Hedgehogs are emerging as the exotics pet of choice for folks looking for something different than common pocket rodents like hamsters, mice, and rats. A few minutes into the hedgehog’s arrival at home and it becomes apparent that they are very vocal.
This article answers the question “Why Do Hedgehogs Squeak?” by discussing common causes of loud squeaks in hedgehogs. We also uncover a couple of their most common sounds and what each could mean.
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Why Do Hedgehogs Squeak?
Hedgehogs squeak as a response to annoyance, cold temperatures, or distress. Squeaking noises from newborn hoglets serve as confirmation of their safe arrival while male hedgehogs hunting for partners may also squeak to alert females of their presence.
Hearing squeaking sounds can set many hedgehog owners into worry mode but it is clear that the loud sounds may not always be negative. Paying closer attention to the hedgehog for additional clues could help determine the next line of action to take.
Good Reasons Why Hedgehogs Squeak
Here are a few positive reasons that may induce squeaking sounds in hedgehogs. There should be no cause for alarm when you notice any of the following.
Hedgehogs Squeaking While Eating
Hedgehogs squeak while munching on food as a sign of pleasure and this is typically common when offered favorites like mealworms or hardboiled eggs. It is a positive sign that can give clues about what foods hedgehogs enjoy to help proper diet planning.
Hedgehogs Squeaking In Their Sleep
Hedgehogs squeak in their sleep when experiencing positive dreams and the best thing you can do is to leave them alone to savor the delights of dreamland. It is a common occurrence in hedgehogs that have settled in loving environments.
You can enjoy watching sleeping hedgehogs squeak with the knowledge that they are not under duress or distress.
Call For Mating Partners
Male hedgehogs travel 2-3 km each night to look for food, water, and mating partners in the wild. During mating season, males squeak loudly as a call for female partners that may be available within a specific mile radius. Females may respond with loud counter squeaks when approached by males they are not attracted to. (Source)
Negative Reasons For Squeaking in Hedgehogs
Here are the most common negative underlying reasons for squeaking in hedgehogs. Responsible owners are duty-bound to look for additional symptoms to verify whether any of the causes below apply when their hedgehogs squeak loudly.
Hunger & Thirst
Hedgehogs require 1-3 tablespoons of food daily depending on factors like age, state of health, and general well-being. They also need constant access to hydration via water bottles or bowls at every point in time.
Hedgehogs spend the daytime sleeping and wake up at night looking for food and water. Squeaking is often a normal reaction when they realize empty food bowls around the regular feeding time. Squeaks are often their way of communicating displeasure at the lack of food access.
The loud sounds are a wake-up call to alert their owners for food and water refills when necessary and often ceases once the food arrives in their bowls. Thirst is another common reason for squeaking in hedgehogs and even if their water bowl is refilled, dispensing difficulties can lead to squeaking.
Checking to make sure the water bottle is in good working order could be critical to prevent unnecessary dehydration.
Cold or Heat
Hedgehogs may squeak when exposed to uncomfortable colds or warmth. They require constant temperatures ranging from 72 F to 80 F year-round regardless of outdoor temperatures and failure to provide that in their cages can lead to loud squeaking to register their discomfort.
Exposure to excessive cold or heat could trigger hibernation or estivation in domesticated hedgehogs which can put their lives at risk.
Uncomfortable Habitats
Hedgehogs in uncomfortable cage environments squeak a lot, which is often common after arrival in a new home. Due to the lack of familiarity with the new surroundings, it can take a long time for hedgehogs to get comfortable.
Squeaks are inevitable during the first few days and weeks but the loudness typically dies down over time as they become more familiar. Hedgehogs in old cages may also squeak as a result of changing conditions including the introduction of new inhabitants.
Hedgehogs are solitary animals that are best caged independently and attempts at changing that are often met with a fierce response.
Pain From Infections or Diseases
Hedgehogs are exposed to many infections and diseases which may cause significant discomfort. From dental problems to foot injuries, squeaking can be a sign that all is not well with the hedgehog’s health.
You may have to conduct physical inspections for signs of injury and book an appointment to confirm the reasons behind their discomfort. Once the hedgehog receives the necessary treatment, the squeaks and other distress calls should die down over time.
Newborns
Squeaking is often the first confirmation of delivery among pregnant females. Newborns typically squeak a lot during the first couple of days of life. Squeaking becomes inevitable just like human babies cry during their first few days as they adjust to the changed conditions compared to the mother’s uterus.
It’s always a bad idea to disturb pregnant hedgehogs with your presence close to their due date and the sound of the squeaks can be a welcome confirmation of the hoglets’ arrival. It could also be a sign of a lack of comfort which may be due to the absence of a cozy nesting box.
How Do I Stop My Hedgehog From Squeaking?
