Physiological Data for Four-Toed Hedgehogs

Average body weight

Male: 400–600 g; Female: 300–400 g

Lifespan

Average 4–6 yr

Body temperature

35.4–37.0°C (95.7–98.6°F)

Adult dental formula

2 (I 3/2:C 1/1:P 3/2:M 3/3) = 36 (variations have been noted)

GI transit time

Approx. 8 h

Heart rate

170–250 bpm

Respiratory rate

18–90 bpm

Age at sexual maturity

2–3 mo

Reproductive lifespan

Male: throughout life

Female: 2–3 yr

Gestation

34–37 d

Litter size

3–4 (range 1–9)

Birth weight

10–18 g

Age when eyes open

14–18 d

Deciduous teeth eruption

Begins on day 18; all deciduous teeth erupted by 9 wk

Permanent teeth eruption

Begins at 7–9 wk

Age at weaning

5–6 wk (start eating solids at 3 wk)