Is a hedgehog a mammal? A detailed explanation of the hedgehog's animal classification

The hedgehog is an animal covered in spines all over its body. Many people like to keep it as a pet, and some specifically breed it for medicinal use, so is a hedgehog a mammal?

1. Is a hedgehog a mammal?

The hedgehog is a mammal, a member of the order Erinaceomorpha, family Erinaceidae, genus Erinaceus. There are 5 genera in total; belonging to the order Insectivora, the hedgehog is an ancient and primitive group among mammals and a natural enemy of many kinds of underground pests. In northern China and the Yangtze River basin region it is widely distributed, mostly active at night, likes to eat insects and worms, and can eat 200 grams of bugs in one night.

2. How do you raise a hedgehog?

1. Breeding environment

Hedgehogs are rather timid, like quiet, and are very easily startled, so when breeding them, try to keep them in a quiet environment; it is not suitable to be near busy areas and roadsides, as these places will startle the hedgehog and affect its growth. Moreover, hedgehogs are afraid of light, are mainly active at night, and hide during the day, so this point should be noted when breeding. In addition, the hedgehog does not need much breeding space; generally every 30 commercial hedgehogs occupy about 10 sq m of space.

2. Feeding

The hedgehog is an omnivorous animal, and the hedgehog mainly preys on invertebrates and small vertebrates as well as melons and fruits for food. So when breeding them artificially, meat food must be provided, paired with other grain by-products, green vegetables, etc., so as to meet its normal needs; in addition, insects such as beetles, snails and earthworms can also be fed.

3. Hibernation

The hedgehog is also an animal that hibernates. It begins hibernating when the temperature is below 7 degrees, and hibernation can last as long as 4-5 months. During hibernation its body temperature drops and its physiological functions weaken; during hibernation it is best to be in a quiet environment, because if hibernation ends early it may starve to death. After hibernation ends, when the temperature reaches above 10 degrees, the hedgehog at this time will be extremely thirsty, so sufficient clean water must be provided; it is best not to feed it milk, otherwise it may cause its death.

4. Reproduction

After hibernation the hedgehog will begin to come into heat, and at this time preparations for mating must be made; if mating is not carried out in time, it may lead to group fighting and cause casualties. The gestation period is generally about 60 days; during this period food must be supplied sufficiently and management done properly. It can reproduce twice a year, and the survival rate of the young is also relatively high.

5. Disease prevention and control

The hedgehog has extremely strong adaptability, and its diseases are also relatively few; there are no major infectious diseases. Generally, as long as feeding and hygiene measures are done well, there are rarely any diseases. The main diseases are gastrointestinal problems, ringworm and parasites; the risk of these diseases is relatively small and they are easy to treat, and they can be cured with human medicines.