Yes, pet hedgehogs can prick you with their quills, which are sharp, keratinized hairs that stand up when they're scared or threatened, but they lie flat when relaxed, making them safe to hold. While not barbed like porcupine quills, they can cause discomfort, itchiness, or even small punctures if the hedgehog feels threatened and curls up, so handling them gently when calm is key.
Hedgehog quills are sharp and rise when threatened, but they do not typically break human skin.
But the hair on the back of a hedgehog is a thick layer of spikes (or modified hairs) known as quills. These quills are made of keratin, the same stuff our hair and fingernails are made of. Hedgehogs can be white or light brown to black, with several shades found in bands along their quills.
You may also want to wear gloves the first few times you try, as your hedgehog may become frightened and curl into a ball, which can potentially poke you and break your skin in some instances.
The little prickles of the spines can irritate your skin temporarily and cause your skin to then react in that way. I always just get a little soap and water and rub it wherever my skin has that reaction. I tend to wear sweaters/robes when handling my hedgehog so theres a thicker fabric barrier between her and my skin.
The spines can readily penetrate the skin and are a nidus for dermatophyte infection that can be transmitted to humans. Dermatophytosis is the only previously reported cutaneous inflammatory reaction as a result of hedgehogs.
It's important to keep in mind that like reptiles and many other domesticated exotic pets, hedgehogs can carry salmonella. As such, hedgehogs are not recommended for families with children under five years old, seniors, or those with compromised immune systems.
Hedgehogs are solitary animals in the wild, so they may be shy and wary of people. Building trust with a pet hedgehog takes time, patience, and a gentle approach. If you get a hedgehog when it's young and slowly acclimate it to being handled, they can be playful, but they may never become cuddly.
Although hedgehogs do bite, their tiny teeth are unlikely to cause you very much pain. The force of a hedgehog bite is typically linked to what your pet is feeling.
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.
“Don't kiss or snuggle hedgehogs because this can spread salmonella germs to your face and mouth and make you sick,” the agency warned. No deaths have been reported and one person has been hospitalized, the C.D.C. said.
Hedgehogs are small nocturnal mammals that are blanketed with spikes along their backs. Like porcupines, hedgehogs have these quills for protections against predators. However, hedgehog quills are not barbed and do not puncture the skin—but they can still hurt if handled improperly.
Hedgehogs make great pets for numerous reasons but there are certain things to keep in mind that may impact where you locate the hedgehog in your house. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals which means they will spend most of their time awake while you are sleeping.
Hedgehog quills are made of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and nails. (Fun fact: snake scales are also made of keratin.) Hedgehog quills are not as sharp as porcupine quills but are prickly and can penetrate skin. This is something to consider if you have a child.
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.
Blow a puff of air at your hedgehog after a bite.
This is a gentle way to discourage your hedgehog from its behavior. This will not harm the hedgehog and will teach it that biting is not something it should be doing. Try distracting your hedgehog if it is nipping you.
Scent & Taste
If you smell good, and taste good through licking… watch out! Sometimes hedgehogs will lick salt from sweaty hands and become tempted to bite, because they like the salty taste. When a hedgehog bites due to taste and smell it is exhibiting normal, but unacceptable behavior.
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.
Hedgehog quills can penetrate the skin and spread bacteria that may lead to illnesses in pet owners. If you get a puncture from a hedgehog quill be sure to clean your hands and the puncture area thoroughly. Monitor the puncture area carefully for signs of infection.
Hedgehogs can make very good pets, but they are not for everyone. They are a low allergen risk, and they are pretty quiet pets. They don't produce a lot of odor as long as their cage is cleaned frequently, and they are fairly independent.
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.
Adult Hedgehog Looking Busy - Leave Alone
And nursing mothers may take a break from the nest during the day to go and look for food and water. So, if you see a decent-sized adult out and about looking busy during the day it is probably fine and you should leave it to go about its business.
Hedgehogs are primarily trained by the owner moving the poop and wet spots to the litter pan or puppy pad. They don't learn on their own. You have to teach them it goes there by moving all their excrement to the correct place. They then follow the scent and will understand that it's where they're supposed to go.
Both are pretty much the same. You'll find that females can be more docile. And if you're considering getting your Hog a companion, male hedgehogs tend to get aggressive and territorial when in an enclosure with other male hedgehogs. Females however, can be housed together, and will likely form a 'sisters' bond.