How Long Can You Leave A Hedgehog Alone? Top Answer Update

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Table of Contents

What do you do with your hedgehog when you go on vacation?

you will need to make arrangements for your hedgehog’s care in your absence. If you are going to be away for one night, your hedgehog will usually be fine on its own. You will want to make sure you have provided a good amount of food (preferably no moist food) in the bowl as well as a full (and working) water bottle.

Do hedgehogs like being left alone?

They are generally solitary creatures.

Hedgehogs require only 30 minutes of socialization per day, and some are perfectly content being left completely on their own. Whatever your hedgehog’s personality is, it is suggested that you spend a small amount of time with it out of his cage each day.

How often should you hold your hedgehog?

Handling Frequency

Pet hedgehogs do best if handled every day, even if it is for just a short amount of time. We recommend handling your hedgehog for at least half an hour a day. The easiest way to accomplish this task is 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening.

Do hedgehogs like to be cuddled?

It depends on the personality of the individual hedgehog and how much handling the hedgehog has had in the past. Some hedgehogs do seem to like to snuggle up to their human companions, while others might be shyer or simply prefer exploring and moving about over sitting still and cuddling.

Can I bring my hedgehog camping?

Yes, you can take your hedgehog to the family cabin, camping or even pet-friendly hotels.

Are Hedgehogs Too Prickly to Hold?

Yes, you can take your hedgehog to the family cabin, campsite, or even pet friendly hotels.

Ginger took her first road trip over the weekend before she was even fully grown. After the trip, I noticed that she was more used to me and huffing and wheezing less. Taking your hedgehog on a road trip can help your hedgehog bond with you.

Here’s what you need to make the adventure as stress-free as possible:

Travel bag: Bring your hedgehog into the car in a portable travel bag. I use a small bag with a vent hole that I strap into the back seat. Remember, put your spikes in the back seat, not in the front where an airbag could damage their little body. Hedgehogs are content to rummage through these pockets for hours without emitting a peep. I also put her favorite snuggle sack in the bag to make it even more convenient.

Baby wipes: You should take these with you to clean your hedgehog after a pit stop. Yes, when you get out of the car to stretch and go to the bathroom, you should let your hedgehog roam the lawn as well. You will probably also go to the toilet. If it’s during the day, make sure you let them out every few hours, as hedgehogs often get up at some point during the day to go to the bathroom and have a snack in their cage. Be patient as they may need to acclimate to the environment before using the bathroom or eating.

Food, Snacks, Water: Take enough food and water with you for the trip and keep a small amount handy in the car to offer to your hedgehog on the go.

Portable Cage: You should have a cage that is not too small and not too big; at least about 18 inches wide and long for weekend trips and larger for week-long trips. They should also be big enough to fit on your hedgehog’s wheel if you’re going for more than one night. Collapsible kennels for dogs or cats work well. Make sure you can fully secure the opening or sew on snaps like I did with this cat tent. Have your hedgehog test the kennel or tent for at least a day a few days before your trip so he can get used to it and you know there are no problems with the cage.

Bike: When Ginger went on her first road trip, she wasn’t fully grown yet, so she was able to use her smaller baby bike on the trip. When your hedgehog is fully grown, if possible, bring along his exercise bike to help him keep up his energy. But hedgehogs don’t die a week without a wheel. I had a hedgehog in the 90s, when nobody knew about wheels for hedgehogs. Hokey Pokey lived a full hedgehog life, although I’m sure he would have been fitter and happier with a balance bike.

Sleeping Hut: Don’t forget to bring their favorite sleeping hut or bag to put in their cage at night so they can burrow in and make themselves at home.

Food and water bowls: If you only use a water bottle, you’ll need to find a portable cage to attach it to. But now might be a good time to teach your hedgehog to drink from a water bowl, too. I personally use both in her cage at home in case she spills her dishes or leaks the water bottle. Side note: if you are using a water bottle, make sure the ball and spout are big enough for your hedgehog to get enough water out of and not get his tongue stuck in the spout. Hedgehogs love water. Try a 16mm diameter.

Small litter box: I gave up the litter box after the first night on our road trip because her weekend cage was just too small for her to leave a trash trail by her food and water bowls. I think she enjoyed just riding her bike. 🙂

Thermometer, emergency blanket, hand warmer: Bring the thermometer you use to monitor your hedgehog’s room temperature at home. If you don’t have one, get one that will show you the 24-hour high and low temperature. If the temperature drops below 72 degrees and your hedgehog’s face or tummy feels cold, you’ll need to snuggle him or wrap him in a blanket surrounded by a rescue blanket or hand warmers until he’s fully warm to the touch again. If a hedgehog’s stomach gets cold, they might try to hibernate, which is dangerous for their health. Check the weather before your trip to see if it’s advisable to bring your hedgehog if you can’t control the temperature of your accommodation.

When I took Ginger to my parents’ farm to camp for a day, she slept in her little tent during the day (her night) when it was warm, but I put it in the cabin overnight (her day) because the temperature too would get low .

Camera: You will want to capture many memories with your badminton on your road trip! Snap shots in scenic areas and don’t be afraid to stop just for a photo break.

One more thing: Enjoy the trip!

Sara Marie Moore is a journalist and happy hedgehog owner. She had her first hedgehog in fourth grade, well before the current hedgehog craze.

Can I take my hedgehog in a car?

It’s up to you! Your hedgehog can ride in the trunk of the car, as long as the carrier is secured down, is well ventilated, and not closed off. NEVER place your hedgehog’s travel carrier in a closed off trunk.

Are Hedgehogs Too Prickly to Hold?

Transporting your hedgehog in the car may seem like a daunting task. Pigs can be fragile creatures that are easily startled. They also like routine and enjoy the comfort of their home.

However, sometimes taking a hedgehog in the car is unavoidable. For example, you may need to take him to the vet or to a friend’s house while you go on vacation.

For a calm and happy hedgehog, follow these guidelines when transporting a hedgehog in a car:

Use an appropriate travel carrier. Cover the floor with a grippy material. Make your hedgehog’s holdall a dark, cozy den. Get your hedgehog used to the journey home. Practice traveling with your hedgehog in the car. Pack all the important things. Make sure the car is at an appropriate temperature. Secure the carrier in the car with a seat belt or place it securely on the floor behind a seat. Check on your pig often while driving. After the car ride, try to recreate your hedgehog’s normal environment.

This article covers what to consider when preparing to travel with a hedgehog in a car, whether for a short trip or for a vacation.

Use an appropriate travel carrier.

#1 Get a solid, escape-proof carrier.

Your hedgehog’s travel bag needs to be strong, well ventilated and secure.

Rigid plastic and metal wire cages are a great option for hedgehogs as they are strong and escape-resistant. They are also great as they give your hedgehog some privacy. You want your pig to feel like it’s in a safe little burrow.

You should never attempt to transport your hedgehog in a crate, plastic tub, on your lap, or in a soft purse or tote.

#2 Choose a smaller travel carrier.

Your hedgehog’s travel bag should be smaller than in his usual home.

