To calm a scared hedgehog, use slow, gentle movements, speak softly, offer familiar scents like a worn t-shirt, provide warm and consistent temperatures (75-80°F), and handle them regularly but briefly, letting them uncurl on their own, sometimes encouraging it with a bath or by tilting your hands to help them feel secure while associating your presence with good things like treats. Patience is key, as it takes time to build trust with these naturally timid prey animals.
With adults, they may huff and puff, the may click and pop, the best way to calm an upset hedgehog is to gently rock them for a very short period of time. Try holding the hedgehog in a Snuggle Sack on your lap for them to get more use to your voice and your scent. Within a week, most adult hedgehogs should warm up.
As you may know, when hedgehogs get scared, they roll themselves up into little balls. You'll need to handle your pet hedgehog frequently and gently to keep him tame. If your pet rolls up, just cradle him and talk to him gently until he feels safe enough to uncurl himself.
Hedgehogs are naturally shy and afraid. It is just their nature. A month is a very short time for a new hedgehog to feel safe so be gentle and offer yummy snacks holding your baby in a cuddle sack. Sleep with a piece of fleece for a couple of nights or wear on old tshirt for a day or two.
Hedgehogs have never developed the concept of flight, that is running away from something that scares them, instead they will sit or curl in a ball, and hope you leave them alone.
Like bats, hedgehogs avoid artificial lighting, keeping to less well-lit areas, and this could affect other behaviours.
If you hear a hedgehog scream you may well think the sound is coming from a very upset human baby. This noise is only made by hogs in severe distress and pain. The hog will be injured or maybe trapped somewhere. If you hear this noise you should definitely investigate as the hedgehog will need your help.
According to UK hedgehog expert, Hugh Warwick, hedgehogs lack a fight or flight reflex, and only have a freeze reflex – which means when startled they suddenly stop; and when they feel really threatened they will curl up into a ball.
Motion activated sprinkler repellents provide an innovative way to deter unwanted animals, such as hedgehogs. They use a blast of water to safely and effectively scare away intruders and keep your garden free of pests.
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.”
Clicking (Popping & Growling)
This louder clicking or popping, may sound like a grunt or growl. A hedgehog makes this aggressive sound when trying to defend itself. A scared or irritated hedgehog might make this sound.
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.
Wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Spongy degeneration of the brain and spinal cord is the diagnostic feature of WHS. WHS affected brain and spinal cord show extensive demyelination and remyelination. Axonal degeneration is accompanied by loss of neurons in WHS.
Hedgehogs have prickly quills along their back to protect them from predators. They are shy animals and will roll up into a tight ball and hide their face if they are frightened. Always approach a hedgehog slowly and handle them with a small towel so you don't prick yourself on one of their quills.
Hedgehogs are notoriously shy and use their uniquely strong back muscles to roll up tightly into a ball, hiding their faces and causing their spiny quills to point outwards so that predators can't see their faces or limbs. They will remain balled up whenever they feel frightened or threatened.
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.
Like bats, hedgehogs avoid artificial lighting, keeping to less well-lit areas, and this could affect other behaviours.
This is probably the biggest thing which hurts hedgehogs the most. Badgers: Badgers are the only animals in the U.K. that can unroll and kill hedgehogs. They are the only real native predator of them.
Hedgehogs have poor eyesight and can be easily startled by shadows, so approach them gently. Use a friendly tone when talking to your pet and offer vet-approved treats like waxworms to build trust. Allow the hedgehog to acclimate to your scent by placing a worn t-shirt in its cage.
Some hedgehogs running in circles may be suffering from ear mites.
If you're unsure whether or not a hedgehog is sick, injured or distressed, there are a few things to look out for. Check if the hedgehog: Has an obvious sign of injury, like a cut or broken leg. Is staggering, wobbly, walking in circles or seems lethargic (slow and sluggish).
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.
They can make out shapes and outlines, have difficulty with gauging distance, which causes them to easily bump into things. But luckily hedgehog`s can easily find their way even if there are blind. They rely more on their hearing and small senses. They are able only to see a few colours such as green, yellow and blue.
In contrast, a frightened or agitated hedgehog will have raised quills that point outward. Trying to handle a hedgehog in this defensive posture is sure to be a prickly experience and is usually only done with the aid of a thick towel or while wearing gloves to protect your hands.