Pummer's isn't herself

[LandonC]

I took her out of her cage today to give her a bath and she wouldn't come out of her ball for atleast 5 minutes, typically, she doesn't ball up.

She was barely breathing and she made 4 or 5 of these long and loud sounds. They sounded like 'eeeeeaaahhh.'

Up until this, i have never heard her make a noise other then the usual clicks and hisses. She's been pooping like crazy since we woke her and she was shaking at first.

Does anyone know what this could be?

[HedgeMom]

Is her tummy cold? It could be a hibernation attempt. When they get cold, everything slows down, including their noises. Put her inside your shirt and sit with her, cover yourself up to keep more warmth in. Warming her is the most important part.

Make sure she's very warm before putting her back. Then make sure her habitat stays at least 75 degrees and that she has 12 hours of light every day. Make sure she's eating and drinking and pooping normally.A vet visit will most likely be necessary.

[hemi_mygirl]

That sounds like a hibernation attempt, as HM said. Poor girl. Keep her warm, and watch her closely. After a hibernation attempt, some hedgehogs' immunity system could be weaker and she may be susceptible to illnesses.

It may help to keep her heating pad on low tonight, just to give her that extra boost of heat after you have her warmed up. Keep her room toasty warm, and check on her often. A hibernation attempt can be followed by a few others since each attempt weakens their system a little.

How old is little Pumkin? Some hedgehogs may get a little more sensitive to cold as they get older and you may have to be extra careful to keep them warmer. I think Nancy had a few girls who needed their heating pads on 24/7, due to age or illness.

[FiaSpice]

I remember HM told me that camomile herbal tea (only camomile) diluted in twice the normal water at room temperature (not too hot), may help her have more apetite if she was in hibernation.

[LandonC]

Thanks for the responses. Pum's is back to her normal self. I did take her out and held her for a couple hours and have been checking on her a lot. My dad turned up the in floor heating to 24 C.

She's been eating lots, running lots, and pooping LOTS. Like her wheel is coated in poop after one night... Lol.

She is the oddest bugger. Would she have had a bad dream as I woke her? She seemed to be making noises when I went to pick her up...

[groovychic]

Good to see that Pummer is back to her old self again. Just keep an eye on her because once they have attempted hibernation it is easy for them to attempt it again soon after. As for the noise thing....many hedgies make noises in their sleep. Kahlua used to make little whimpers almost like a puppy, Dante squeeks in his sleep. Keep us updates on how the little one is doing!