1. **Gestation**: Hedgehog gestation lasts about 35 days. The mother hedgehog prepares a nest where she will give birth. During this time, she requires a quiet and safe environment.
2. **Birth**: Hedgehogs are born blind, hairless, and very small, weighing only about 10-20 grams. At this stage, they are completely dependent on their mother for warmth and nutrition.
3. **Neonatal Stage (0-2 weeks)**: During the first two weeks, baby hedgehogs (called hoglets) remain in the nest and nurse from their mother. They begin to develop quills, which are initially soft and will harden over time.
4. **Juvenile Stage (2-6 weeks)**: At around two weeks, hoglets start to open their eyes and become more active. They begin to explore their surroundings and may start eating solid food, although they still rely on their mother's milk.
5. **Weaning (4-6 weeks)**: By the time they are about four weeks old, hoglets are usually weaned from their mother and can eat a diet of insects, cat food, and specialized hedgehog food.
6. **Subadult Stage (6 weeks - 6 months)**: During this stage, hedgehogs continue to grow and develop their adult quills and features. They become more independent and can often be found foraging for food.
7. **Adulthood (6 months and older)**: Hedgehogs reach sexual maturity at around 6 to 12 months of age. They can live for 3 to 7 years in captivity, and their care becomes crucial to ensure a healthy life.
Understanding these stages is important for hedgehog owners, especially in terms of diet and habitat requirements, as each stage has different needs for optimal growth and health.
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