Spinning Hedgehogs!

Schmoo · #1 (**permalink**) 25-07-2009, 08:06 PM

Hi All

I was wondering if anyone had seen, or knew anything about Hedgehogs spinning in circles together? (they look a bit like a ying yang symbol when they do this)

I recently discovered that hedgehogs are visiting our garden, first one came (we called it Billy-Bob although not sure of the sex) so we put out some rabbit dog food and on the same night another one arrived (we called it Daisy but again not sure of the sex). They arrive from opposite sides of the garden and were quite nervous with each other when they met but now they come regularly and seem to play together. There is not much in the way of noise from either and they don't seem to butt each other or curl up just follow each other around and spin in circles as I described.

I can't find any information on this behaviour and would really like to know what it means, also is there a way of telling what sex they are from their behaviour as one does seem bossier than the other and may be a tiny bit bigger.

I would be very grateful for any insights

valleyforge · #2 (**permalink**) 25-07-2009, 08:16 PM

Hi there Schmoo and welcome to the WaB forum.

Circling is a common part of the mating ritual ... the male will circle the female ... or to put in into a human frame of reference for ease of remembering, the female becomes the centre of attention, whilst the male does all the running around.

Youngsters may play out this ritual too, so if you've got two hoggies circling each other they're probably both young males.

Schmoo · #3 (**permalink**) 25-07-2009, 08:30 PM

Thanks for that! Super quick response too!

They are definitely both doing it, all huddled up together like they are doing a waltz!

They turn up at about 9 to half past and stay for several hours running about the place and spinning.

Im not sure if they are young ones or not. They are both approx 18 to 20cm if that helps identify at all!

I suppose I will have to think of a new name for Daisy if she turns out to be a he!

valleyforge · #4 (**permalink**) 25-07-2009, 08:42 PM

18-20cm is big enough for them to be mature adults for sure.

If one (not necessarily the biggest one) seems a bit more 'pushy' then that's likely to be the male ... the female may be circling in synchro with him as she's not ready to 'commit' and is just trying not to be mounted.

Could be your first impression was right of course, and Billy-Bob and Daisy are just meeting up for their nightly hoe-down.

In any case, they're probably interested in each other if they repeat the performance on a nightly basis ... you may just witness the mating some night soon.

Schmoo · #5 (**permalink**) 25-07-2009, 08:51 PM

Oooh!

I do hope so (is that wrong?)

Thank you so much for all your help I will keep watching and let you know what occurs!

Schmoo · #6 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 09:39 PM

Hi

Its been ages but Im in need of advice! I didn't manage to see any mating but have been feeding a lone hedgehog (Billybob) all this time. A couple of nights ago Billybob failed to arrive and then again the following night. Just a moment ago I looked out to see two baby hedgehogs (about 10cm).

Im not sure what to do as it seems a bit late in the year to be so small and although it's quite warm now it is set to get cold over the next week!

What do you think? should I leave them alone or do they need saving!

Please help x

Hedgehoggy · #7 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 09:56 PM

Hi Schmoo, 10cm is awfully small. Could you grab them, weigh them (pref in grams) and then get straight back to me.

pattie may · #8 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 10:02 PM

Sounds like newly weaned siblings to me.

Yes try and weigh them.

Do you have any facilities to look after them?

Hedgehoggy · #9 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 11:38 PM

As you didn’t come back, I’m guessing the hoglets had disappeared when you went back outside.

If that’s the case, leave some food and fresh water out for them tonight (cat/dog meat if you have any, if not, try something like a little grated cheese, banana, sliced apple, sultanas, or digestive biccies to tempt them back) and keep watch for a while to see if they return. They may not return until tomorrow night, so leave food and water out for them tomorrow night too. At 10cm they’re going to need a little help to get through the winter. If you're unable to look after them yourself, let me know where you are and I’ll check the BHPS’s website for any carers in your area. If you’re able to look after them yourself, there are quite a few of us on this forum who’ll be able to provide you with all the necessary info you’ll need.

In the meantime, if you do manage to catch them, you’ll need to keep them somewhere secure while you sort out what you’re going to do with them - e.g. a cat/dog carrier, a high-sided box (they’re good climbers so the box will need to be quite high), or, as an emergency temporary measure, even your bath will suffice for one night!! Line with newspaper and provide an old fleece/towels at one end for them to burrow and snuggle into, and leave them plenty of food and fresh water in shallow heavy based bowls which can’t be easily tipped over... then give us a shout!

Schmoo · #10 (**permalink**) 29-09-2009, 07:33 PM

Thank you so much for the advice!

I should be able to catch them as they were feeding by the back door and the box etc is no problem. I have a spare room and no pets so should be fine for now at least!

I have put out some more food and will grab them and weigh them as suggested. I will get back to you as soon as I am successful.

Thanks again