Possible Problem With A Baby

[jennypants]

One of my Hedgehog's, Lulu had 2 babies. It's been about three weeks since she gave birth. Well 1 was out of the nest hanging out so I decided to look at them since Lulu didn't seem to mind. The one outside the nest is nice and big and seemed fine. I couldn't really get a look cause it wouldn't unroll itself. I went into the hedgy bag and took out the other baby which is like 1/2 the size of the other one. Well it wasn't shy at all and was trying to crawl around. It looked like it's eye's have not opened. I'm wondering if something is wrong with it due to it's small size. If something was really wrong shouldn't she have eaten it or left it.

[paris26]

What are you using for the bedding? Is it possible dust from shavings has sealed her eyes shut? Just a thought

[bloane]

If it hasn't been quite 3 weeks yet, your baby may just be on the slightly slower side of opening. I have had some litters that I would almost swear said "ready, set, GO" and all opened their eyes at the same time, and other litters that there have been 2,3, even 4 days between the opening of the first baby's eyes and the last.
The smaller size may be because of some form of problem with the baby, or it may just be because the baby was born a little bit smaller, and the larger baby was a bully at the milk bar and didn't let it get enough food. The next few weeks will be the teller, if the baby is normal but didn't get enough to eat, it should start growing like a weed once it starts on more solid foods. If it continues to be a slow grower, it may either A.) Just be a hedgehog who is going to stay small, or B.) may have some form of problem such as a defect in the digestive tract or circulation that prevents it from growing properly.
Becca

[jennypants]

I don't use shavings I use the carefresh bedding. The baby's were born in a hedgy bag. It's legs look like it's wearing socks (dark grey) in color and it's skin on it's belly is quite red. I'll provide some pictures tonight around 9pm when I get off work.

[Steph]

I have to agree with Becca... I have a lot of size and development differences in my litters, some just develop a bit slower, there's always a runt of any litter. As long as his tummy is full feeling (should be kind of round) and warm I am sure he's just a late bloomer. At 3 weeks you should be able to keep a good eye on them now. Usually by 2 weeks mom is bonded to the babies and you're in the clear...

[bloane]

The dark grey socks may be completely normal for your baby. Some of the darker colors, especially algerian versions have mottling on their legs that can range from a single freckle or two to a complete sock covering the foot and leg. The red skin on the belly is a bit more unusual, does it look raw, blistery, or any other form of wrong?
Becca

[jennypants]

Here are some pictures. The big one has a bit of an attitude problem. The little one seems to have opened 1 eye. When I had him on the floor and he was trying to walk around it seemed like he only used his front legs and turned in circles. I thought maybe he couldn't use his back legs. But when I had him upside down he kicked them. I don't know but he is the most adorable i've seen yet and he's so friendly.

http://www.geocities.com/jkbleda/h3.jpg
LITTLE ONE
http://www.geocities.com/jkbleda/h1.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/jkbleda/h2.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/jkbleda/h5.jpg
BIG ONE
http://www.geocities.com/jkbleda/h4.jpg

[illinidairychic]

It looks like you have an algerian which is why it has gray on her legs. There is quite a size difference but she looks pretty normal otherwise.

[Jessicy]

they are soo cute!

[Steph]

That right eye looks a bit swollen but it's not pussy or anything that I can see. It's not red is it?

His belly is normal colored from what I can tell as well. He really looks ok to me, it's hard to say for sure from a picture and if you're not sure you can sure take him to a vet but I am guessing he's just a smaller hedgie and maybe a little slower to develop. It's possible his big brother is a bully and keeps him from eating. When I have a litter like that I take the bigger one out for a while a few times a day and leave just the little one with mom. I sometimes (if it's a girl) even leave them with mom a week or two longer just to give them that boost but you don't want to do that with a male.