First, a small cage is lightweight and easy to carry. Second, your hedgehog will feel safer and more secure in a smaller travel cage. Finally, a smaller travel cage also prevents possible injury as your hedgehog could risk being tossed around in a large cage.

However, your hedgehog’s holdall needs to be large enough to allow him or her to lie down, stand up, sit down, and turn around without restriction.

Top Tip – If you have a tied pair of hedges, transport them in the same transport box. Even if only one of them has to go to the vet. They will comfort each other during the car ride.

POPULAR IGEL TRAVEL TRANSPORT

Turn your hedgehog’s travel bag into a cozy den.

#1 Line the bottom with a grippy material.

This will prevent your hedgehog from sliding around on the underside of its transport box while driving. Sliding around will cause a hedgehog to become very stressed and ill, and may even injure your little friend.

Puppy training pads make a great base and also soak up accidents, spills and odors.

Alternatively, you can also cover the floor with a towel, newspaper or hedgehog, bird or cat litter.

Pine, cedar, or other aromatic wood chips can be harmful to pig health.

#2 Add a blanket.

A blanket or towel will provide your hedgehog with comfort, security and extra support.

Top tip – Your hedgehog will feel extra safe with his favorite blanket!

#3 Cover your hedgehog travel carrier.

This will restore the feeling of safe construction.

Some cages already create this feeling with solid opaque walls, but if yours doesn’t, you can cover the cage with a thin, breathable blanket.

Get your hedgehog used to the journey home before you take it with you in the car.

Your hedgehog should feel comfortable in his travel cage.

Try to buy your travel bag weeks in advance of your car trip so you have enough time to acclimate your hedgehog to the journey home.

a) Do not force your hedgehog into the cage.

This is very important.

You don’t want your hedgehog to associate the travel carrier with stress and anxiety.

Instead, introduce the stretcher during playtime. Leave the door open for your hedgehog to enter voluntarily.

b) Lure your hedgehog into the cage with treats.

That way he/she will associate it with good things.

Practice traveling with your hedgehog in the car.

Once your hedgehog is more comfortable in his new travel home, get him used to staying there for a longer period of time.

Put your hedgehog in the cage for a few minutes with his favorite toy or treat. Close the door securely and slowly walk around the house to get your hedgehog used to getting off the ground.

Once your hedgehog is used to being around the house in his carrier, you can do some test drives in the car!

Start with short car rides around the block and work your way up to longer rides. This way your hedgehog can slowly get used to the feeling of sitting in a moving vehicle.

Pack all the important things.

As mentioned earlier, hedgehogs don’t usually want to eat on a car trip and a full stomach sometimes makes them nauseous. However, if you’re going on a particularly long trip, pack some provisions just in case. You should take water with you for any trip length.

To be on the safe side, you should also pack additional supplies such as paper towels, blankets, garbage bags or hand towels.

Also, if you have one handy, be sure to bring a playpen. If you are planning on sleeping somewhere, this will give your hedgehog more space to run around. Just make sure it’s 100% safe as you don’t want your hedgehog to escape!

Finally, you should consider bringing heating material if you travel in winter. While you might not need them in the summer, it’s a good idea to have some disposable hand warmers or reusable travel-ready hand warmers if you’re traveling in the colder months.

Do not leave water in the carrier while riding as this can spill, wet your hedgehog and cause chills.

Make sure the car is at an appropriate temperature before taking your hedgehog in the car.

Now that your hedgehog is comfortable in his travel bag, you need to make sure the temperature is right for your hedgehog before heading out.

You must ensure the car is cooler than 26°C / 79°F as hedgehogs cannot tolerate higher temperatures. Additionally, if the temperature drops below 23°C / 73°F, your hedgehog may attempt to hibernate.

Do hedgehogs need constant attention?

Hedgehogs are independent creatures who don’t need much attention. When you have a hedgehog as a pet, then you’ll want to give the animal some daily interactions that are gentle and loving. It only takes a few minutes to give them the attention they need each day, unlike a dog or a cat who might want constant contact.

Are Hedgehogs Too Prickly to Hold?

Hedgehogs, or “hedgehogs” if you prefer, are cute little creatures found naturally in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Thanks to their introduction, they can now also be found in New Zealand. There are currently 17 different species known to science with this animal, which shares a distant ancestry with shrews. Their tiny quills are reminiscent of porcupines, but the two animals are unrelated.

Hedgehogs got their name in the late 15th century because they lived near the hedges in Europe. The “pig” part of their name came about because of the tiny snout that resembles a pig.

Most hedges have brown spikes with pale tips, but those living on the island of Alderney in the UK are blond. All of them curl up into a tight ball to defend themselves, causing their spines to expand outward.

Now if you are considering a hedgehog as a pet, then these are the key pros and cons to check out.

List of benefits of having a hedgehog as a pet

1. Hedgehogs are relatively calm when they live in your home.

If you’ve had guinea pigs or hamsters in the past, you know how noisy they can be when they understand you might be working on a treat for them. Hedgehogs approach this scenario very differently. You may hear purring noises from them when they want something, but it’s not a noise that’s loud or obnoxious. That’s why this little beast is a popular choice for renters—especially if you live in a large complex with thin walls.

2. Hedgehogs are independent creatures that don’t need much attention.

If you have a pet hedgehog, you want to provide the animal with some daily interactions that are gentle and loving. It only takes a few minutes to give them the attention they need every day, unlike a dog or cat who wants constant contact. If you want to keep your pet tame, then somehow schedule about 60 minutes a day with the animal. That doesn’t mean you have to be in physical contact all the time. For many of them, being in the same room can be enough.

3. Hedgehogs are low-maintenance pets to have in your home.

You don’t have to worry about walking your hedgehog every day. There are no special outdoor enclosures to build, scratching posts to install, or other high-maintenance activities that other pets require to stay mentally and physically healthy. When you provide a hedgehog with a running wheel in its enclosure, you are taking the most important step necessary to maintain its health needs.

4. Hedgehogs are interactive at any time of the day.

Your hedgehog will keep odd hours, often taking naps during the day and night with various activities in between these rest periods. If you work a different shift, this benefit means you can interact with your pet anytime you’re home. You may want to move your enclosure to a location other than your bedroom due to their nocturnal activities if you find that their exercise keeps you away.

5. Hedgehogs have cool spines that don’t hurt.

You can pet a hedgehog because its quills are not as sharp as those of a porcupine. If you have a kitten as a pet at home, you should be very careful with him or her as baby quills are usually much sharper than adult ones. You’ll find that sometimes the spikes also come out like a dog’s fur, which is a process called “quilling.”

Getting stung is still a possibility. If you’re not treating a hedgehog of any age with the proper care, it’s important to learn how to manage this part of your interactions before you even bring the pet home.

6. Hedgehogs don’t have the same odor problems.

If you share a home with other small pets, their scent can penetrate the upholstery and carpet over time. Even homes with dogs and cats in them can have problematic odors. You might go nose blind to this problem, but your visitors will surely notice the foul atmosphere. Ferrets are notoriously bad for this problem. If a hedgehog is your pet, you don’t need to worry about that. Keep the cage clean to keep the animal healthy.

