Although their eyesight is poor, they have good hearing and a well-developed sense of smell. Hedgehogs are good runners, proficient climbers and can even swim.
According to Louisiana State University, hedgehogs have a hearing frequency range between 250 and 45,000 Hz. They can't hear low-pitched sounds as well as humans can, who can hear down to 64 Hz, but it's much higher than the human range of 23,000 Hz.
The hedgehog hears tones from 250 c/s to 45 kc/s, has a best frequency near 8 kc/s, and frequency discrimination of about 2.5% at 42 kc/s. If the audiogram is extrapolated to +80 db, it can be concluded that pure tone sensitivity ranges from a low of 200 c/s to a high near 60 kc/s.
Handling and bonding with the owner: If you handle your hedgehog, enough these little critters can be quite friendly and learn to remember your smell and sound of your voice. Often hedgehogs that are not handled daily can become skittish and huffy.
The intelligence of a hedgehog is to that of a hamster, they may learn certain behaviors through positive reinforcement or conditioning but only at a very basic level. 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.
Every hedgehog has a unique personality, but most aren't interested in human affection. Caretakers note that it takes a lot of time and effort to get a hedgehog to tolerate being held. Like porcupines, hedgehogs have sharp, prickly quills that they use to fend off predators.
Hedgehogs use body language to communicate their emotions. They will often curl into a ball and use their quills, or spines, to indicate their mood. Hedgies startle easily. When they're frightened, hedgies will curl up into a ball with their quills erect.
Some hedgehogs do not display outward signs of affection, while others can be quite affectionate toward their owners. Hedgehogs do not typically come when called nor actively seek out human interaction.
Some hedgehogs will bond to their owners for life (HHC). Bonding does require effort, persistence, and an understanding of hedgehogs. Many hedgehogs don't like to be petted by just anyone until they are completely comfortable with their environment. This is especially important when a hedgehog goes to a new home.
Often able to sense ill feelings and appear sympathetic, they also sometimes mimic their owners emotions.
Dr. Keller says, “With appropriate care and keeping, your hedgehog will live about five years, and some even live longer than eight years.” If you have any questions about hedgehogs, contact your local veterinarian.
Hedgehogs can be handled (they are not too prickly), although some patience is required to make sure your hedgehog is both safe and comfortable in your hands.
Places some hedgehogs like to be scratched include: their ears, chin, along the edge of their quill line or skirt, belly fur or feet. protective of its feet.
Like many pocket pets, hedgehogs love to explore mazes and tunnels. This will keep Hedgie active, and offer him mental stimulation. You can buy labyrinths, or make your own out of shoeboxes or PVC pipe. To make your pet's explorations even more fun for him, hide a snack at the end of the tunnel.
Tea Tree oil/ Eucalyptus/Thieves - this includes: tea tree shampoo, tea tree oil, tea tree sprays and anything tea tree. Even Candles inhaled can harm your hedgehog!
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.
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.
Hedgehogs tend to bond with their owners. They will remember your voice, your smell, and even your appearance. Some will only relax with their owners and be loyal to their owners. Make sure a hedgehog is the pet for you, be prepared for a commitment.
Some hedgehogs may enjoy belly rubs, while others may not. Here's a behavior you won't likely see in other family pets: a hedgehog that finds a particularly exciting new scent will lick at it until he develops what is best described as a scented froth in his mouth.
Hedgehogs are covered with sharp spines. When frightened, they curl up in a prickly ball. During the day, they sleep like this so they are safe.
Depression. Without room, a hedgehog will show signs of depression, such as excessive sleeping, refusal to eat, repetitious behaviour, and self mutilation.
Hedgehogs generally aren't cuddly animals, and they're most active at night. So they're probably not for someone who wants a very hands-on pet to hang out with during the day. However, they're quiet animals that don't take up ample space and don't need a lot of attention.
Grunting Like a Pig
It's the noise that hedgehogs make when they're out and about, busy searching for food at night. Though the noise can be surprisingly loud, a grunting, snuffling hog is perfectly happy and should be left to go about her business.