Keep rocking it and talk softly to it. The two front feet should start to appear. When the front legs are well extended, slowly move the animal towards the table and allow it to put its front feet down. Carefully move your hands away and the hedgehog should start to put its back legs down as well.
Remember that hedgehogs are prey animals and incredibly good at hiding any weakness that would make them vulnerable to predators. Many will continue eating even with life threatening injuries. A curled up hedgehog can be a challenge, so gently stroke its back to tempt it to uncurl.
It is best to pick him up gently with two cupped hands from underneath where his fur is soft. They sometimes roll into a ball when picked up, but if you hold him and are patient, he will unroll and sniff around.
Firstly, hedgehogs generally hibernate curled up in a ball. But they don't naturally die curled up. So if your hedgehog is in a ball, there is a good chance it is hibernating, not dead. If the hedgehog is curled into a ball, you can also touch it's spines lightly.
Talking to your hedgehog while holding, snuggling, bathing, and other enjoyable activities will help your hedgehog associate the sound of your voice with comfort and enjoyment. Over the years we have found the radio and music very soothing for a variety of different animals.
Signs of stress
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.” The hedgehog might give you a warning bite if the first two signs are overlooked.
When the muscles are relaxed, the quills lay flat. In addition to making their quills stand up, the hedgehog will roll into a ball when they feel threatened to protect their soft undersides. This way all that is exposed is a hedgehog ball covered in quills (which makes an effective defense system).
Don't try to pet your hedgehog until they have relaxed. A relaxed hedgehog will lay down their spines. Once the spines are laying flat (not poking up in various directions like they are when your hedgehog is rolled into a ball) you can try petting them in the direction the spines lay.
The fact that it is curled up is encouraging because it means the animal is strong enough to do so. A hedgehog that is in a state of collapse, or very dehydrated, cannot curl up. Usually, hedgehogs are reluctant to uncurl only if they have been abused or if they have wounds on their undersides.
Hedgehogs often get stuck in drains and will need assistance to get out. The only way to do this is to use two pairs of pliers, attach these to the hedgehog's spines either side of the animal and pull hard. It does seem cruel but the hedgehog will die if it is not rescued from the drain.
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.
A hedgehog's spines are its main mode of defence against predators. When threatened, the hedgehog will curl up into a tight, spiky ball. The hedgehog has a muscle around it's body which contracts to allow the hedgehog to curl up, a bit like a draw-string bag.
Long-term elevated stress levels, as in humans, can have serious physiological consequences for hedgehogs. The higher level of stress shows that being handled and placed in captivity can cause long-term stress in the animals. This highlights the importance of periods of captivity being as short as possible.
Hedgehogs only curl up when cold, hibernating or frightened. They sleep in the same positions as dogs; on their side or tummy, and dream just like them too. If your feeder is safe and dry and has water, your visiting hog may choose to save energy and nap while digesting his meal.
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.
Just like your hair, a hedgehog's quills can fall out or break off, but the hedgehog cannot shoot its quills to defend itself. In Europe, people consider hedgehogs to be friends of backyards and gardens. These hedgehogs are often found in flower beds, vegetable gardens, and compost heaps.
First lift your hedgie from above or the side. You can use either your bare hands or a towel. I suggest using a towel because hedgie's quills will be directly on your hand.
A hedgehog's go-to vocal is huffing and puffing, but he's not trying to blow the house down. This sniffing is a normal vocalization he makes while going about his business of exploring. An unhappy hedgehog, on the other hand, will show his disdain with a hiss or a clicking sound.
Keep your distance from a hissing hedgehog, just like you would from a hissing 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.
– You should handle it for at least 30 minutes daily to ensure enough socialization and bonding with you. – If your hedgehog begins to become aggressive, shaking, starts biting you, or you notice green poop, this is a sign that he's becoming stressed and had too much handling that day.
Hedgehogs are usually shy when introduced to something new. They are often born like scared cats and need to learn that they are safe. So, it is quite natural for a hedgehog to be scared or nervous; its huffing and puffing noises are an attempt to scare you away.