In What Temperatures Can a Hedgehog Be Outside?

There are two species of hedgehog found in the wild: the European hedgehog and the desert hedgehog. European hedgehogs are hardy in colder climates and the most common type kept as pets. All hedgehogs prefer warm temperatures and pet owners use heat lamps to raise the temperature of the hedgehog's cage above the temperature of a room. If a hedgehog gets too hot, symptoms include panting and flushing of the skin.

  1. Desert Hedgehogs

    • According to BBC Nature, the desert hedgehog, or long-eared hedgehog, is found in Africa, Asia, China, Russia and parts of northern India. When a warm climate becomes too hot, hedgehogs go into a dormant state known as estivation to conserve energy. Depending on the availability of food and water, hedgehogs may estivate at temperatures of 85 degrees F or higher. Unlike hibernation, animals in estivation may wander outside or transition in and out of the dormant state along with rising and falling temperatures.

    European Hedgehogs

    • European hedgehogs reside throughout Europe, the United Kingdom, Wales and parts of Russia. These cold-climate animals hibernate through freezing winters. According to the Oracle Education Foundation, temperatures of 59 degrees F or lower will induce hibernation in wild hedgehogs. This fully dormant state reduces the animal's regular body temperature from the 90s to as low as 43 degrees. The slowing of bodily functions allows the animals to survive with no food through the cold season.

    Autumn Juveniles

    • An autumn juvenile is a hedgehog in the wild that is too young for hibernation but old enough to be away from its mother. If an animal weighs 1 lb. or less, it is unlikely to survive winter hibernation. Sometimes gardeners and animal lovers will overwinter the animals in cages. According to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, wild hedgehogs may die from the stress of being in captivity. The Society suggests that if the hedgehog appears normal, it's best to leave it in the wild to hibernate. If the animal stops eating, comes out in the daylight, staggers or exhibits green and pussy excrement, it likely needs protection. Release the hedgehog when overnight temperatures stay above 41 degrees F.

    Pet Care

    • Hedgehogs use their prickly spines to defend against predators.

      Ideal temperatures for a pet hedgehog are between 70 and 80 degrees F, according to the Hilltop Animal Hospital. When introducing an animal to a new cage, warmer temperatures of up to 85 degrees F will help it adapt. If a cage is placed against a cold outside wall or temperatures drop below 65 degrees, hibernation may be induced, causing a drop in the animal's body temperature. If this happens, pet owners should raise the cage temperature back into a comfortable zone.