Hedgehogs are unique creatures. They are often described as being feisty, independent, and even a bit aloof. But one thing that all hedgehogs have in common is that they poop…a lot! Hedgehogs can produce up to 30 fecal pellets per day! So why do these little animals go through so much bathroom tissue? Let’s take a closer look at why hedgehogs poop so much.
Is it normal for hedgehogs to poop frequently?
Hedgehogs are complex creatures, and the truth is that their toilet habits can vary greatly. While some may poop frequently, others may eliminate only once a day, making it difficult to say whether or not frequent pooping is ‘normal.’ However, if your hedgehog starts going more often than usual, it could be caused by certain health issues such as an imbalance in their diet or a parasite.
In these instances, you may need to take them to an exotic pet vet for a check-up to ensure there’s nothing serious at play. In any case, frequent trips to the bathroom warrant further investigation – just make sure to keep an eye on your fuzzy friend!
Can diet impact how often a hedgehog poops?
Hedgehogs might be small, but they sure do pack a punch when it comes to pooping! It turns out that their diet can indeed have an impact on how often your spiny pet will drop the deuce. Regularly feeding your pet a balanced, nutritious diet will ensure your hedgehog is getting all the essential vitamins and minerals needed to stay healthy.
Additionally, fiber-rich foods like fresh vegetables and fruits can help keep your hedgehog’s digestive system regular and running smoothly. While it might not sound glamorous or exciting, making sure your hedgehog is eating well could be the key to you sleeping soundly through the night without having to worry about cleaning up after little bundles of prickles.
What does hedgehog poop look like and how often should I clean it up?
Hedgehog poop is surprisingly easy to spot – it looks like dry, round pellets that are much smaller than those produced by dogs and cats. Hedgehogs typically produce new droppings every few days, so you should clean their cage out once a week to avoid any unpleasant odors. If the poop pellets become wet or squished together, then you’ll want to take them out immediately as rotting feces can cause your pet hedgehog health issues.
Fortunately, cleaning up after your pet hedgehog is pretty straightforward: just scoop out the poops with a paper towel or plastic bag and dispose of them in the trash.
Do hedgehogs have a specific time of day when they’re more likely to poop?
Hedgehogs are unique, and their pooping habits may be somewhat of a mystery to some. Hedgehogs are solitary creatures that tend to like having their own space and so, typically, they won’t poop anywhere near where they eat or sleep. It does appear that hedgehogs tend to do the bulk of their pooping when they’re out exploring in their enclosure; however, it’s not entirely clear if there’s a specific time of day when they’re more likely to go.
From what most owners have observed, there appears to be more of an overall pattern versus a direct correlation between time and pooping – rather than any kind of predetermined schedule.
Can stress or anxiety cause a hedgehog to poop more frequently?
Many pet owners of hedgehogs have noticed a correlation between their pet’s stress and anxiety levels and their frequency of pooping. If a hedgehog is feeling stressed, it can cause them to experience digestive issues which can result in pooping more often than normal. Anxiety can also be a factor when it comes to a hedgehog pooping more frequently as their bodies can respond negatively to moments of high stress; this can manifest itself through an increase in poops.
For anyone who notices an uptick in pooping from their pet hedgehog, it’s important for the pet owner to reduce the stress in their environment and observe the situation closely to safeguard your pet’s wellbeing.
Is excessive pooping a sign that my hedgehog may be sick or have a digestive issue?
If your hedgehog has been pooping excessively, it may unfortunately be a sign that the little critter is not feeling well. A change in their diet or activity level could be an indication of a digestive issue. If you notice any irregularities in your hedgehog’s poop, such as changes in color, texture, size, or number of bowel movements, it is important to get them checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Your vet can examine the hedgehog and recommend appropriate action depending on what they diagnose. Taking action early will help ensure better outcomes and keep your pet healthy and happy!
Final Thoughts
Hedgehogs poop a lot because they have a very high metabolism and eat a lot of insects. If you have a hedgehog as a pet, be prepared to clean up after them frequently!