When your hedgehog starts to develop a foul odor then this problem is usually a sign of illness. You will want to take him or her to the vet right away.

7. Hedgehogs have a long lifespan for their size.

If you bring home a young hedgehog as a pet, he can live around 4-6 years if given the love, care and food he needs to maintain his physical and mental health. You must give your hedgehog time to feed to gain this benefit as well. While not as long-lived as most dogs or cats, they are significantly longer than other rodent-like animals you may be considering.

8. Hedgehogs can be a hypoallergenic option for some households.

You’ll find that hedgehogs don’t have the dander that other animals bring into your home, meaning they make an excellent pet option for someone with allergies. If you don’t like the idea of having a hairless cat or a fish, then your new best friend could be this little quill pen. They won’t draw your attention, but they can encourage some physical interactions with gentle grooming over time.

List of disadvantages of having a hedgehog as a pet

1. Hedgehogs are not social animals.

If you have more than one hedgehog at home, you need to keep them separate. These animals tend to fight when sharing the same cage, especially if you have males, and this reaction is typically to the point of death. They must have separate cages if you keep more than one of them at home. That means you need more space, spend extra time cleaning their cages, and make sure each animal gets the individual time needed for their mental and physical health.

2. Hedgehogs need time to explore.

Hedgehogs are independent, self-reliant pets that don’t need a lot of attention, but you do need to take them out of their cages regularly to support their health. Getting an exercise bike can help them stay active, and it’s an excellent first step. These animals also need time to forage, as this is one of their main natural activities. They should establish a secure area separate from their primary residence to meet this requirement. Make sure you clean up behind your pet as well when they scurry around, as a lot of poo will be left behind.

3. Hedgehogs do not engage well in throw training.

It is not uncommon for hedgehogs to relieve themselves when walking. If you let one loose in your apartment, you have a 99.9% guarantee there will be a mess that needs cleaning up afterwards. Their droppings may be small, but they can leave stains if you’re not careful with this problem. Some hedgehogs have the ability to use a small box with the right amount of training, but there are some who never get the trick. That’s why daily cleaning is sometimes necessary when you decide that a hedgehog is the best pet for your home.

4. Hedgehogs don’t get along well with small people.

Hedgehogs like a quiet environment, which means a home with young children or lots of other pets isn’t a good fit. These animals quickly become stressed when there is a lot of noise pollution around them. Hedgehogs also need careful and safe handling to protect their health, so children could accidentally hurt the animal if they’re not careful – or accidentally drop one. These spikes can also give your fingers a nudge if handling is a little rough.

5. Hedgehogs need a specialized vet for their care.

You will need to speak to the veterinary services in your community to see if there is local expertise in exotic animal health management. It may not be a service that is readily available in some areas, so you should see where the nearest location is before bringing your pet home to ensure the best care possible. If you have to drive more than 50 miles to reach the help you may someday need, then having a hedgehog might not be the best choice.

6. Hedgehogs need a special diet that you must follow at all times.

Hedgehogs are omnivores when in the wild. You will find all 17 known species eating frogs, toads, snails, eggs and even snakes. You will also find that they hunt insects. Outside of the winter months, they hunt melons and mushrooms. When cold weather hits, they happily survive at the base. In the Middle East, hedgehogs have developed a taste for berries there.

This means feeding your hedgehog a specific diet designed for their needs. Some stores carry a commercial grocery product, but it may not be available in all areas. They can sometimes substitute for a meat-based kibble—especially if the main ingredient is chicken. Canned dog or cat paws work if the first ingredient in them is an animal protein. You should also add peas, corn, apples, carrots or beans in small portions.

7. Hedgehogs need regular grooming.

A hedgehog cannot be left alone for any length of time without some sort of interaction. If you plan to be away for more than a day or two, someone needs to come by to check on the hedgehog and play with it a bit. You should also consider the temperature of your home during this time as they do not do well in climates below 70°F.

Final pros and cons of hedgehogs as pets

Only you can decide if a hedgehog is a good pet for your home and family. The first question to ask yourself is what do you expect from a hedgehog in the first place. These animals don’t offer you constant companionship like a dog or the intelligence of a cat, but they are still smart in their own unique way.

If you are looking for an easy care pet that is happy to be independent without a lot of physical interaction, then this animal could be a good fit for your home if you have responsible children and no other pets that might cause a disturbance. Talk to a breeder, interact with hedgehogs, and then you’ll know where you stand on the pros and cons of having hedgehogs as pets.

Can hedgehogs get lonely?

Hedgehogs are very solitary animals and should be housed separately. In the wild, they are only social during the breeding season. Their solitary nature can make it difficult for these pets to warm up to you.

Are Hedgehogs Too Prickly to Hold?

Hedgehogs are nocturnal, athletic and solitary

Hedgehogs have grown in popularity as pets over the past few decades. Before adding one to your family, Dr. Krista Keller, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Urbana, to learn as much as possible about the unique needs of these animals.

While the wild European hedgehog roams freely in gardens in the UK and elsewhere, the species being bred for the pet trade is the African pygmy hedgehog Atelerix albiventris, according to Dr. Keller, who is board certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine.

Hedgehog diet and housing needs

In the wild, hedgehogs eat a variety of bugs, plants, and roots. This diet can be difficult to reconstruct in captivity. “The best hedgehog food would be a specially formulated hedgehog or insectivore food, of which there are many commercially available supplements,” says Dr. Basement, cellar. “This diet can be supplemented with treats like mealworms, crickets, and fruits and vegetables.”

This lateral radiograph (X-ray) of a three-year-old African pygmy hedgehog was taken during an annual cardiovascular disease screening visit. The hedgehog’s snout will be placed to receive anesthetic gases to keep it still during the imaging procedure.

They may be rowdy, but hedgehogs are actually quite athletic creatures! In the wild, they often walk several kilometers a night and are skilled climbers and swimmers. To meet their exercise needs, pet hedgehogs need an enclosure large enough to hold a running wheel and room for natural feeding behavior.

The enclosure also needs smooth sides (so the hedgehog can’t climb out) and a hiding place to sleep. Minimum enclosure size is 2′ x 3′. Large Tupperware storage containers can be a great option for an enclosure.

It is also imperative to fit an external heat source (an underfloor heater or heat lamp) with multiple thermometers inside the enclosure to monitor effectiveness. Hedgehogs hail from a tropical part of the world and thrive best in a temperature of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler or hotter temperatures can cause a hedgehog to enter a state called torpor.

hedgehog activity

Hedgehogs are nocturnal. They sleep during the day and are very active at night. “They’ll get up for their ‘day’ when they eat dinner, which can be a nice time to interact with them before bed,” says Dr. Basement, cellar.

Keep in mind that their nocturnal activities, including running on a wheel, may mean you don’t want their enclosure in your bedroom. Wheels are loud! (Dr. Keller also says that running wheels should never have a wire bottom, as this construction leads to broken limbs.)

