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Interesting story of a Russian cat that was able to suckle a group of orphaned hedgehogs – remarkable!
But seriously hedgehogs are mammals from the Eulipotyphla order and the Erinaceinae family.
Eulipotyphla means “truly fat and blind” and apart from hedgehogs include creatures like moles and shrews – which in many cases could be described that way.The nearest relatives of the hedgehog are moonrats:
These are shrew-looking creatures that could be mistaken for rats but are not rodents. Like hedgehogs, they are crepuscular and will make the most of moonlit evenings to forage for their carnivorous diet of mice, reptiles, and large arthropods. Not sure you will want those turning up in your hedgehog house!
Are echidnas related to hedgehogs?
Well, Knuckles certainly is:
Echidnas look like they would be the perfect long-lost relative from Down Under for the British hedgehog, but actually these large mammals that can weigh up to a whopping 16kg have nothing to do with the humble hedgehog, being EGG LAYING MAMMALS (😲😲😲) of the order Monotremata. Trust Aussies to do things differently!
Are porcupines related to hedgehogs?
Again porcupines are not related to hedgehogs despite their spiky coat.You learn something new every day!🤓
Yes, some retailers simply suggest that the rattan design is not suitable for animal rescuers because they don’t have a lid for access:
“Rattan or natural brushwood style hedgehog houses with an open bottom are not suitable for Hedgehog Rescue Centres.
We recommend Hedgehog Rescue Centres use wooden Hedgehog Houses where the roof can be opened when wanting to check on or inspect recuperating hedgehogs.”It seems that the Igloo Hedgehog house has been associated with the injuries and deaths of hedgehogs. Animal rescue charities say that the hedgehogs can get stuck inside them and also that they can blow away. They did not have any hard evidence of this but are discouraging people from buying Igloo Hedgehog Houses:
independent.co.uk/life-style/hedgehog-rescue-harm-aldi-houses-animal-charity-b857781.html
It’s a very cheap design compared to other houses, it probably was popular because it is affordable.
Reviews on amazon suggest that the chickenwire frame of the Igloo can trap the spines of the hedgehog.
It also is not waterproof and suggested to not be predator-proof either. The design probably needs some modifications but buyers want to be confident a hedgehog house will be suitable and safe!
