Breeding Question

[southcalihedgie]

I recently advised a hedgehog owner against housing two pregnant females together. I assume that having multiple litters of any small animal could cause stress to the mothers which could causing fighting or cannibalization. He says that the females should be fine. I argued that it is better to be safe than sorry. Am I being paranoid? Or is he right?

Has anyone kept two pregnant females together even after they give birth? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Nancy]

You are right. Housing two females together for delivery is just asking for problems. I have heard of a few rare instances that a girl delivered with a cagemate and there were no problems but that is not the norm. I agree totally, better safe than sorry. :)

[hedgehog69]

they will probally kill each others babies hedgehogs are a solitary animal

[illinidairychic]

I have to agree that I wouldn't see it as being safe. I would think that the mother would get stressed out by the other hedgehog in the cage. I wouldn't risk the stress of the mother like that. Also IF they both had their babies at the same time and nursed all of them....don't know if it would ever happen....how would you be able to know which hoglets came from which mom??

[southcalihedgie]

I thought I was right...wait I always think I am right :). I just wanted to make sure! :high5:

[cjbapp]

Why does this person not want to listen?? It is advised by almost everyone that even females who are not in a breeding program should be housed alone for the most part. I have two sisters who are still together at 4 months old, but every time I hear the slightest little hiss, I consider splitting them. (Then I realize that one is just hissing at me for poking my nose in her bag!) If they ever turn out to be good enough for breeding, they will be split up at least a month beforehand in order to get used to life alone. It worries me when people won't listen to someone with more experience than them...what other hedgie *don'ts* are they disregarding? :(