[Spiff The Hedge]

Ok, so just this morning, I took SPiff out to clip his nails. I noticed he was acting very weird. First of all, he shook while he stood and walked. He kept his mouth right against the carpet when he walked, and his forehead was moving stragely. USually, when he huffs, the spikes on his head just flare up. Today, it seemed like he was having a hard time even opening his 'reverse mohawk'. I need some help here, I am worried he might have WLS or something worse!

The only new things he has tried were a pumpkin last night and he licked up some salt.

 

[krbshappy71]

Hedgehogs aren't usually up during this time of day. Are you sure he wasn't just confused from being woken up? Is this a normal thing to do at this time of day for him? I only take mine out from 4 p.m. until late evening.

 

[smhufflepuff]

Even if your hedgie is sleepy, he shouldn't be shaking and stumbling around.

My first thought is hibernation as a possibility. How warm is he? When you feel his belly, is it nice and toasty? If not, use your body heat to warm him... put him on your tummy, under your shirt. What temperature is his cage and how many hours of light does he get per day?

Next thought is about the salt he licked up. How much? I don't know what kind of effect that could have on his little body. I'd be looking at calling vets in my area about that.

Did he eat, drink, poop, pee, and wheel last night?

 

[Lilysmommy]

Check his belly. Does it feel cool? If it does, he's having a hibernation attempt, due either to too-cool temperatures or not enough light. You need to get him warmed up, but not too quickly. The best way of doing this is to hold him under your shirt, against your skin until he warms up.

 

[Spiff The Hedge]

Ok, well, He didn't run on his wheel last night, because I had to take it out to clean it, but he hadn't been running before much either.
Oh, gosh, thank you guys so much. His tummy was pretty cold. He's under my robe right now. He might not have gotten enough light, either, because I moved him under my desk last night as well. THank you guys soooo much! (I feel like such a bad hedgie owner for not giving him the right things! )

 

[Lilysmommy]

It's alright, this is why we're here. I had this happen with Lily, I think she wasn't getting enough light either. >.< Just learn from this and be glad you caught him in time. Make sure he's getting enough light (12-14 hours) each day, and try to keep the temp constant. Keep a close eye on him for a couple of days, as it's more common for them to have another hibernation attempt right after one.

 

[shetland]

Is hedgie well again?