“Unfortunately, many captive hedgehogs are overweight, so exercise is very important,” says Dr. Basement, cellar. “Allow your hedgehog time outside of the enclosure to explore or swim while being supervised a few hours a week.”

hedgehog interaction

Hedgehogs are very solitary animals and should be kept separately. In the wild, they are only social during the breeding season.

Their solitary nature can make it difficult for these pets to warm up to you. dr Keller says that with time and patience, you can learn to work with your pet and gain their trust.

“The best way to train a hedgehog to handle animals is to get the animal from a breeder at a young age, although there are exceptions to this rule,” says Dr. Basement, cellar.

dr Krista Keller (right) demonstrates how to perform a physical exam on a pet hedgehog.

When you get your hedgehog for the first time, you should give it time to settle into its new enclosure. Give her a few hands off days. Once she’s settled in, start handling at night when she’s awake. Handling should focus on getting the animal used to smelling the hands. Be careful: hedgehogs will bite when startled, so it is very important to go slow and socialize the animal gradually.

hedgehog health care

Like any other pet, hedgehogs should see a veterinarian every year for early detection of potential health issues.

“Vet exams are a crucial part of hedgehog health. After you get a hedgehog, take it to a veterinarian to be checked for internal parasites and external parasites like mites,” advises Dr. Basement, cellar.

You should be aware that hedgehogs can get a variety of cancers and heart diseases. With annual vet visits and early detection, a hedgehog can still have a good quality and length of life. dr Keller also recommends neutering all female hedgehogs. Female hedgehogs are prone to uterine tumors, which can be fatal. Preventive neutering can completely eliminate this risk.

dr Keller says: “With the right care and husbandry, your hedgehog will live for about five years, some even longer than eight years.”

If you have questions about hedgehogs, contact your local veterinarian.

By Hannah Beer

Featured photo by Amaya Guizabal

How long does it take to bond with hedgehog?

Encourage the bonding process

The first two weeks with your hedgehog are the most important in shaping your new companion’s personality and how they will react around you! Once home, you may notice a temporary personality change from when you picked out your hedgie, and this is completely normal.

Are Hedgehogs Too Prickly to Hold?

Hedgehog Accessories What does it take to take care of a hedgehog? Be sure to check out the Accessories page, which lists favorite products used and recommended by Hamor Hollow Hedgehogs.

Encourage the bonding process

The first two weeks with your hedgehog are the most important in shaping your new companion’s personality and how he will react to you! Once home, you may notice a temporary personality change since you picked your hedgehog, and this is perfectly normal.

Please remember that you are still new and your new family member is just learning to trust you! There are also many new exciting and spooky smells and sounds and your hedgehog will need some time to get used to his new home and carers.

They may bunch up a little more often and take a little more time to detach, or be more sullen and prickly than when you first visited Hamor Hollow. No panic! The best thing you can do is stay calm and weather the storm.

Transporting hedgehogs home

Please bring a secure shipping container with you when you pick up your hedgehog from Hamor Hollow and make sure you bring it inside when you arrive to allow it to warm up to room temperature. Hedgehogs are burrowing animals, so a fleece blanket will help ensure your carrier is comfortable and warm. Hedgehogs feel safest in a confined space, so a small animal carrier or a small cat carrier is best. If your enclosure is larger, put a larger blanket in it so your hedgehog can hide.

Do not provide food or water for the ride home as this will only make a mess. Some hedgehogs are prone to motion sickness, and encouraging them to eat or drink will only make the problem worse. Even without food, there is still a chance your hedgehog will suffer from motion sickness and vomit up a small amount.

If this happens, don’t be alarmed. When you get home, just give your hedgehog some time to get used to his new space before you start playing with him. Once the movement stops and they settle in, they can play again. If you have a long drive, you might want to bring some extra blankets in case you need to change quickly on the way home.

warmth and socialization

Staying warm is key to a happier, healthier, and more social life for your hedgehog. When your hedgehog is cold, he will become grumpy, will not interact with you, and may go into false hibernation. To avoid this, it is important to keep your hedgehog warm. At Hamor Hollow, we recommend leaving a heating pad plugged in in your hedgehog’s enclosure at all times, even in the summer!

SOMETIMES A HEATING PAD ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH

If your hedgehog gets too cold even with a heating pad, then move the enclosure to a warmer room or wrap a blanket around it, as the insulation may be enough extra warmth to keep your hedgehog happy. In other cases, you may need to add a ceramic radiant heater as a secondary heat source.

When your hedgehog is grumpy, adding warmth will help them become happier and more social. This could make all the difference when it comes to spending quality time with your hedgehog. Please remember that your hedgehog is native to Africa, so your idea of warm may not be warm enough for him.

WRONG HISTORY IS NOT HEALTHY FOR YOUR HEDGEHOG

This can happen at any temperature below 75°F. A warm hedgehog is a happy hedgehog. A happy hedgehog is a companion that you or your child will play with more often, making them more social and light-hearted. It is therefore important to have a digital thermometer in your hedgehog’s enclosure so that you know the ambient (room) temperature at all times.

to spend time together

Your eye-catcher does not need any time to get used to its new habitat alone. You already became her trusted anchor when you decided on each other at our open house. So get on board from the start and spend time with your new companion.

Let them sleep in a large bag or curl up in a blanket on your lap when they’re tired (or scared) after playing. Being next to you and hearing and smelling you will help familiarize your hedgehog with you and the rest of your family.

It’s okay to play with your hedgehog later in the day and we recommend waking your hedgehog up in the afternoon or evening. It is not recommended to play first thing in the morning as your hedgehog has likely been up all night and has just gone back to sleep.

Allow a little moodiness when they first get up. After the initial wake-up phase, your hedgehog should be happy to play with you. Don’t overwhelm your hedgehog at first and limit the playing times to around half an hour. By allowing your hedgehog to nap, you can extend your playtime without stressing him out when he first comes home.

BE CONFIDENT OR FAKE IT

Pigtails can be intimidating at first. So keep a piece of fleece blanket or baby blanket handy near the enclosure to help your prickly new friend lift! Think of them as training wheels for handling your hedgehog. The more confident you become in lifting your hedgehog, the less you will need them.

The more confident you feel, the more relaxed your hedgehog will feel around you and the less calm he will be. Remember that animals are very good at sensing our confidence and emotions.

SAFE PLACES

Whether it’s on your lap or in his enclosure, your hedgehog needs something to hide under or in to feel safe. This can be anything from a fleece blanket to a guinea pig house. Hedgehogs are natural burrowers and love dark, tight spaces where they can feel safe. Therefore, a hoodie or sweatshirt with pockets is a perfect place for them to hide while still spending time with you.

treats

Treats are great bribes! If you give your hedgehog a treat like mealworms or waxworms when you take them out of their enclosure, they will definitely remember it. Eventually, they associate treats with spending time with you. You will find that they are learning your routine and may be awake and waiting for you or much happier when you wake them up.

Limit the amount of treats you give to one or two. Hedgehogs have small stomachs, so treats should be served like giving candy to a child.

Loud noises make neurotic hedgehogs

Your hedgehog’s enclosure should be in an area that is relatively quiet and away from loud noises and noisy family members such as barking dogs or chatty parrots. Remember that hedgehogs are nocturnal, so they’ll be up at night and try to sleep all day when your house is the noisiest.

