Just like how rabbits create intricate warrens, prairie dogs dig extensive tunnels, and groundhogs make cozy burrows, you might wonder if hedgehogs have their own unique way of burrowing, too. Hedgehogs have a ton of both wacky and useful behaviors, so wondering if hedgehogs do burrow is a very valid topic. So, do these spiky creatures also join the underground club or do they have other means of creating their homes? Well, that’s exactly what we’re here to explore in this blog post!
What Is A Burrow?
It’s essential to clear up the confusion between the two meanings of the word “burrow” as it relates to the context of hedgehogs. On one hand, the term “burrow” refers to the action of digging holes in the ground, often used by animals to create shelters or hideouts. Many creatures, from rabbits to prairie dogs, are experts at burrowing to create safe havens underground. On the other hand, a “burrow” can also specifically mean the underground dwelling itself. So, while hedgehogs burrow to make burrows, in the context of this post, we’re only strictly talking about the action of digging and not the dwelling itself.
Do Hedgehogs Burrow?
Hedgehogs burrow, irrespective of whether they are wild or homebred. Burrowing is a natural, instinctual behavior for them, so they often tend to do it even when they are in a warm cage. Nevertheless, wild hedgehogs tend to burrow more since they actually need to do so to survive. Wild hedgehogs often need to dig shallow holes or find natural spots like leaf piles to create shelter and nests. On the other hand, pet hedgehogs might not burrow as much as their wild relatives since they don’t have to do it to survive. While they might still burrow occasionally, it is usually not as pronounced as the wild hedgehogs. Nevertheless, it’s possible to encourage this behavior by placing bedding in your hedgehog’s cage, making it easier to burrow whenever it wants to.
Why Do Hedgehogs Burrow?
Hedgehogs burrow for various reasons, each driven by their natural instincts and needs. Here are the primary reasons why they do it.
To Create A Home
One of the primary reasons they burrow is to create a safe and comfortable place to sleep. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, which means they sleep during the day when most other animals are awake; because of this, they need a safe place to sleep without any external disturbance. Burrowing in order to create burrows is a sure way to create a secure shelter where they can rest undisturbed. Hedgehogs also don’t like being too hot or cold, so burrows help them stay comfortable by giving them a place to cool down on hot days and stay warm on cold nights.
To Hibernate
A hedgehog’s burrowing behavior is also often influenced by how cold its immediate environment is. A hedgehog might opt to create a nest instead of burrowing deep underground when the weather is hot or warm. However, hedgehogs tend to burrow more frequently and need to when winter comes since they need to hibernate and protect themselves from the cold. On the other hand, pet hedgehogs don’t need to do this since they live in temperature-controlled environments. However, they might enter a state of “false hibernation,” which slows their metabolic and physiological functions if their cage gets too cold. Do note that it’s pretty dangerous for pet hedgehogs to hibernate since they do it without preparing for it, which can make it catastrophic to their health.
To Search For Food
Hedgehogs are omnivorous and primarily feed on insects, worms, small rodents, and even some plant matter. As such, hedgehogs need to burrow to access their prey more easily since many of their preferred food, such as insects and worms, are found in soil or on the ground.
To Give Birth
Hedgehogs dig burrows to give birth because these cozy underground spaces keep the babies safe from harm. Burrows protect the newborn hoglets from predators, harsh weather, and disturbances while allowing the mother to establish a nurturing nest and bond with her offspring. The burrow’s environment supports the delicate process of birth, growth, and initial exploration, ensuring the survival and well-being of the hedgehog family.
How To Create A Safe Space For Pet Hedgehogs To Burrow
It’s important to create a safe space for your hedgehog that will foster its natural burrowing tendency. To do this, you’ll first need to choose the right cage. Opt for a spacious cage with ample room for your hedgehog to burrow and move around. Then, you’ll need to line the bottom of the enclosure with safe and suitable bedding material. Options like fleece liners, paper-based bedding, or aspen shavings work best for this. On the other hand, some bedding materials, like wood chips, can be too sharp and might injure hedgehogs when they try to burrow through it.
Conclusion
Hedgehogs exhibit natural burrowing instincts, utilizing this behavior for a variety of purposes. Hedgehogs burrow to find shelter, regulate temperature, hibernate, locate food, and provide safe birthing spaces. This behavior is present in both wild and pet hedgehogs, with varying degrees of intensity. Creating an appropriate environment with proper bedding for pet hedgehogs can help facilitate their burrowing tendencies.
