If you’re curious about how to sex a hedgehog, you’ll need to observe its behaviour and check its genital openings. Listed below are the steps you should take to safely perform this action. Remember to never force your hedgehog into sex. It might even harm it. But if you are determined to give your hedgehog the attention it deserves, the process is not difficult.
Identifying a hedgehog’s sex
If you keep hedgehogs, one of the most difficult tasks is identifying their sex. It is difficult to tell which one is male or female based on size alone. The penile sheath of a male hedgehog begins close to the anus and migrates upward as the hedgehog gets older. If a hedgehog has a protruding belly button, it is most likely male.
A male hedgehog has a ball on its belly. While male hedgehogs have balls, they have no external testes. The penis of a male hedgehog is located in a cavity behind the anus, not on top of it. The penile sheath is only visible on some hedgehogs, and they can still produce sperm without a swelling. A female hedgehog has five pairs of mammae and a penile sheath.
Observation is the best way to determine a hedgehog’s sex. Male hedgehogs generally chase or circle the female, while females often make a huffing sound. If you observe one of these behaviors in a female hedgehog, you may be able to identify its sex. However, if the sex of the hedgehog is not obvious, there is no way to know for sure.
Observing a hedgehog’s behaviour
During breeding season, I once observed a male hedgehog wiping his genitals on the patio. I thought this might be a form of scent marking or a way to relieve sexual frustration. The sex was brief, but I was able to identify some of the male’s behaviors. Observing a hedgehog’s behaviour while sexing can help you observe the process for yourself.
During courtship, male hedgehogs generally circle the female and make a huffing noise. This helps you to distinguish male and female hedgehogs. You can also tell if a hedgehog is male or female by observing his behaviour while sexing. However, you need to be careful about how close you get to a hedgehog, since it does not like people.
To observe males during sex, you can set a transmitter near a hedgehog’s den to record their activities. This way, you can determine the size of their home range. This information can help you determine if you are observing the sexing process correctly. It’s also important to note that hedgehogs have unique behavior patterns and habits that make them prone to accidents, so it is important to observe their behaviour when they sex.
Observing its genital openings
In order to sex a hedgehog successfully, you must know its genital openings. If you are trying to sex a hedgehog for the first time, there are some basic things you need to know. The penile sheath on a male hedgehog starts close to the anus and migrates half-way up the belly. A female hedgehog has a long slim appendage extending from the anus and a half-centimetre gap between the holes.
The uterus is not particularly different from an unmated animal, but it shows some oedematous tissue and is smaller than a mature ovum. In addition, the uterus is a pseudo-pregnant state, which shows the presence of spermatozoa and a tube. In other words, a hedgehog with a large follicle may be near ovulation.
Taking care of a hedgehog
Taking care of a hedgehog when it is sexing can be challenging, especially if you have never taken the time to observe its habits. Hedgehogs grow and develop their personalities at a young age. While the choice of temperament depends on your own preference, it is important to start by finding a friendly one and picking it up. Be sure to use gloves to handle it for the first few weeks.
Hedgehogs are sensitive to touch, but you can make sure they’re comfortable with your touch by talking to them and stroking their spine. Handling them during feeding time is not recommended, because it could make the dam reject their new baby. Wait until after feeding time to handle the baby. Hedgehogs should be fed four times a day: an early morning feed, a lunchtime feed, a late afternoon feed, and a bedtime feed. After every feeding, wipe their bottom to prevent dirt or microbial infections.