Even if a family member plays a musical instrument, their practice room is not a good place for the hedgehog enclosure. The same goes for home theaters or video game rooms.

quilling

Most hedgehogs are between eight and twelve weeks old when they leave Hamor Hollow and are still in the process of quilling. Quilling is similar to teething, except babies’ quills fall out and are replaced with adult quills. This can cause discomfort and moodiness when the adults’ new spines poke through the skin.

Adding more heat to the enclosure and making sure your hedgehog sleeps on the heating pad can feel soothing and alleviate the ouchies a bit. If you continue to hold and play with your hedgehog during this time, your bond will strengthen and you’ll work through the quilling together.

If your hedgehog is getting really grumpy and you need help, email us and Kelly will help you through it.

to eat and drink

It is normal for your hedgehog not to eat or drink much for the first few days. The stress of adjusting to a new home can reduce their appetite. Don’t panic, continue to offer regular food mix and water and check for pooping during this adjustment period to ensure your hedgehog is pooping.

Hedgehogs have small stomachs and don’t eat much at once, so it may not seem like their food bowl is emptying quickly. As long as something comes out, your eye-catcher will eat!

It’s important to ensure clean food and water are always available, so set a schedule to check on a daily basis. If the rest of the food in the bowl is clean, then there’s no reason to change it. However, if your hedgehog has soiled the food bowl, be sure to clean it out and give it new food.

In the first few days, your hedgehog may experience constipation, diarrhea or colored stools. This is normal and part of the stress of adjusting to a new home. In this case, do not give your hedgehog any extra treats. Treats and new foods can also cause changes in the color, texture, and smell of your stool.

If the poop problem persists for more than five days, you can give your hedgie Bene-Bac® Plus Pet Gel. This is essentially a prebiotic that helps your hedgehog’s digestive tract. Email us or consult your veterinarian for dosing information.

Do hedgehogs recognize their owners?

Your Pet Hedgehog Will Learn To Recognize You Over Time

You just have to be patient. Hedgehogs are naturally a bit nervous around humans at first and it takes some time for them to build that trust around you.

Are Hedgehogs Too Prickly to Hold?

Owning a pet hedgehog can be an incredibly rewarding and fun experience. They’re cute, cuddly (even with the spikes) and super unique!

Because of this, there is a growing interest in hedgehogs as pets and we couldn’t be happier. Honestly, we think everyone should consider owning a hedgehog if you are looking for something unique.

However, there are some things you should know before you rush out and buy one.

Because of their cute nature and growing popularity, many people skip the important process of learning about the animal and determining if a hedgehog is a right pet for them. This leads to poor care of their hedgehog, purchases from bad breeders, and other problems.

So we’ve put together this list of everything you need to know to be sure if a hedgehog pet is right for you. When you’re done with that, you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Enjoy!

1. Are hedgehogs good pets?

Let’s get that out of the way first. Because of their unusual nature, many people don’t know whether hedgehogs make good pets or not.

Some people assume they’re extremely difficult and high-maintenance, and others believe they’re perfect cuddle balls that don’t require any effort to raise.

As always, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. If you think they’re completely hands-free, you’d be surprised, but it’s not much more of a hassle than owning a dog (you’re just spending your time doing other things).

So are hedgehogs good pets? Absolutely!

Pet hedgehogs will thrive and be loads of fun if you understand what they need and give them the right care. The same is true of any domesticated animal.

However, that doesn’t mean they make good pets for everyone. There are several lifestyle factors that may not align with your schedule, and you should be aware of them before taking the plunge.

Don’t worry, we’ll cover these in detail later in the guide!

2. One kind stands above the rest

There are seventeen different species of hedgehog found on the planet, but one that is best suited as a pet. This species is the African pygmy hedgehog.

These cuties are the type of hedgehogs you’ve probably seen the most online, especially when you look at other people who own them as pets. We have nothing against the other hedgehog species, of course, but there are three main reasons why the African pygmy is considered the best choice:

They are the smallest of all types, making them easy to manage and fit into your home. Their temperament is well suited to being pets. They are naturally shy and will warm to you over time. You are the cutest of them all! They have a very adorable and eye-catching appearance and can come in a variety of colors.

Luckily, you don’t have to spend a lot of time clarifying which species you want when talking to breeders. The African Pygmy Hedgehog is pretty much the only option you’ll find once you start shopping.

3. You need to make sure they are legal where you live

As funny as it may seem, pet hedgehogs aren’t legal everywhere. The majority of states in the US allow them, and most European countries do as well.

However, there are some places where they are completely illegal or require you to obtain a permit before owning one. The origin of these regulations is believed to lie in the fact that hedgehogs can, in some situations, transmit foot-and-mouth disease (don’t panic, you won’t have a problem).

Before you start looking around and talking to breeders, do your research and understand the laws in your area. Assuming you aren’t in one of those unfortunate places where they aren’t allowed, consider getting a pet hedgehog!

4. Handling them takes some practice

As you’ve probably noticed by now, hedgehogs have spines (duh). This adds to her unique and interesting looks, but also poses a challenge for some new owners looking to handle it.

If your hedgehog is nervous or anxious, it will likely be quite uncomfortable to hold. This is far more common when your hedgehog is new to you and its surroundings, so you’ll need to be patient.

As the two of you become more familiar with each other, it will become easier to pick them up and deal with them. This is mainly because they are more comfortable with you and are less likely to stick their spikes out. You’ll also learn what they like and don’t like so you can keep them relaxed and comfortable more often.

5. You will learn to read their moods

A pet hedgehog’s emotions are far more complex than most people realize. The notion that they are simple creatures couldn’t be further from the truth.

New hedgehog owners will quickly discover that there are many subtleties to pay attention to when it comes to their hedgehogs. Unlike dogs, where their emotions are fairly easy to read (tail wag = happy, growl = angry), you have to look a lot harder.

Once you get used to recognizing the little signs and noises they make, your hedgehog’s mood will be much easier to understand. In fact, you’ll be shocked at how communicative they can be!

When this happens, you can take better care of them and have more fun together. They’ll know when they don’t want to be disturbed and when they’re in the mood to play with them.

6. Feeding them can be easier than you think

For the most part, feeding your pet hedgehog won’t take a lot of extra time or mental energy. As we’ve already said, they’re pretty low maintenance!

Many owners give their hedgehogs both dry and wet cat food because it has the basic nutritional properties they need. It’s also easier to find at your local pet store than hedgehog food.

Your diet can get a little more complicated when it comes to extra things like snacks. By this we mean fruits, vegetables, insects, etc. Hedgehogs love snacking and these additional foods round out their diet to keep them happy and healthy.

You’ll learn pretty quickly what foods are good for him and what your hedgehog likes best (after all, everyone has their preferences).

Another thing to be aware of is the possibility of your hedgehog overeating. They love to eat and if you are not careful they will gain weight.

Another common reason for this is that feeding them is a lot of fun and very adorable to look at. You need to keep yourself in check just like your hedgehog!

