My Young Hedgie Just Gave Birth

[easter]

I've read the info on this in previous posts, but I my hedgie is very young and I don't think that the same information will apply to her. I got her at a pet shop 4 weeks ago, not aware of her pregnancy. We believe that she is between 3-4 months old. I want the to baby to survive and I'm wondering what I can do to prevent cannibalism.

[MissC]

Stay away from mama!!!!

There's a thread that will help...one of the breeders will be along soon:

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=6994

[MissC]

Sorry...I was in a hurry to tell you to leave mama be. You can PM one of the breeders: Nancy, Nikki and hedgehog grove are on HHC a lot...there are other breeders, too, these three are the first to come to mind.

If there's a change in light, noise...anything, mama may think her babies are threatened and may hurt them, so be careful to not change anything for now...the post and other people will help you soon.

Congrats, BTW! You're a hedgie-grandmama! (grandpapa?)

[easter]

Thanks you so much

[PintoPrincess2]

We had this happen as well; except from a breeder. We just stayed away from mom unless she needed food or water. Then once we could start looking in at the little ones we checked on them only when necessary. Just stay calm and make sure she is relaxed. No stresses. Ours was the same age; 3 1/2 months and everything was just fine with mom and babies. She ended up with 3 healthy hoglets and was a natural at being a mother. Just make sure your patience doesnt get the best of you! Dont peek no matter how bad you want to see the babies. Mom basically let us know when she was ready for us to start checking things out. You'll know. Also make sure you put her food and water close to the entrance of her nest and take out her wheel. Good luck; keep us posted!

[nikki]

I answered on your other post, but what I said there was ...leave her completely alone, no peeking no going near the cage except to feed and water her once a day.

[hedgiecare]

Leave her alone for 2 whole weeks. only go to her cage when you need to feed or give her water. make sure the cage is in an area where nothing or even noise is really going on that can startle the new mom.

[PintoPrincess2]

make sure the cage is in an area where nothing or even noise is really going on that can startle the new mom.[/quote]


We have a small apartment so noise travels easily; we had one friend whose voice to a human is loud and kind of annoying but poor Penelope just hated it! Even being in a seperate room... we finally had to politely ask him to refrain from visiting until mom and babies were more comfortable and a little older... kind of ackward but way better then stressing her out.

[easter]

I would really like to know how many days will go by before I can stop worrying that my hedgie will eat her baby.

[pooka dotted]

There is no "safe period" for a hedgie, some 5 weeks old have been attacked for no apparent reason. But generally after the two week mark, it's safe to say they will be okay.