Odd behavior in a pregnant hedgie...

[wyvernrider18]

So, I've been told that pregnant hedgies usually get grumpier during their gestation. This is not the case for my favorite hedgie at my school, Hotaru. I had the privilege to choose the breeding pair for this litter and I chose to breed Hotaru to out pale apricot, Boss Hog. Since she's been pregnant, she has seemed to get a lot nicer. She doesn't get nearly as upset when i handle her anymore, and when i took her out to play the other day, she spent the whole time chasing me around the room to smell my pants and cuddle. It was really sweet. I'm really hoping for an apricot pinto female from her litter. If she does have one, then I will probably be bringing home a mother/daughter pair. She's due to have her babies within the first few weeks of April and I'm really puped. Cross your fingers for a safe delivery and happy, healthy babies and mommy!

[HamorHollow]

This is not the case for my favorite hedgie at my school, Hotaru. I had the privilege to choose the breeding pair for this litter and I chose to breed Hotaru to out pale apricot, Boss Hog.

Wait a sec, you bred a hedgehog at your school? Please please please tell me that you are talking about a vet school and not a high school. Also, please don't let her have the babies in a noisy class room where kids will be peeking at her all the time. She will need peace and quiet just before the babies are due and then while she has them, or there is a good chance that she will destroy the litter.

What is the first day she was with a male? 35 days after that is your due date. You need to have a nest box ready for her, and also stop taking her out of her cage by day 28. As she gets closer, she will probabally get huffier.

I am afraid to ask, but do these hedgehogs have lines, or are they from pet stores?

If you want this litter to stand a chance, Please look around on the web and get all the info you can on breeding and pregnancy. Hedgehog World (http://www.hedgehogworld.com/) has several articles you can refer to.

Also, does this hedgehog have 24 hour care? I really hope so. There are a lot of things that can and do go wrong in the middle of the night. I know of more then 1 mom who has needed to be rushed to the emergency vet at 3AM for a C-section.

-K

[hemi_mygirl]

Although I'm not sure, I think this is a vet tech program at a college. I'm not 100% sure though.

Something also tells me that I read something about Boss Hog being a petstore boy, but again, don't quote me on that.

[HamorHollow]

Although I'm not sure, I think this is a vet tech program at a college. I'm not 100% sure though.

Something also tells me that I read something about Boss Hog being a petstore boy, but again, don't quote me on that.

Ohhhhhh, a vet tech program where the techs learn about hedgehogs would be awesome! More vets and techs need to learn about hedgehogs.

[wyvernrider18]

Yes, this is a vet tech college. I'm not 100% sure on the origins of these hedgehogs, but I was very careful in the selection to make sure the babies aren't going to be inbred. She is also in the exotics room where there are really only people in there morning and night to take care of the animals on kennel rotations. As far as problems go, there is a vet on call if something should go wrong with delivery and the 2nd year students are familiar with surgery. I have also volunteered myself to handraise babies if she should neglect them for any reason because I have done it before. I am willing to spend nights in the exotics room if I have to. :) Don't worry. Mommy and babies are in good hands. I'm no expert, but i have certainly learned a lot from the first hedgehog I had and am willing to do what i can to help.

[hemi_mygirl]

Ohhhhhh, a vet tech program where the techs learn about hedgehogs would be awesome! More vets and techs need to learn about hedgehogs.
I know! I'd be the first in line for that, if I could find one solely dedicated to hedgehogs.

[HamorHollow]

I know! I'd be the first in line for that, if I could find one solely dedicated to hedgehogs.


Good, I am glad she is in good hands. If you end up having to hand raise, feel free to call on me. I have a bit of experience and can do my best to guide you. I am sure there will be a lot of knowledgeable people at the vet school too.

[hemi_mygirl]

Yes, this is a vet tech college. I'm not 100% sure on the origins of these hedgehogs, but I was very careful in the selection to make sure the babies aren't going to be inbred. She is also in the exotics room where there are really only people in there morning and night to take care of the animals on kennel rotations. As far as problems go, there is a vet on call if something should go wrong with delivery and the 2nd year students are familiar with surgery. I have also volunteered myself to handraise babies if she should neglect them for any reason because I have done it before. I am willing to spend nights in the exotics room if I have to. :) Don't worry. Mommy and babies are in good hands. I'm no expert, but i have certainly learned a lot from the first hedgehog I had and am willing to do what i can to help.
I hope you'll be taking pictures of Hotaru and her new babies when they decide to make their grand entrance. I just love baby pictures, and everytime I see a baby....it just lessens my resolve to wait a year or so to bring another one home...