7. They are nocturnal

In case you weren’t aware, your African pygmy hedgehog is active at night and sleeps during the day. Every hedgehog is different, but most of them will get up and start their day around their dinner time.

So the best time to cuddle and give treats is in the evening before bed (assuming you’re not on the night shift). If you get up very early you might have some time to see them in the morning too, but remember they will relax after a full night of gaming.

If your schedule doesn’t match their sleep cycle, owning a pet hedgehog may not be a good fit for you. It’s also worth noting that if you’re a light sleeper and don’t have a place far from your bedroom to keep them, the noise of their nighttime activities might keep you awake.

You should also make sure their location is somewhere in your home where your daytime activities won’t disturb their sleep. It goes both ways!

This isn’t a problem for most people, but take some time to be sure before getting a pet hedgehog. You want this to be a good fit for both of you.

8. Pet hedgehogs make a variety of sounds

Hedgehogs don’t sit around and sniff all day. They’re actually quite expressive when it comes to the noises they can make!

Each sound means something different and the more you get to know your pet hedgehog the more you will understand what each sound means. They might hiss and snort when grumpy or sniff when busy exploring their surroundings.

Learning to understand these signs can make keeping a hedgehog as a pet even more fun. It’s also a great way for you to take better care of them since you’ll be more responsive to how they’re feeling.

Despite the range of noises hedgehogs can make, they’re not super loud. That means you shouldn’t have any trouble with their various chirps and sniffles keeping you up at night. They actually make a lot more noise when playing with things in their cage!

9. Practice smart hygiene

Although hedgehogs are not very dirty animals, you should still wash your hands thoroughly after handling them and touching things in their cage. They can transmit salmonella, and there have been outbreaks related to pet hedgehogs in the past. They can also get ringworm, a fungal disease of the skin (although this is not as common in domesticated hedgehogs).

All of this is easily avoided if you practice smart hygiene. It can be easy to get lax about this as you get more comfortable with your hedgehog over time, but you need to be consistent.

Wash your hands well after touching her or her cage, and don’t kiss her (although it might be tempting). If you do this, you probably won’t have any problems.

10. The temperature becomes very important to you

When you have a pet hedgehog, you become very aware of the temperature around them. Most people had no experience with this before owning a hedgehog.

The reason this is so important is that you want to avoid sending your hedgehog into hibernation or summer dormancy. Although hibernation is more likely, both can cause equally serious health problems for them, and likely lead to death.

This often comes as a surprise to many people considering keeping a hedgehog as a pet. After all, that’s nothing to worry about in a dog!

However, it’s fairly easy to manage once you’ve set it up. A few heating lamps and pads will do the job. A safe sweet spot for them is somewhere between 74 and 80 degrees. This keeps them warm, comfortable and safe.

11. Over time your hedgehog will learn to recognize you

It will take a while for your hedgehog to get used to you and who you are. During this process, new owners tend to wonder if they made a mistake or if pet hedgehogs aren’t as affectionate.

But no worry! You just have to be patient. Hedgehogs are naturally a little nervous around humans at first and it takes time for them to build that trust in you.

If you socialize and treat your new hedgehog properly, over time they will learn to recognize your voice, your looks, and your smell. This will make them feel more comfortable and relaxed around you.

Once that happens, you’re well on your way to bonding and developing a relationship with your hedgehog!

12. Find a reputable breeder

You should do your homework and find a breeder who knows their stuff and treats their hedgehogs well. There are good and bad breeders and it is up to you to make the final decision on who to buy from.

Unfortunately, in the rush to get a cute new pet, many potential owners overlook this and end up with a hedgehog that has health issues or comes from a poor environment. Don’t skip this step.

13. Hedgehogs can be quite adventurous

We’ve heard from so many new owners over the years that they were shocked to see how spunky their pet hedgehogs were. It’s really worth seeing!

Now, of course, this will be different with the hedgehog. Some are softer than others.

But for the most part, they’re all pretty damn energetic.

One minute they might be trying to climb onto your sofa covers during cuddle time, and the next they might be lugging their toys through their cage. Meanwhile, they’ll sporadically hop up and down for some quick cardio!

It’s great fun to see how active and curious they are, especially when they discover an interesting new smell. When that happens, their nose goes into overdrive and they will stop at nothing to investigate the smell.

14. They must keep their home clean

It is very important to ensure that their cage and habitat are cleaned regularly. This is not only good for your hedgehog’s health, but also for reasons of hygiene (don’t forget salmonella).

A weekly cage cleaning is a good idea to ensure they live somewhere safe and comfortable. It doesn’t take long and will do a lot to help them live a good life.

15. They make a great pet for people with allergies

If you are allergic to other animals like cats and dogs but still want a pet, owning a hedgehog could be a good move! The reason for this is that they hardly have any dander.

Other animals like cats have a lot, which is the main cause of people being allergic to them. In fact, you’re far more likely to be allergic to your hedgehog’s bedding than to your actual hedgehog.

16. You are not smelly

This is sort of a continuation from the previous point, but hedgehogs don’t smell bad. They have almost no body odor making them very comfortable to have in your home.

The only caveat to this is that their poop and pee smell. So if you don’t clean their cage regularly, you will definitely notice an odor. But as long as you take care of their home, they will continue to smell great!

17. Scheduling vet visits will be easy

Unlike many other animals, your hedgehog does not require vaccinations or vaccinations. This means you don’t have to worry about making a multitude of appointments with your vet to keep them healthy.

All you have to do is schedule an annual check-up to make sure they’re okay and don’t have any health issues. If it stays that way, you’ll be good to go until next year.

18. Manage your expectations

If you’re looking for an animal that will learn tricks and show complex displays of affection, a pet hedgehog isn’t the best choice. Yes, there are many nice touches and characters to learn over time, but you have to be realistic.

Those aren’t orcas, those are hedgehogs. Their intellect can surprise you and they are fun to watch, but they will not fetch the newspaper for you in the morning. They are also naturally shy.

The combination of these means your cuddle time together will be pretty straightforward. If you’re looking for tail wags and handshakes, this isn’t your pet.

19. They don’t need (or want) a cage buddy

In almost all situations, pet hedgehogs are better off having a cage to themselves. Because of this, we strongly encourage you to do the same.

If you insist on trying this, there are a few things you should know first. You also need to be very alert to the situation to make sure things don’t get out of hand.

Don’t try this with men at first. Any cage combination that includes males is likely to be a disaster. Two males will likely discard and fight for dominance in the room. A man and a woman together almost always result in pregnancy or even in a fight.

This means that two women are your best bet. It’s still not recommended, but it has a far better chance than the other two combinations.

Last but not least, if you’re going to try this, you’ll want to make sure they each have plenty of cage space. Don’t squeeze two hedgehogs into a tiny cage and expect everyone to be happy.

But as we’ve said before, it’s a lot safer if you don’t try at all.

20. If you travel a lot, you need a babysitter

Pet hedgehogs are not the kind of animals you can take with you on a long journey. They need attention and monitoring to ensure they thrive.

