Hedgehogs have very different vital functions depending on the season. When the cold season sets in, animals go into hibernation, which lasts until spring.
The ability of hedgehogs to fall into torpor, that is, hibernation, and remain in this state for a long time with a low body temperature is associated with the fact that their thermoregulation is far from perfect.
In hedgehogs, the active period of life, depending on the climatic conditions of their residence, takes from four months to seven months. Hibernation is understood as the species adaptation of animals to unfavorable climatic conditions. The reason for hibernation, depending on the living conditions, can be different; in hedgehogs it is most often the lack of food or a low temperature for them.
How hedgehogs hibernate
In the warm season, hedgehogs accumulate subcutaneous fat. When insects - the main food of hedgehogs - disappear, the hedgehog already provides itself with a supply of food during hibernation. It is also associated with imperfect thermoregulation - even in an aviary, when there is no shortage of food, hedgehogs still fall into a daze.
The accumulation of fat during preparation for hibernation indicates that the animal is sufficiently prepared for the prolonged fasting that awaits it during winter sleep. The fat deposited under the skin and in the internal organs during hibernation will gradually be consumed, and by the time of awakening it remains a small amount, sufficient only to "warm up" the awakening organism.
Where hedgehogs winter
Before going into hibernation, the hedgehog must not only accumulate fat, but also provide himself with a good shelter for the whole winter. An imperfect shelter can cost an animal its life. In autumn, hedgehogs look for deep burrows that are underground at a depth of about one and a half meters. In captivity, an artificial burrow should also not be placed close to the surface of the earth - it will freeze through.
Hedgehogs can hibernate in holes that they dug themselves, or in strangers. Those animals that constantly live in open-air cages are quite willing to use artificial holes specially prepared for them for hibernation. Burrows with hedgehogs are gradually covered with snow - the thermal insulating properties of such a cover are quite suitable. In the burrow, hedgehogs hibernate alone. In open-air cages, when arranging holes, they must be made per each animal.
The sleeping hedgehog curls up into a ball, its legs and nose are pressed against the abdomen, the tail - against the head. This reduces heat transfer from those parts of the body that are exposed and defenseless against exposure to cold air. The temperature of the animal during this period becomes very low - only a degree higher than the environment.
