Hedgehogs are masters of hiding signs of illness and often their owners find out when it is too late. Symptoms of wobbling are usually a sign of trouble that needs to be looked into right away before things escalate further.
This article provides answers to the question “do hedgehogs wobble when cold?” by revealing the signs that occur when hedgehogs are exposed to uncomfortably low temperatures. We also look into other reasons that could induce hobbling in hedgehogs and effective solutions if any.
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Do Hedgehogs Wobble When Cold?
Wobbling is a common sign in hedgehogs exposed to temperatures below the lower threshold in the preferred range of 72 F to 80 F which induces hibernation. Hedgehogs may also show signs of wobbling when stricken with the deadly Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome.
No need to panic just yet when hedgehogs start exhibiting signs of wobbling. While it is usually a bad omen, the focus should be on figuring out the underlying condition and providing solutions rather than wasting time on self-pity.
When Hedgehogs Wobble Due To Cold Weather
Exposure to cold temperatures is a leading cause of wobbling in hedgehogs and this typically occurs when their body temperatures drop significantly below the normal range of 95 F to 98 F. Since hedgehogs are instinctive hibernators from their time in the wild, attempts are automatically made to usher themselves into a state of torpor even with the abundance of food and water in their cages.
Unlike wild hedgehogs that go in and out of hibernation when necessary with good chances of survival, domesticated breeds do not enjoy the same luck. Hibernation attempts are a leading cause of death in caged hedgehogs because their bodies lack the right amount of fat reserves for survival.
Maintaining consistently warm temperatures in the hedgehog’s environment is the best way to stave off attempts at hibernation. With their body temperatures staying within healthy zones, they have no excuse to go into the dangerous dormancy state.
How Do I Know If My hedgehog is Too Cold?

Signs that your hedgehog is too cold include constant sneezing and decreased activity as well as lower appetite. Hedgehogs feeling the strain of extreme cold could reject drinking and eating including favorite treats like mealworms.
It is not uncommon for cold hedgehogs to abandon exercise wheels and avoid moving from their current spot throughout the night. A quick check of their cage temperature should reveal figures below the minimum 72 F requirement.
When Hedgehogs Attempt To Hibernate
Hibernation attempts by domesticated hedgehogs can be confusing for many folks especially when the pets are supplied with constant food and water. However, it is an instinctive habit that kicks in after exposure to cold temperatures for a couple of hours.
Hedgehogs in the wild hibernate in cold weather because their food sources vanish during winter when insects, toads, slugs, and other vertebrates either die from the cold or find places to hide until favorable weather returns.
With hedgehogs unable to find food, going into a state of torpor where energy usage is minimal is a survival instinct that serves them well. The varied nature of wild hedgehogs’ diets enables the accumulation of the necessary fat reserves to offer a fair chance of survival during the precarious state.
Keeping the hedgehog’s cage temperature consistently warm staves off the need to initiate hibernation among domesticated hedgehogs because their body temperatures remain within normal ranges. It is recommended that cage temperatures are kept within 72 F to 80 F.
Owners clueless about the hedgehog’s temperature requirements often experience the shock of their lives when their spiky animals sometimes do not make it after hibernating during winter. These hedgehogs often display signs of imminent hibernation which are ignored due to ignorance.
Here are the major signs of hibernation attempts among hedgehogs.
- Wobbling and the inability to stay on their feet when walking
- Declined or loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Labored breathing
- Reduced body temperature and cold-to-the-touch-underbellies
How To Stop Hedgehog Hibernation Attempts

Stopping hedgehogs from hibernation in the nick of time could be lifesaving. Increasing their body temperature is the best way out but this should be done gradually rather than applying instant heat which could shock their bodies resulting in further complications.
Since the recommended warm-up process is gradual, do not expect domesticated hedgehogs to wake up from hibernation immediately. Skin-to-skin contact is recommended by veterinarians when trying to stifle hibernation attempts in pet hedgehogs.
Placing the hedgehog underneath your shirt in a manner that provides physical contact with your stomach or other areas of your body is the most effective method. Make sure contact is made with the soft underbelly and not the poking spines for quick heat transfer from your body to the hedgehog’s.
This method also eliminates the risk of suffering pokes from the hedgehog’s sharp spines. Do not forget to wrap a warm blanket around the hedgehog during skin-to-skin contact to provide heat insulation. The chances of the hedgehog waking up within 30 minutes can be high when done correctly.
Continue providing warmth for the hedgehog for 1-2 hours even after waking up to produce a more stable internal body temperature. Sometimes, hedgehogs fail to wake up from hibernating despite your best efforts, and booking an appointment with your exotics vet is the last resort.
When Hedgehogs Wobble Due to Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome
Are your hedgehogs showing signs of wobbling despite consistently warm cage temperatures? That could be a sign of Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome, a degenerative condition that pops up in hedgehogs within the ages of 24 to 36 months.
In rare instances, younger hedgehogs or much older breeds may also be diagnosed with the condition. Unfortunately, the underlying cause and cure are yet to be discovered. This makes it a death sentence for hedgehogs diagnosed with WHS.
The main characteristic of the condition is significant wobbling when the affected hedgehog tries to walk or even stand on its feet. Additional signs of Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome include:
- Walking difficulties
- Seizures
- Unusual aggression
- Weakened muscles
- Swallowing difficulties
- Tilted heads
- Tripping and Falling
- Weight Loss
- Urine Retention
Noticing a couple of the signs above in hedgehogs makes the condition highly probable even before an official diagnosis from a vet. This is especially true when the hedgehog’s cage is warm and does not feel cold to the touch.
There’s no known cure for Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome and affected hedgehogs typically live for up to 24 months or even more with the best care. The condition is progressive meaning the physical symptoms get worse over time.
Some owners may choose euthanasia to save the hedgehog from excessive pain and discomfort during its final moments. Offering tender love and care to affected hedgehogs may be critical to making their final moments memorable.
Speaking to an exotics vet about your hedgehog’s condition could provide deep insights of what to expect with each passing day as the hedgehog’s condition deteriorates.
Conclusion: Do Hedgehogs Wobble When Cold?
Wobbling is a common condition when hedgehogs attempt to hibernate after exposure to cold environments that results in corresponding drops in their internal body temperature. Providing immediate heat via skin-to-skin contact may increase the hedgehog’s internal body temperature to stifle the attempted hibernation.
Wobbling could also be a sign of Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome, a degenerative disease that has no known cure. The condition can be easily diagnosed when the sign becomes apparent despite hedgehogs being raised in warm environments.