An example of this is the already mentioned heating situation. What if you leave town for a week and your power goes out? Assuming you don’t have your heat lamp on a backup generator, your hedgehog could go into hibernation and die when you come back. This may sound overly paranoid, but it’s happened before.

On the other hand, it can also be stressful for them to take with them. Hedgehogs like a nice stable environment and it will take a lot of work (and a special kind of hedgehog) to take them with you on long journeys.

That means if you’re a frequent traveler, plan on having someone stop by frequently to check on your hedgehog while you’re away. If that seems too cumbersome for you, a hedgehog probably isn’t for you.

We hope this guide on pet hedgehogs helps you better understand what it’s like to own and raise one in your home. They’re tons of fun, super adorable, and incredibly unique.

Provided your lifestyle suits, we recommend them to everyone!

How do I know if my hedgehog is happy?

If a noise is loud to you, it is probably too loud for your hedgehog as well. Observe the sounds your hedgehog is making towards you as well. If he is purring, he is happy and content.

Are Hedgehogs Too Prickly to Hold?

This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. dr Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. She has worked at the same vet clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed 184,278 times.

Article overview

Bonding with your hedgehog is all about gradually getting him used to your touch, smell, and voice. Make sure you wash your hands before touching your hedgehog as strong odors on your skin could startle him. Gently pick it up and hold it in your hands or lap. Don’t worry if it bunches up as it will unroll when comfortable. If your hedgehog isn’t comfortable around you, leave a t-shirt you were wearing in his cage so he can get used to your smell. When petting him, pet him from head to tail, as hedgehogs like to be petted in the direction of their spines. As you pet her, speak to her in a soft tone so she associates your voice with safety and comfort. For more tips from our veterinary co-author, including how to figure out your hedgehog’s personality type, read on!

How do I play with my hedgehog?

Don’t attempt to touch your hedgie but instead allow it to get to know you on its own terms. Place your hand several inches away from your hedgehog and allow it to come up to your hands and smell you. Your hedgehog is relaxed when its quills are laid down and it is moving about without flinching every time you move.

Are Hedgehogs Too Prickly to Hold?

Care and acclimatization | Tips and hints for handling | throwing training | Bathing & nail cutting

Play indoors and outdoors | hedgehog on the loose | Keeps your hedgehog warm

Tie with your hedgehog | Biting Bonding with Your Hedgehog Introduction Bonding with your hedgehog helps create a bond between you and your pet.

The more the bond between you and your hedgehog develops, the more you will love and enjoy your pet.

Bonding takes effort, persistence, and a hedgehog understanding of the strongest bonds.

Hedgehogs have poor eyesight, so using their other senses will increase bonding effectiveness. By smell Hedgehogs have an excellent sense of smell, so it’s important to get the hedgehog used to your scent.

One way to acclimate a hedgehog to your broadcast is to sleep in a t-shirt for several nights, or wear one all day (without washing it) and then place the t-shirt over the hedgehog’s cage.

We recommend sleeping with an approximately 2-12 inch piece of fleece and then placing the fleece in the hedgehog’s sleeping area or sleeping with the hedgehog’s sleeping bag.

New lotions, perfumes, or scents can confuse your hedgehog because they mask your “original” smell. Transsonic hedgehogs are very sensitive to noise, with most pads flapping or tingling when they hear new or loud noises.

Talk to your hedgehog and let him get to know your voice.

When you talk to your hedgehog while you are holding, cuddling, bathing, and engaging in other pleasurable activities, your hedgehog will associate the sound of your voice with comfort and pleasure.

Over the years we have found radio and music to be very calming to a variety of different animals. Hedgehogs are no exception.

The pauses in speaking and music on the radio keep the animals at a constant noise level and make new noises less intrusive.

The sudden sound of speaking, the opening and closing of doors, and general noises in the room can be irritating to the hedgehog when a hedgehog is used to silence. Through cuddle/sleep time One of the best and easiest ways to bond with your hedgehog is to simply hold him on your lap for an hour or so while you watch TV or a movie.

Don’t try to pet a shy hedgehog, just relax and come out on your own.

Most of the time, in just a few minutes, your hedgehog will unfurl and try to explore.

Other hedgehogs may take a little longer to relax, but please be patient and let him explore on his own terms.

Lori Keller, bonding expert, suggests holding your hedgehog in your hands and on your chest so your hedgehog can feel your body heat and hear your heartbeat. Hold him while you watch TV. or long enough for him to sleep on you, because having your hedgie sleep on you is an excellent way to get them to bond.

You may be able to pet an otherwise “non-pettable” hedgehog as your hedgehog falls asleep and relaxes

Another tip for Lori is to dress up a t-shirt with a nice big overshirt and tuck the hedgehog in between the layers.

Some people like to use large bonding bags (similar to those used for sugar gliders) or hedgehog packs to carry the hedgehog around during daily activities. By playing you can also put your hedgehog on the ground in a heggie-safe room or area. Don’t try to touch your hedgehog, allow him to get to know you on his own terms.

Put your hand a few inches away from your hedgehog and let him come to your hands and smell you.

Your hedgehog is relaxed when its spines are down and it’s moving without flinching with each movement. Certain noises can still frighten a relaxed hedgehog.

Allow your hedgehog to use you as a human mountain. Let it rise and explore you.

One of our customers reported that his hedgehog didn’t like the color red. Whenever someone was wearing a red shirt, that particular hedgehog was more grumpy and didn’t seem to enjoy being touched as much as other days.

While color preference is somewhat unusual for animals, it’s important to notice subtle things about the hedgehog’s environment that might affect its behavior. Through Treats You can try offering treats from your hand to hedgehogs. Your hedgehog may respond well, it may ignore you completely.

Don’t let your hedgehog lick your fingers or hand as he may decide that since a little of you tastes good, a lot of you might taste better!!

You may need to help your hedgehog distinguish between treats and hands, but the bonding time is worth the effort.

For more information on bonding with treats, see our hedgehog treats guide. Previous | Top | Next

What does it mean when a hedgehog licks you?

What does it mean if a hedgehog licks you? As we discussed above, licking is a natural behavior for hedgehogs to display and is almost always never a cause for concern. More often than not, your hedgehog is most likely licking you because it likes the taste of the salt on your skin.

Are Hedgehogs Too Prickly to Hold?

Why do hedgehogs lick?: What you should know

Hedgehogs have grown in popularity as pets in recent years, and just like other animal species, hedgehogs have their own unique quirks and personalities.

If you are an existing African pygmy hedgehog owner, you may have noticed that they like to lick off a lot of things that they come in contact with.

Below we will explain some of the main reasons why hedgehogs love to lick their owners, themselves, and the meaning behind it. So, without further ado, let’s take a look:

Why do hedgehogs lick you?

Whether you’re considering adding an adorable hedgehog to your family or you’re already the proud owner of an African Dwarf, you may have noticed that he loves to lick your hand whenever you touch him.

The first thing to note is that hedgehogs have very poor eyesight but very keen senses of taste and smell.