There’s no magic bullet to stop hedgehogs from making loud squeaking sounds except to figure out the underlying reasons and provide the necessary solutions if possible. Here are tried and tested ways that could eliminate squeaking in pet hedgehogs.
Well-Balanced Hedgehog Diets and Constant Water Access
Hedgehogs require access to well-balanced diets comprising of high-quality cat food or packaged hedgehog kibble, insects, fruits, and vegetables. Animal protein sources like hardboiled eggs and lean meat are extra food options that can come in handy.
Hedgehog food bowls should always be refilled before or immediately after they wake up at night. Additionally, hedgehogs require access to fresh, clean water at all times to maintain hydration and improve their overall health.
This may not only prevent the disturbing squeaking noises but can also eliminate gross behavior like eating their own poop.
Automated Year-Round Cage Temperature
Hedgehogs require well-set-up cages to provide optimum comfort and getting one that offers the right floor space to accommodate all the necessary bells and whistles could be a great start. Experts recommend a minimum of 2×3 feet enclosures with tall sides to prevent escapes via jumping or climbing of the sides.
Hedgehog cages should feature the right bedding to provide physical comfort especially due to their back spines. In our experience, paper-based bedding or fleece works best thanks to its fine texture and moisture-wicking properties.
Hedgehogs are easily startled by noise which is why positioning the cage in the quietest area of the house may prove smart. Avoid turning on loud music or even loud TV sounds because they can cause significant stress.
The prevailing temperature and lighting in their cages is another important factor that could not be ignored. Hedgehogs require constant temperatures ranging from 72 F to 80 F and fixing an automated thermostat connected to cooling and heating sources can provide year-round temperature stability.
Avoid placing hedgehog cages in spots where they are exposed to drafts because they could cause many problems during the winter. Additionally, make provisions that guarantee 12 hours each of lighting and darkness in the hedgehog’s cage.
Speed Up The Settling in Process For New Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are naturally apprehensive after arrival in a new home but you can speed up the process by consistent physical handling. Avoid wearing thick gloves during physical contact to get them used to your scents and offer tasty treats to bribe them into getting comfortable with your presence.
Hedgehogs should be cradled gently with one hand like a baby while the other hand is placed behind its head as a second support base. They may also be placed on the owner’s laps or even allowed to play under your shirt.
While hedgehogs require dedication, time, and effort to bond with new owners, it is not impossible as long as the owner is not looking for quick results. The squeaks should be eliminated eventually even if it takes some time.
Extra Comfort For Pregnant Females and Hoglets
Providing extra comfort for pregnant females can eliminate squeaking sounds. It is essential to verify that the expectant mother has created a comfortable nesting place for the newborns before arrival. Pregnant females usually create nests from the cage bedding so providing extra supplies could guarantee the perfect nesting area.
While squeaking is inevitable in hoglets during the first few days after birth, nesting areas that provide warmth may offer more comfort. The squeaks become less over time resulting in a quiet environment for everyone.
Trip To The Vet
Are your squeaking hedgehogs showing signs like lack of appetite, lethargy, and weight loss? They could be battling serious pain and immediate veterinary attention can come in handy. Vets often conduct extensive tests to find out the underlying causes of the condition.
Pain medications and antibiotics are often prescribed depending on the underlying condition and the squeaks typically stop over time as the hedgehog recovers.
Other Common Hedgehog Sounds
Here are additional sounds to watch out for in pet hedgehogs or wild breeds that may have been visiting your property at night.
- Clicking: A sign of happiness or challenge to rival male hedgehogs during mating season
- Grunting: A common sign when hedgehogs are foraging for food
- Hissing: A sign of anger or annoyance
- Huffing: A sign of discomfort especially when strangers try to get too close
- Chirping: A sign of hunger in hoglets or males looking for mating partners
- Coughing: Hedgehogs cough when choking on food or as a sign of respiratory infections
- Chuffing: Sounds hedgehogs make when they are enjoying the act of mating
- Purring: Sign of happiness in hedgehogs
- Sneezing: Reflex elimination of dust particles from the hedgehog’s nose
- Screaming: An obvious sign of pain or distress in hedgehogs
- Squealing: Sign of discomfort especially when it is loud
- Singing: Another sign of happiness or mating ritual in males to attract female hedgehogs
- Wheezing: A common sign of infection or illness
Conclusion: Why Do Hedgehogs Squeak?
Hedgehogs may squeak as a sign of pleasure or distress depending on the prevailing conditions on the ground. We recommend investigating to find out the underlying reasons for the squeaks to know the right move.
If the squeaks come from the hedgehog being in a good place physically or psychologically, just make mental notes and leave them alone. On the other hand, distressing squeaks should be eliminated by providing a solution for the underlying reasons. For instance, hunger-induced squeaks should alert owners to provide food immediately while making sure the pet’s water bottles are functioning optimally.