The daily health checklist

Monitoring the wellbeing of pet hedgehogs and tenrecs, at home or in rescue care.

Whether you care for a single pet hedgehog or manage a group of animals in a rescue or rehabilitation setting, daily health checks are one of the most powerful tools you have to ensure early detection of illness, injury, or stress. These animals are small, sensitive, and prone to hiding symptoms, by the time an issue becomes obvious, it may already be serious.

That’s why a daily health routine isn’t just a precaution, it’s essential. This checklist isn’t meant to replace veterinary care, but rather to complement it, helping you spot small changes before they become major problems.

Why daily checks matter

Hedgehogs and tenrecs are prey animals by nature. In the wild, showing weakness invites predation, so these animals have evolved to hide pain and discomfort as long as possible. In captivity, that instinct persists.

As a result, even an experienced caretaker might not realize something is wrong until the animal stops eating, becomes lethargic, or suddenly loses weight. But by incorporating short, daily health checks into your routine, you can pick up on subtle warning signs, changes in behavior, weight, posture, or skin condition, and intervene early.

The core of a daily health check

A full daily check only takes a few minutes per animal and can often be done during regular handling, feeding, or cage cleaning. Here’s what to look for, in both pet and rescue situations.

1. Alertness and behavior

Begin by observing the animal before touching it:

• Is the animal responsive when approached?
• Does it unroll or move when stimulated?
• Is it showing normal levels of curiosity or defensiveness?
• Is it acting differently than usual (more withdrawn, more aggressive, more sluggish)?

Sudden changes in personality or activity are often early signs of illness or discomfort.

2. Posture and movement

Watch the animal walk or move, even just in a small enclosure.

• Is the animal standing evenly on all limbs?
• Are the legs splayed, stiff, or dragging?
• Does it walk with balance, or is it wobbling or unsteady?
• Is there any limping or hesitance to move?

Abnormal posture or weakness in the limbs can point to neurological issues, pain, or even early-stage nutritional deficiencies.

3. Body condition and weight

Pick the animal up gently and assess:

• Is it heavier, lighter, or the same as yesterday?
• Can you feel prominent bones (ribs, spine, hips)?
• Is there bloating, swelling, or loss of muscle tone?

Weigh animals at least once a week (or daily in rescues or sick animals). Use a digital gram scale and track trends, not just numbers. Sudden drops of 5–10% body weight are concerning.

4. Eyes, nose, mouth and ears

Quickly inspect the face:

• Are the eyes clear, bright, and open?
• Is there discharge from the eyes or nose?
• Is the mouth clean and free of sores?
• Is the tongue pink and moist?
• Are the ears clean and uninjured?

Crusty eyes, nasal discharge, drooling, or foul odors may indicate respiratory infections, dental disease, or systemic illness.

5. Skin, quills and fur

Run your fingers gently over the animal’s back, flanks and underside:

• Are the quills or fur intact and smooth?
• Is the skin dry, flaky, crusty, or oily?
• Any bald patches, redness, or wounds?
• Are there visible parasites or scabs?

Excessive scratching, sudden spine loss, or rough skin often signals mites, fungal infections, or underlying health problems.

6. Feet, nails and underside

Check each foot, especially the underside:

Are the nails too long, broken, or curling?

• Is there swelling or redness in the toes or pads?
• Any cuts, pressure sores, or buildup of dirt or feces?

Overgrown nails can lead to joint pain and deformity, while foot injuries can become infected if unnoticed. In rescue settings, foot checks are especially important for animals recovering from malnutrition, obesity, or confinement.

7. Breathing and hydration

Hold the animal calmly and observe:

• Is breathing steady and silent, or is there wheezing, clicking, or labored effort?
• Is the skin around the shoulders and belly elastic, or tented and dry?
• Are the gums (if visible) pink and moist?

Dehydration is a common secondary issue in sick animals and should be addressed immediately.

8. Urine and feces output

Check the enclosure for:

• Regular urination and stool production
• Stool that is well-formed (not overly soft, runny, or dry)
• Unusual colors (black, green, pale, or red)

Lack of feces, diarrhea, or dark tarry droppings are all signs that something may be wrong, from dehydration to internal bleeding.

Daily notes and records

Whether you’re caring for one animal or twenty, keeping a simple daily logbook makes a huge difference. Record:

• Weight (in grams)
• Appetite and feeding
• Behavior notes
• Urine/stool output
• Medications given
• Any abnormal findings

In rescue centers, this information is invaluable when coordinating care among staff or tracking the progress of recovering animals. In private homes, it provides context when you call the vet.

Special considerations in rescue care

Animals in rehabilitation centers often arrive with underlying medical conditions, poor nutrition, or trauma. In these cases, daily health checks should be more detailed and may include:

• Monitoring wound healing or bandages
• Tracking medication responses
• Observing for parasite shedding
• Checking for torpor or hibernation attempts in vulnerable species

Stress reduction is critical. Keep interactions gentle, brief, and predictable. Use dim light, quiet voices, and slow movements.

Final thoughts

A daily health check is more than a routine, it’s an act of prevention, care, and respect. For small animals like hedgehogs and tenrecs, early detection of problems often means the difference between recovery and rapid decline.

With time, these checks become second nature, part of feeding, cleaning, or enrichment. And in return, you gain a deeper understanding of each animal’s personality, habits, and subtle signals.

Whether you’re a dedicated pet owner or a busy rescuer, this short daily practice can help ensure the animals in your care don’t just survive, but thrive.