Because hedgehogs have very poor vision, they explore the world primarily with their other senses – including their taste buds. So if your hedgehog climbs onto your lap or lies in the palm of your hand, he might lick and sniff you just because it’s his way of exploring.

Aside from that, some people even believe that hedgehogs lick their owners to show affection.

Hedgehogs are very gentle, good-natured animals and they are almost never aggressive towards their owners, especially when hand-reared as babies.

They also tend to form lifelong bonds with their owners, which is why many people feel that hedgehogs sometimes lick their owners to show affection or to help with grooming.

What does it mean when a hedgehog licks you?

As we discussed above, licking is a natural behavior of hedgehogs and is almost always not a cause for concern. Most of the time, your hedgehog is probably licking you because he likes the taste of the salt on your skin.

However, he can also lick and sniff to explore his surroundings and find out if he is in danger or not.

In addition to all of this, a hedgehog may also lick you to begin self-anointing, which is when a hedgehog is fixated on covering itself in a frothy saliva mixture.

Many different things can trigger this strange phenomenon, and some people find that their hedgehogs begin the self-anointing process as soon as they finish licking their hands.

Why do hedgehogs lick their spines?

When your hedgehog licks its spines, it most often means that it is anointing itself or is about to start anointing itself. If you own a pet hedgehog, then we’re sure you’ve already watched your prickly pet spend hours anointing itself.

In case you didn’t know, hedgehogs are known for self-anointing (aka self-licking) and a behavior that many animal experts are unsure as to the reason for this.

When a hedgehog encounters a stimulating substance, it can cause the hedgehog to begin anointing itself, and this is a process that can take up to several hours.

Usually, the taste of the substance will prompt the hedgehog to anoint itself, and this usually starts with licking the spines.

After licking the spines, the hedgehogs will usually start producing a frothy mixture of saliva, which they then lick over their spines.

Many owners note that during this self-anointing period, hedgehogs almost go into a trance, completely forgetting everything around them—including dangers!

If self-anointing isn’t the reason, then your little hedgehog may simply lick himself to get rid of dirt he feels on his spines, or to prune himself.

Why is my hedgehog licking his lips?

Lip and nose licking are perfectly normal behaviors for a little hedgehog and usually nothing to scoff at. A hedgehog will usually lick its lips to moisturize them or to remove any dirt that may be on them.

Furthermore, just like us, hedgehogs can lick our lips when we are hungry, and they often lick their lips when they smell delicious food or when they know their food will be given to them soon.

Additionally, another reason hedgehogs lick their lips may be to anoint themselves. While anointing itself, a hedgehog will frequently lick its lips while creating the frothy sage mixture, which is then spread down its spine.

Do hedgehogs spikes hurt?

The thousands of pointed quills covering a hedgehog’s back are a warning sign to most predators that they need to stay away. They can even be intimidating for humans at first. While they do seem a little frightening, the quills won’t hurt you once you adjust to the gentle way that you’re supposed to handle hedgehogs.

Are Hedgehogs Too Prickly to Hold?

The thousands of sharp spines covering a hedgehog’s back are a warning sign to most predators to stay away. They can even be intimidating to people at first. While they may seem a little scary, the spikes won’t hurt you once you get used to the gentle way that hedgehogs are supposed to be handled. Of course, that doesn’t mean accidents happen. We’re here to tell you when a hedgehog’s feather will hurt you, how to avoid it, and some other fun facts about these spikes.

What are hedgehog feathers?

The long, stiff spines you see on a hedgehog’s back are a kind of hollow spine. The spines lie on two different back muscles, which the animal uses to either stick them out or relax them.

A pig’s quills are its best chance of defense. They only go in two positions. One of them can hurt you, the other cannot.

Relaxed quills

While a hedgehog’s spines come to a sharp point, they aren’t as sharp when the hedgehog is relaxed. Relaxed hedgehogs have their spines positioned so that they lie evenly against the skin of your hand. They evenly distribute the animal’s weight and do not pierce the skin. It feels somewhat similar to touching coffee straws or a hairbrush.

defensive feathers

A nervous or threatened hedgehog will curl up into a ball when threatened. Rolling up changes the Potion of Spikes. The spikes become wider and feel sharper. While the spines are unlikely to break our skin, they are sometimes still painful to the touch. Your best option to keep them from hurting you is to establish a comfortable and trusting relationship with the hedgehog. If you are a bit nervous at first, you can use a puncture resistant glove to make the process easier for you.

How many spines does a hedgehog have?

The number of spines on a hedgehog can vary depending on the species you are staying with. In general, most hedgehogs have between 5,000 and 7,000 spines on their backs.

Do hedgehog quills come out?

Despite sharing a similar appearance, hedgehogs are not the same as porcupines. In fact, these two animals are not even related. Hedgehog spines do not come out of their bodies voluntarily. One of the only ways they come out is when they’re quilled.

Why is my hedgehog losing spines?

Although they may not be able to get rid of them by force, hedgehogs still lose their spines for a number of reasons. Aside from spines, two reasons hedgehogs might start shedding their spines are mites and infections. Stress is another factor that sometimes causes this.

In general, most hedgehogs lose their spines through a process called quilling. This usually happens when the animal is still young. It starts when they are between 5 and 6 weeks old and can happen 3 or 4 times until they are a year old.

Do hedgehog spines grow back?

Don’t panic if your hedgehog suddenly loses a lot of spines. Hedgehog spines can and will grow back. However, the speed at which they grow back depends on their age and the cause. For example, some younger pigs that have lost their spines due to mites might have a harder time regrowing them.

Are spines softening?

The only time a hedgehog’s spines will ever feel softer is when they are in their relaxed position. That being said, there’s no reason the spines’ hard outer shell would soften and feel more like fur. If you find a lot of softer spines, it could be due to a nutrient deficiency and you should take them to the vet as soon as possible.

Can you cut hedgehog spines?

Technically, hedgehog quills do not contain nerves and trimming would not harm the animal, but that doesn’t mean it’s recommended. This is your pet’s only defense mechanism and losing it would only make them feel in even greater danger. Instead, try to appreciate these unique animals in their natural form.

Final thoughts: hedgehog feathers

We know that an animal with a body full of spikes isn’t the cuddliest of creatures, but that doesn’t mean they have to be afraid of them. As long as a hedgehog is comfortable and relaxed, there is no reason for them to go into defensive mode and threaten to push you. Hedgehog quills are unique and beautiful, and learning how to handle these animals gently is the best way to avoid injury.

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Selected image source: Julia Jane, Shutterstock

How do you feed a hedgehog on holiday?

Feed the hungry hogs in your garden to help them build energy for raising hoglets, and fat reserves for their long winter hibernation. One way to do this is to build a feeding station in your garden with lots of hedgehog-friendly food and water.

Are Hedgehogs Too Prickly to Hold?

Create a hedgehog-sized hole in the bottom of one of the sides of your box. It should be about 5 inches square to allow the pig to get in and out safely. If your box is made of wood, you will need a saw.

If your box is plastic, use a sharp knife carefully. Cover the edges of the hole with tape to make sure there are no sharp parts that could injure your hedgehogs.

How do you play with a hedgehog?