Signs of pregnancy in hedgehogs and tenrecs

Breeding small mammals like hedgehogs and tenrecs can be both rewarding and challenging. One of the most difficult aspects for caretakers and researchers is recognising the signs of pregnancy. Unlike larger animals, hedgehogs and tenrecs do not always show obvious external changes until late in gestation. Understanding the subtle signs can help improve care, reduce stress, and increase the chances of survival for mother and offspring.

Pregnancy in Hedgehogs

Gestation length

For hedgehogs, pregnancy usually lasts 34–46 days. This differs a slight bit per species.

Signs to look for:

• Weight gain: Pregnant hedgehogs gradually gain weight, but because some individuals are naturally round, this is not always reliable. A consistent increase over several weeks is more telling than sudden fluctuations.
• Body shape changes: In the last week, the abdomen may appear firmer and rounder, with less visible waistline.
• Nesting behaviour: A strong indicator is when the female starts collecting bedding, hiding food, or becoming secretive in her enclosure.
• Changes in appetite: Some females eat more during pregnancy; others may temporarily eat less in early stages.
• Temperament shifts: Pregnant hedgehogs may become more defensive or unusually quiet, depending on the individual.

Challenges:

• False pregnancies are common. A female may show nesting and behavioural changes without actually being pregnant.
• Stress during late pregnancy can cause mothers to abandon or cannibalise the litter, so minimal disturbance is crucial.

Pregnancy in Tenrecs

Tenrecs are more diverse as a group than hedgehogs, and pregnancy signs vary between species. The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec (Echinops telfairi) is the most common species kept in captivity, so most observations focus on them.

Gestation length

Pregnancy in Lesser Hedgehog Tenrecs lasts about 50–60 days, longer than in hedgehogs.

Signs to look for:

• Abdominal swelling: More noticeable in the final two weeks, as tenrecs can have relatively large litters (sometimes 5–10 young).
• Increased appetite: Females often eat more as pregnancy progresses.
• Reduced activity: Pregnant tenrecs may spend more time resting or sleeping.
• Nest preparation: Similar to hedgehogs, tenrecs gather material and build a secure nesting spot.
• Behavioural changes: Some females become more secretive or aggressive, especially close to birth.

Challenges:

• Because tenrecs enter torpor or reduce activity naturally during certain seasons, it can be difficult to distinguish between normal seasonal behaviour and pregnancy.
• Visual confirmation often only becomes clear very late in gestation.

Key Differences Between Hedgehogs and Tenrecs

Gestation: Hedgehogs ~35 days, tenrecs ~55 days.

Litter size: Hedgehogs usually 3–5 young; tenrecs can have much larger litters.

Clues: Nest-building is common to both, but abdominal swelling is usually clearer in tenrecs due to larger litters.

Why It Matters

Recognising pregnancy early allows caretakers and researchers to:

• Adjust diets to support the mother’s nutritional needs.
• Minimise handling and stress to improve survival rates.
• Provide safe, quiet nesting environments.

In Summary

Pregnancy in hedgehogs and tenrecs can be difficult to detect until the later stages. Subtle changes in weight, behaviour, and nesting habits provide the best clues. While hedgehogs tend to show minimal external changes, tenrecs often reveal pregnancy more clearly due to larger litters and longer gestation. Careful observation, combined with minimal disturbance, gives mothers and their young the best chance of success.