Do Hedgehogs Jump?


European hedgehog in the woods as gardener wonders Do Hedgehogs Jump?

Hedgehogs are cute little pets known for the sharp spines on their backs and the ability to curl into balls when in defensive mode. They’re not known for running or jumping and many prospective new owners may wonder whether their short legs offer any defensive advantages to prevent predatory attacks.

This article answers the question “Do Hedgehogs Jump?” by discussing what triggers the small exotic mammals to undertake those movements and ways to discourage jumping activities. We also look into the main types of jumping and how to stifle escape attempts from their cages among domesticated breeds.

Do Hedgehogs Jump?

Hedgehogs jump as a defensive mechanism when curling up is not an option for some reason while being chased by predators. Leaps are a normal part of nightly movements in the wild to forage for food and water. Healthy adult hedgehogs typically have a higher jumping reach than younger ones. Hedgehogs may be more motivated to jump higher when under pursuit from predators compared to leisurely jumps.

Hedgehogs are not exactly jumpy animals and only spring into action when their circumstances demand that. Jumping in domesticated breeds should trigger detailed investigations to find out the underlying reasons because the signs may not look good.

Why Do Hedgehogs Jump Continuously?

Like all animals with legs, hedgehogs jump once in a while to escape obstacles or to get to another desired spot that may be higher. However, consistent jumping could be a sign of trouble and should be looked into promptly.

Here are common reasons that trigger continuous jumping in hedgehogs whether domesticated or in the wild.

Anxiety

Anxious-looking African pygmy hedgehog in the forest

Anxiety can trigger consistent jumping in even the calmest hedgehogs, especially after arrival in new environments. With the conditions in the new surroundings foreign to them, a hedgehog’s anxiety levels could reach an all-time high.

This can be triggered by the fear for its life due to the lack of familiarity with not only the new habitat but the new owner as well. Remember, hedgehogs are naturally spooked by larger animals and humans because of the constant predatory attacks they are forced to deal with in the wild.

Attempts at petting a newly arrived hedgehog could trigger jumping each time the owner’s hand comes close to their bodies. They may quickly run into hideouts and stay hidden until you leave the cage. Even when hedgehogs finally adapt to new environments, handling by strangers can still trigger jumping.

Other members of the household could struggle to bond with hedgehogs because it may take significant timeframes for their scents to become familiar. Until then, hedgehogs consider all strangers potential predators and attempts at getting close could make them anxious.

A slow introduction of hedgehogs to new folks is the best way to minimize anxiety and lower the risks of related behaviors like continuous jumping. Dedicated bonding with pet hedgehogs is the best way to eliminate anxious behavior.

Stress

Hedgehogs may jump as a response to stress especially when it pops out of nowhere. Caged hedgehogs have demanding habitat requirements including minimal noise. Playing loud music all of a sudden could trigger stress and force hedgehogs to jump from one spot to another as a response.

Hedgehogs can remain spooked while the loud music keeps blasting away and the feeling that somebody may be trying to get to them could lead to jumping around their cages. They may alternate between curling up and jumping within the disturbing period.

How To Stop Hedgehogs From Constant Jumping

Hedgehogs do not jump around when calm and the best way to stop the behavior is to figure out how to get them to loosen up. Here are tried and tested methods to eliminate jumpiness from caged hedgehogs.

Comfy Environment

hedgehog napping in a cage

Hedgehogs have only been domesticated for the last 3 decades or so meaning permanent confinement does not come naturally to them. Ensuring that their habitats provide comfort is the best way to steady their nerves.

Their cages should provide year-round warmth within temperature ranges of 72 F to 80 F. Fixing a thermometer that keeps real-time track of the temperatures in their environment is critical to ensure no exposure to cold temperatures that may result in wobbling and hibernation.

Are you keeping track of the hedgehog’s lighting needs? Hedgehogs enjoy 12 hours of darkness and 12 hours of illumination to maintain good moods, reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep. Making sure they receive ample lighting can be important to eliminating signs of jumpiness.

Hedgehogs thrive in cages filled with comfortable bedding like fleece and paper-based caged liners. This is key due to the sharp spines on their backs which can make bedding-less cages extremely uncomfortable. Besides, the right cage liner offers many opportunities for hedgehogs to burrow deep inside their enclosures, especially during cold weather. (Source)

Consistent bonding

Bonding is vital to the chances of hedgehogs settling into new environments which can effectively reduce their anxiety. Unfortunately, it could take several months before hedgehogs finally get comfortable with their owners but consistency is the key.

Bonding should start within a week of the new hedgehog’s arrival and at least half an hour of physical contact with your bare hands is recommended daily. Avoid wearing thick hand gloves despite the risk of getting poked because hedgehogs can only recognize their owners via scents and voice.

Always wash your hands prior to bonding with pet hedgehogs and avoid using different soaps to prevent scent confusion. Handling hedgehogs with your hands can be complicated but petting their spines should always be a big part of the bonding process.

Petting should be gentle from the head to the tail direction and watch out for signs of distress or pleasure in the hedgehog to determine whether to continue or not. Not all hedgehogs love being petted so keep that in mind.

Offer Treats

chicken being roasted for hedgehogs

Treats are a great way to bond with hedgehogs that are acting all jumpy, especially after arrival in a new home. They may refuse to eat anything offered within the first 48 hours due to extreme stress but do not relent in efforts to make them feel at home.

Hedgehog favorites include tasty mealies, Dubya roaches, crickets, and hardboiled eggs. Lean protein sources like cooked poultry could also come in handy when attempting to bribe hedgehogs.

What Types of Jumping Do Hedgehogs Engage In?

Hedgehogs may jump continuously or intermittently depending on the situation on the ground. Continuous jumping is rare because their energy reserves do not offer enough room for that. Intermittent jumping which involves pauses between leaps is more common. They enjoy short rests between each jump to gather energy for the next one.

How High Can Hedgehogs Jump?

A hedgehog’s size determines its jumping reach as previously stated but the average adult hedgehog can jump up to 20 inches horizontally and 15 inches vertically.

Can Hedgehogs Jump Out Of Their Cages?

Hedgehogs can jump out of cages with sides lower than 20 inches high even though climbing is usually their preferred method. Hedgehogs are talented escape artists that are always looking for ways out of their cages.

We recommend buying a cage that offers a roof to serve as a vertical obstacle as well as sides that are high enough to stifle escape attempts from the sides.

Conclusion: Do Hedgehogs Jump?

Hedgehogs may jump as a response to sudden petting from their owners that catches them unawares or from strangers whose scents they may not be familiar with. Wild hedgehogs also jump due to anxiety from hot predatory pursuits or to escape situations that could land them in trouble.

Stressful situations such as blasting loud music can lead to unsettling behavior like jumping especially the moment when the sound is turned on. Lack of proper comfort in their cages including low temperatures and inadequate lighting are common causes of jumpiness in hedgehogs.

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