Do All Hedgehogs Have Fleas?

There is some controversy over whether or not all hedgehogs have fleas. The answer may depend on the source of the infestation. In some cases, they do, while in others, they do not. In addition to fleas, hedgehogs can also have a variety of parasites. One common example is myiasis, which is caused by flies laying eggs in wounds and body parts. The eggs hatch and become maggots, which then infect the hedgehog. In Europe, the disease is usually caused by Lucilia blowflies.

Researchers have found that male hedgehogs are more likely to be infected with ringworm than females. This is because male hedgehogs are aggressive during breeding season. One study in Bushy Park, London, found that 44% of the hedgehogs there had ringworm. In New Zealand, Sandy Smith and Mary Marples found that 45% of 114 hedgehogs they studied, a much higher percentage than the UK’s. And at a rescue charity in Berkshire, the incidence of fleas was also remarkably low.

Although hedgehogs can’t recognize names, they respond to human voice and familiar voices. This is why it’s important to avoid letting your pet out at certain times of the day. For instance, don’t let your dog out for longer than necessary.