Although Hedgehogs aren’t prone to escaping like other smaller rodents, they still have it in their character to explore more and eventually get lost. So, you might be wondering can Hedgehogs find their way home? Or should you look after them?
Hedgehogs have a poor sense of direction, which makes it hard for them to find the way back home. Somewhat different, but they are emotionally attached to things like music or food. So, if you place some yummy treat or play their favorite music, they might come running towards it.
The very thought of losing one’s pet gives goosebumps to the owner. The domesticated Hedgehogs are highly vulnerable in the wild.
It’s hard for the pet owners to leave them alone. But what should you do if your Hedgehog gets lost?
Do Hedgehogs Try To Escape?
In general, Hedgehogs that are housed outside are more likely to escape than those who are housed inside. Although it is not recommended to house them outside, if you have to then make sure you keep them in a secured environment.
Hedgehogs are artistic in finding their way out. Their instinct nature of exploring new things, often land them into new territory. One cannot deny the fact that Hedgehogs might try to escape.
Once the Hedgehog has escaped from the home, the chance of its return is modest. If it can return home, it should consider itself lucky.
Its sense of direction is not much refined as with other animals. The cage should be kept open and start looking for the Hedgehog. Try to find the Hedgehog as soon as possible, as it has little chance of survival in the wild.
Why Do Hedgehogs Try To Escape?
Hedgheogs escaping from is a tough time for both owner and the pet. But it’s their instinct to flee away. The reasons for doing so are:
- Just because they are curious about different things, they often try to move out of the lawn to check out the world.
- Intimidated Hedgehogs will run away wherever it finds the way to escape.
- The ambiance is not good. The Hedgehog is not enjoying the home.
- There may be several reasons for this dislike: food, loneliness, less or no activities, cage, etc., that annoys them. This reason is good enough for them to leave home.
How Did My Hedgehog Escape?
As soon as you get to know that your Hedgehog is out in the open, secure the perimeter of your house, so that there is no way out.
Still, you may wonder how the Hedgehog finds its way out. Below are a few common ways of escaping:
- If cage is boring, doesn’t have much activity and entertainment. So, the Hedgehog is most likely to chew the wires of the cage to escape.
- Hedgehog can escape through a small hole in the cage. You might ignore such a small opening, but that’s enough for them to escape.
- Hedgehogs an climb the chain-linked fencing using the gaps in between.
- You will feel sad and worried when your Hedgehog escapes. But instead of panicking and acting smartly. Hedgehogs often like when you start looking for them. They are fond of such naughtiness.
Once you are confirmed that the Hedgehog is not in the perimeter of the house, you need to start looking for it. Their survival is at risk.
Will My Lost Hedgehog Return Home?
Your Hedgehog will soon realize that it has come to a new place. As it is not well trained to stay outdoors, it will be cautious in its approach.
They will try to accommodate the surroundings and find a place to hide. They avoid the situation when they feel exposed to the world outside without any protection.
Hedgehogs do not notice much about their surroundings while they run away. So it’s unlikely that they will find their way back home.
Their memory is strong towards everyday things like food, music, etc. But out of fear of being in a new place, they won’t be able to find their way.
Hedgehogs run wildly once they get frightened, without noticing where they are up to. They may land in unchartered territory with little or no idea of the surrounding. Being afraid and in a new place, they often get confused and lose their way.
While they have escaped into a new place, they are still likely to be doing similar activities. It would be best if you search for them in the neighborhood, green fields, or places where they may feel.
They are blessed with a good sense of smell and hearing. Hedgehogs the lowest in the food chain and move during the night searching for food.
So, they are more dependent upon ears and nose. We can make use of this habit. Play some music which is familiar or put some bits of their favorite dish along the path towards the home.
As soon as they come in contact with any familiar sound or smell, they tend to follow it. That is also obvious as they are already afraid of the outside world, and anything known comforts all the living creatures.
In case the Hedgehog has willfully left home because of any torture or misbehavior, they might not return, or even on the return path, will run away again. These are very emotional creatures.
How Long Should I Wait For My Hedgehog To Return?
The odds are less that a domesticated Hedgehog will return home on its own. They often tend to confuse direction and path towards home.
Although Hedgehogs are smart and in the wild, they were able to maneuver their way through dense forest and grassland back to their home. However, pet Hedgehog has lost their instinct, and they are less likely to find their way again.
Therefore, it would be best to start the search campaign as soon as possible. You must be lucky if the Hedgehog returns home, so there should be someone to attend to the pet.
How Do I Find My Escaped Hedgehog?
In such conditions, you should not panic. Instead of losing patience, you should act smartly.
The following steps will guide you:
- Search your home and garden: You need to check your house and garden, as most of the time, Hedgehogs hide nearby only. Also, remove the things that can be a potential danger to the pet, like mouse traps. Avoid interactions with other pet animals like dogs or cats with your Hedgehog.
- Inform your neighbors: When you confirm that the Hedgehog is not at home, start searching for the pet in the neighborhood areas. Inform the neighbors and the kids about the Hedgehog.
- Spread the message over social media: You can spread the message about the missing Hedgehog, as many animal lovers groups will come forward to search for the Hedgehog.
- Visit the local veterinarian or animal shelter: If someone has found your Hedgehog, he or she might have taken your pet to the local veterinarian or any animal shelter.
- Favorite treat and familiar music: Hedgehogs can easily attract food or familiar music. You can use it to search for them. Place the food in their cage. You can also try to play your pet’s music in the local parks or gardens where tour Hedgehog may have taken shelter.
The sooner you start, the more chances you have to find. In most cases, Hedgehogs return home after a couple of days. However, do not give up.
How Do You Find A Lost Hedgehog In Your House?
You should always start searching for your missing Hedgehog at your home itself. There are high chances that Hedgehog has hidden somewhere within the home.
The following steps are useful while searching for your Hedgehog in the house:
- Secure your house’s perimeter: Hedgehogs might hurt themselves within the home, so it is necessary to remove such things that can harm the pet. Close the doors and the windows to stop your pet from escaping outside.
- Check your room: You should check for the Hedgehogs in each room. Look under the tables, behind curtains, in closets, etc.
- Attract your Hedgehog with food: Place your Hedgehog’s favorite food to allure it. Placing the treats near their cage door often works like a charm.
What Dangers Can A Lost Hedgehog Face?
The Hedgehogs are at high risk of being hunted down by predators.
In addition, the dangers that the Hedgehogs are exposed to also depends on the environment and the neighborhood they stay in.
Listed below are a few matters of concern:
- Neighborhood: Imagine your Hedgehog crossing a busy street; it will be no less than a nightmare for you.
- Predators: Hedgehogs have several predators. They can be attacked by many predators like snakes, foxes, wild cats, etc. The presence of a forest nearby makes them more vulnerable to predators.
- Hunger: Domesticated Hedgehogs will have a hard time finding food and water for themselves. They have little experience of surviving under unfavorable conditions.
The longer a Hedgehog takes to return home, the more chances it may face danger. Although they can return home on their own, you shouldn’t wait for it to happen. Sooner the better.
