehog breeding at home
Under such conditions, procreation in these mammals is quite difficult. In this matter, it is very important to choose the right period when two individuals will be ready for the mating process. Remember that hedgehogs are nocturnal animals. This means that they are mostly awake when you sleep, that is, at night.
If you still managed to bring two hedgehogs, and the female brought posterity, then already 30 days after the babies are born, you need to transfer them to meat fodder. Contrary to the well-known judgment, hedgehogs are predatory animals, so throw away the thoughts that they walk through the forest and collect various mushrooms and berries. Remember that the transition to meat food should be carried out gradually. Cubs need to start giving minced meat mixed with boiled egg. What else can you offer little hedgehogs? You can feed the kids millet porridge cooked in milk. As the young grow up, it is necessary to reduce the proportion of dairy products in their diet, gradually switching to the diet of adult hedgehogs, the basis of which is meat (finely chopped), as well as insects and larvae.
If you have several adult hedgehogs, then you need to keep them in different homes. Remember that these animals are loners. In one cage, you can keep a couple during the breeding season or young growth. Do not be afraid to disconnect the pair after mating, hedgehogs are polygamous animals, such a phenomenon will not cause any stress or disturbance for them. Another important moment in the life of such animals is hibernation. If the hedgehog does not fall into hibernation, then there is a chance that he will die. This period in animals begins in October-November. Before hibernation, you need to intensively feed the hedgehog so that it gains fat mass. What else needs to be done? Of course, prepare a place for hibernation, the temperature in which should not exceed five degrees. For these purposes, you can use the garage or loggia.
Conclusion
Now you know how hedgehogs mate. This means that there is less on one exciting question. Mating hedgehogs is no longer a secret for you, so you can breed these spiny creatures at home.