There have been many passionate disputes among hedgehog clubs over the male hedgehog. Obviously, there are several publications on the internet comparing male and female hedgehogs. While we have studied much of what is available, we chose to reach out to owners who have first-hand experience with both genders. What follows is our determination of reality vs fiction, and the things we’ll discuss are:
- The genitalia and sexuality of male hedgehogs
- Male hedgies’ sizes
- Male hedgehog social behavior
- Male hedgehog hygiene practices
- Considerations for health and nutrition
Male Hedgehog Sexuality and Genitalia
The most noticeable distinction between male and female hedgehogs is their genitalia. The male penis is placed in the center of their abdomen, in what seems to be a “belly button.” Trust us when we say that isn’t a belly button most of the time. This is known as the umbilical region, although it is also known as the penile sheath. The penis emerges from that entrance when the male hedgehog is sexually stimulated. While the physical anatomy of their penises differs from what one might expect, it is outside the scope of this essay. You may read more about it here if you’re interested. A female hedgehog’s genitalia, on the other hand, is positioned just above the anus.
While we’re talking about genitalia, we may as well talk about sexuality in “solitary animals,” such as male hedgehogs. All animals, including humans, have this inherent role. However, solitary sexuality in hedgehogs of either gender is not well known. Masturbation is referred to as “lonely sexuality.” There is considerable snickering and discussion about male hedgehogs’ self-stimulation. In more elegant settings, it is referred to as “boy time” or breeding season. The truth is that it does happen, and when it does, it is a normal biological function. Not all male hedgehogs behave in this manner. And then there are the hedgies that do it all the time with closely related animals (though that is rare).
Male hedgehog Size
When you look at the human species, you will see males and females of all sizes, shapes, and colors. The same may be said about tamed hedgehogs. Male European hedgehogs are often bigger than female hedgehogs in the wild. This observation is based on a comparison of wild male and female hedgehogs of the same age and environmental location. We must consider age and climate before making broad comparisons.
Male Hedgehogs’ Social Behavior
Hedgehogs are mostly solitary creatures. They don’t require a cage mate to have a good existence, and in most situations, hedgies prefer to live alone. Male hedgehogs, whether domesticated or wild, may be quite territorial with other males. A male hedgehog should never be kept continuously alongside a female hedgehog. Two or more mature male hedgehogs in the same cage are not permitted. There are usually exceptions to every rule, but male hedgehogs in the same cage will nearly always fight.
Hedgehogs, like humans, have varied temperaments and socialization standards. Some hedgehogs are anti-social and even agitated when they are handled by humans. Others are warm and affectionate, and they get along well with their owners. Being a male or female hedgehog has no bearing on one’s mindset. Each hedgie is distinct and has their own personality. You can occasionally teach an anti-social hedgehog to be more social with time and care.
The Male Hedgehog’s Hygiene Habits
On the internet, there is a diverse range of information regarding hedgehog hygiene. Much of it is written with minimal expertise and, to be honest, is deceptive. We’ve seen countless posts and online pages claiming that male hedgehogs are dirtier than females. Some argue the reverse. Hygiene, like temperament, is heavily influenced by the hedgehog’s personality. We had a female hedgehog that was entirely litter trained and only peed in a certain area of her cage. We also had a female hedgie who dangled her buttocks outside her cuddle sack so she could pee and crap outside of where she slept. The lesson here is that drawing is impossible.
Final summary about male and female hedgehogs
Aside from genital variations, male hedgehogs cannot be distinguished from females. Hedgie hormones do not develop “masculine” or “feminine” characteristics. To tell them apart, you’ll need to check “under the hood,” so to speak. The only portion of the sentence that is true is that self-anointing is typical. However, it is a pure myth that male hedgehogs are more prone to this behavior. This is not gender-specific behavior. Male hedgehogs are bigger than female hedgehogs. This is not always the case. The size of domesticated hedgehogs varies, and gender is unimportant. This is primarily due to interspecific mating and the eradication of hedgehogs from the wild. Male hedgehogs are the only ones who sexually self-stimulate. False! Female hedgehogs also engage in self-stimulation. because most hedgehogs self-stimulate in privacy, determining their gender.