As hedgehogs become increasingly popular, often due to people finding them in their backyards. More and more people are asking questions about their care.
Often we get asked about hedgehogs and water and if they can swim.
The answer to this question is not a simple one, as there are a few different factors to consider. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the key things you need to know about swimming hedgehogs.
We’ll also discuss whether or not swimming is a good activity for these creatures and offer some tips on how to get your hedgehog into the water safely. So, if you’re curious about hedgehog swimming, keep reading.
Can Hedgehogs Swim?
Yes, hedgehogs are excellent swimmers. In fact, they often use swimming as a means of escape from predators or to cross bodies of water.
One of the reasons hedgehogs make such good swimmers is their buoyancy. Hedgehogs are able to float on the surface of water due to their quills being filled with air chambers, which make them buoyant.
Hedgehogs are capable of swimming up to 2km and can hold their breath for up to 1 minute.
Swimming ability varies considerably among hedgehog breeds. The four most common swimming hedgehog breeds are as follows:
- Egyptian Long-Eared Hedgehog
- European Hedgehog
- African Pygmy Hedgehog
- Indian Long-Eared Hedgehog
Hedgehogs don’t usually swim unless it is essential to their survival.
Hedgehogs can suffer from severe dehydration and heatstroke, so swimming in cool water provides them with a means of staying hydrated and keeping cool.
If you own a hedgehog pet, it is important to keep a close eye on them when they are in water and make sure that they always have access to fresh water.
So, if you have a hedgehog that loves to swim and has access to a body of water, then it’s not unusual for them to be able to swim. However, there are many stories of hedgehogs drowning in baths or pools where they haven’t been allowed the opportunity to escape from the water when tired.
Is It Good for Hedgehogs to Swim?
In general, swimming is a healthy and fun activity for hedgehogs, but it’s important to take the necessary precautions to keep them safe.
The only exception to this rule is if your pet hedgehog has any ailments or health issues that prevent him from swimming without discomfort. In these cases, you should consult with your vet before letting your hedgehog go near water.
Here are some benefits of letting a hedgehog swim:
Exercise:
Swimming is a great form of exercise for hedgehogs, and it’s something they love to do.
Health:
Swimming is good for hedgehogs’ health, as it’s an activity that promotes exercise and relaxation. It can even help them sleep better.
Enrichment:
Swimming might be enough mental activity for your hedgie to prevent boredom and inactivity from setting in. It’s also an excellent way to bond with your hedgehog!
If your hedgehog is healthy and enjoys swimming, you can provide him with a small pool or bathtub in which to splash around. Just be sure to keep an eye on him while he’s swimming and remove any hazardous objects from the area that could potentially harm him.
Can Hedgehogs Drown In Water?
Hedgehogs are excellent swimmers, but because they are unable to exit ponds or swimming pools, they frequently drown as a result of exhaustion.
Just because hedgehogs are naturally good at swimming doesn’t mean they can never drown. In fact, drowning is still a very real possibility for hedgehogs that spend too much time in the water or fall into deep bodies of liquid while playing around near them.
If you have a pool or other body of water on your property, it’s important to take measures to prevent your hedgehog/s from drowning.
While hedgehogs are able to hold their breath for up to one minute, they are also unable to exit ponds or swimming pools on their own.
This means that if a hedgehog falls into deep water and becomes exhausted from trying unsuccessfully to climb out, he could eventually drown as a result of fatigue.
Conclusion
Can Hedgehogs Swim? Yes, hedgehogs can swim and they are really good at it. They tend to stay close to the surface and use their legs to paddle.
This makes them good at swimming short distances, but they aren’t as efficient at swimming long distances as some other animals are.