Kiwi trick me

[Ginger]

Yesterday, Kiwi did the Sleep of Death. It wasn't funny at all. :(

I put her on the floor last night to give her some free room. She was just walking a bit. Suddently, I looked at her and saw that she wasn't moving anymore. So I took her. Her eyes were open as well a s her mouth. Really scary ! I named her, I touched her head few times (she really hate it), I shaked her a little bit. Nothing !

I called my boyfriend and he was scared too. I wasn't able to stop saying "elle est morte, elle est morte" (in english : she's dead). My heart was beating really hard.

And after 3 minutes, she started to move again but she seems lost... (sighs).

I hope that it will not happen to anyone who has an hedgehog. This story just makes me sad...

[HedgieSpirit]

Oh so sorry it had to happen to you. My mom was so scared when Chloe did it. At least it wasn't the real thing, I'm glad to hear that Kiwi is alright.

[LiveToLove]

Ooh no.. that's so sad! Is there a medical condition that could have caused this?

[PrettyHate]

Ooh no.. that's so sad! Is there a medical condition that could have caused this?

There are four basic stages to sleep. Here are each of them as written in my book. I believe that stages three and four explains the "sleep of death" that some hedgies experience. If my thoughts on this is correct then there truely is no need to worry about your little ones- they are just experiencing healthy sleep! I have highlited the parts that sound most like peoples experiences with this occurance. I hope this helps put some minds at ease.

Stage1. Your brain waves become small and irregular, and you feel yourself drifting on the edge of consciousness, in a state of light sleep. If awakend you may recall fantasies or a few visual images.

Stage 2. You bring emits occasional short bursts of rapid, high peaking waves called sleep spindles. Minor noises probably wont disturb you.

Stage 3. In addition to the waves characterized in Stage 2, your brain occasionally emits delta waves, very slow waves with very high peaks. Your breathing and pulse have slowed down, your muscles are relaxed and you are hard to arouse

Stage 4. Delta waves have now largely taken over, and you are in a deep sleep. It will probably take vigorous shaking or a loud noise to awake you. Oddly, though, talking or walking in sleep. those those for experience it, is most likely during this period.

[Ododad]

Hi Ginger! Long time no see!
Hope Kiwi is doing fine now. I don't have any new information for you, just wanted to say hi.

[Ginger]

Thanks Ododad ! : )
I was very busy !

Kiwi seems ok now. : )

[Ododad]

Thanks Ododad ! : )
I was very busy !

Kiwi seems ok now. : )
I'm glad. :) I miss hearing about her. :(

[shirleytx]

That sounds really scarey I'm glad your hedgie was ok.

[Jessica21]

Is this something common with hedgehogs? I'm researching into getting one (wont be for a year at least not ready yet lol) and want to find out as much as I can :)

[Laurifer]

I have owned hedgehogs for about 3 years, and it has only happened to me once. The thread a few places down on this forum is called Sleep of Death. It is all about that. While it is happening, it is VERY scarey, but when it is over and they have that stupid "Huh, what happened?" look on their face, it is quite funny!

-Laurifer