While hedgehogs don't experience jealousy like humans, they can display behaviors that look like it, such as biting or acting grumpy if they feel ignored or if another hedgehog gets attention first, showing possessiveness, territory defense, or frustration, often rooted in their solitary nature and need for individual attention. They can get territorial and upset when sharing space or attention, leading to aggression or pouting.
The average hedgehog is content to do its own thing and may not show any outward sign that it cares about its owner's existence unless you have a treat in your hand. Despite their somewhat solitary nature, they can become very affectionate with their owners and will even enjoy snuggling on your lap.
Hissing like a Snake
When a hedgehog hisses, it means he is really annoyed and wants you, other hogs or other animals to clear off. Hedgehogs will often make the hissing noise if their nest is disturbed or if they are cornered or approached by a predator.
As pets, hedgehogs can recognize and remember their owners' scent and voice, making them a loyal and affectionate companion. They can also quickly learn routines and habits, such as when it's time to eat or play.
Alternatively, males often sniff rapidly while moving around and this may be mistaken for courtship huffing if a female is coincidentally present. Perhaps the most frequently observed part of courtship is the male circling, or attempting to circle, the sow.
Hedgehogs are known to be very communicative when it comes to their needs, and often make a low purring sound when they are happy or content.
Courting/mating – this can be hedgehogs circling one another on the lawn (courting) or mounting one another (mating). Click here for video example. Walking or running – this is basically hedgehogs on the move, but for no obvious objective other than to get from A to B.
If your hedgehog is unusually still in the evening—sleeping in short, restless bursts, waking and dozing repeatedly, or staying sluggish when they would normally explore—it can be a sign of unhappiness or even illness.
Hedgehogs will not usually eat and sleep in the same place so it's best not to offer food inside the home (except perhaps to tempt them in initially). Once there is a resident, move food away from the box so as not to attract predators or rival hedgehogs to the site.
"Hedgehogs certainly aren't blind; their little black eyes can spot your approach in the dark from a fair distance away.
Signs of stress
Many hedgehogs are busy and want to try to explore but a stressed hedgehog will be much more persistent and not easily distracted. The stressed hedgehog may also twitch or shake its head nervously. It is almost as if the hedgehog is saying “Sensory overload. I can't take it anymore.”
Eyes and ears: Hedgehogs have pretty poor eyesight, so they instead rely on their sense of smell to get around and hunt for food. Hedgehogs have short ears, mostly concealed by their fur.
Hedgehogs require activity to maintain their happiness and health. An exercise wheel, a litter box, a sleeping box, and an eating area constitute crucial components of a hedgehog enclosure. To keep your pet hedgehog engaged, provide them with a variety of tunnels and toys, such as stuffed animals or small balls.
Just like any other pet, hedgehogs love treats. Waxworms are a favorite with these guys. You can also offer Hedgie some cooked chicken, turkey, or egg. Low fat/high protein wet cat or dog food is also fine, as is the occasional pinky mouse.
Making Friends With a Hedgehog
Even though hedgehogs are “pets” they may not automatically enjoy being petted. You must first earn your hedgehog's trust so that it can relax and enjoy your touch, rather than fear your touch as potential harm.
Our observations show that nesting Mums often leave their young ones to rest elsewhere. That rest is often through the first and last part of the night but can also be in the day time. Routinely we expect to see hedgehogs come out in the evening around 9.30pm and go back to bed by 5am.
Many hedgehog fans would characterize their hedgehogs as “surprisingly intelligent”. However, when compared to ferrets, monkeys, dogs, cats and squirrels; hedgehogs don't score quite so high on the critter IQ test.
Female hedgehogs are called sows, and their vulva and anus are very close in proximity to each other. They have five pairs of mammae or teats.
During extreme muscle exertion, the 'purse-string' muscle can fold up over the pelvis and get stuck: the pop-off syndrome (Bexton, 2019). The muscle goes into a spasm, which leaves the hedgehog unable to roll up and causes the pelvis and hind legs to remain visible. This is very dangerous for the animal.
Top 10 facts about hedgehogs
The average lifespan of a hedgehog is 3-6 years, however they have been known to live up to 8 years with excellent care.
This is what we call 'splooting'. Spreading themselves out to increase their surface area to cool down. This was on one of the recent very hot days. We use self cooling pads they can lie on. They claim to automatically cool down when an animal lies on it.
They tend to follow the same routes each night, so these pathways can become more noticeable over time. Sounds: Despite their small size, hedgehogs can be surprisingly noisy. Listen for snuffling, huffing, and puffing sounds at night, particularly in spring after hedgehogs hibernate.
A hedgehog has the strange habit of 'self anointing'; when it comes across a strong smell or taste it twists its head round and, using the tongue, covers its spines and fur in a frothy saliva - looking as thought it is covered in soap bubbles! This behaviour is quite normal but no-one knows its purpose.