Some hedgehogs enjoy warm water and may even swim, while others find baths stressful and try to escape, so it depends on the individual hedgehog, but they generally need baths only when visibly dirty, as frequent bathing can dry out their sensitive skin. Bathing is important for cleaning their feet (poopy boots) and quills, but it should be done infrequently (e.g., monthly) and gently with warm, shallow water.
Bathing Your Hedgehog: A Splash of Clean
Hedgehogs don't need frequent baths—too much washing can dry out their skin. Stick to occasional baths when your hedgehog gets dirty , has feces stuck to their feet or starts to smell (yes, that happens).
Hedgehogs don't love bath time, but it's important to give them a bath every now and then to keep them clean and healthy. Here are a few tips to make bath time easier: Use a shallow container filled with warm water. Hedgehogs don't like deep water, so a small tub or basin is ideal.
It is necessary to fully bathe your hedgehog at least once a month. I have heard of some hedgehog owners who bathe their hedgehog weekly and some who bathe monthly.
Hedgehogs will need to be bathed about every 2 to 4 weeks or when he/she looks dirty. Fill your sink with lukewarm water so your hedgehog can't touch the bottom. Keep your hand under him/her to be sure he/she is safe. Use your other hand to pour water over the quills to get them wet.
You will know your hedgehog is ready for a bath when it looks dirty, has dry skin, “poopy boots” (dirty feet from, well, you know!), or anointed spots of dried “stuff”. Hedgehogs do not groom or clean themselves like some animals.
This decline is partly due to a loss of natural habitat, which provides both shelter and food for hedgehogs. Fencing, pesticides, garden hazards (like ponds, strimmers and netting) and development and construction also have an impact. And of course, cars are a major threat to hedgehogs, killing thousands each year.
* Be sure that you have rinsed all the soap off, then wrap your pet in a towel and gently pat them dry. Since the quills make it very difficult to get your hedgehog completely dry, be sure that they have a warm absorbent snuggle sack to crawl into. Never take your pet outside after a bath; not even on a warm day.
Hedgehogs require daily handling in order to socialize them. It is best to handle your hedgehog with bare hands instead of blankets or gloves so they will be better acclimated to your touch. If your hedgehog has its spines erect, use your hands as scoops on either side and gently scoop him up from the bottom.
DO NOT CLEAN IF A HEDGEHOG IS IN RESIDENCE. You might prefer to leave some clean bedding materials in a bundle by the 'front door' for the hedgehog to freshen up the home for themselves!
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.
Hedgehogs hate the cold. Yet they have to face winter. To do so, they often huddle close together to share body heat. But as they come close to each other, they prick each other with their spikes.
Hedgehogs often comfort their owners with cuddles, licks, and offer their paws or cuddly bellies for rubs. Their defences completely drop if they are able to form a close connection with their hedgie parents.
Leave out food and water
Leaving food and fresh water out in the garden each night will encourage visiting hedgehogs to return regularly. Try tinned meaty cat or dog food and crushed cat or dog biscuits. Place the food and water in shallow bowls so they can access them easily.
Many hedgehogs have been observed dust bathing in a variety of “dusty” things including spilled chinchilla dust, broken down pelleted litter, and even the litter in their litter pans.
The more the attachment develops between you and your hedgehog, the more you will grow to love and enjoy your pet. Some hedgehogs will bond to their owners for life (HHC). Bonding does require effort, persistence, and an understanding of hedgehogs.
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.”
Feeding hedgehogs:
If food isn't eaten overnight, remove anything that will go off and replace it with fresh offerings in the evening. Research suggests that unpredictable supplementary feeding is beneficial e.g. moving the feeding spots around and scattering food in a more natural way.
A recycled newspaper bedding (Carefresh or similar product) should be used as a substrate for your hedgehog. Make the bedding several inches thick as hedgehogs like to burrow. The bedding should be replaced at least weekly, and changed more often as needed.
A sign that your hedgehog is too hot is that it is spread out with its nose pointed upward and is panting. Its skin will also appear to be flushed. Do not place your hedgehog cage on a radiator or on direct heat. They need to be able to get away from heat if they get too warm.
Hedgehogs typically don't like the rain so will hide from it until weather passes.
Since hedgehogs can carry Salmonella bacteria, with or without signs of disease, sensible hygiene precautions are advised as a routine measure when handling these animals (see Prevention below). People with salmonellosis most typically develop signs of gastroenteritis.
However, when compared to ferrets, monkeys, dogs, cats and squirrels; hedgehogs don't score quite so high on the critter IQ test. Hedgehogs can easily learn to recognize their owners and things that are “food” related, but as far as tricks are concerned, don't be surprised if you don't have much success.
Negative Aspects of Owning a Hedgehog