You know your hedgehog likes you when their quills stay flat, they relax in your hands, come to you for treats or snuggles, make happy purring noises, uncurl when you approach, and trust you enough to sleep on you or offer their belly, indicating they feel safe and bonded. True affection means they drop their defenses and associate your presence with positive experiences, though it takes patience and consistency to build that trust.
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.
If they are healthy and moving about they are happy. If they get upset that your gone for a day they are happy. If they have a nice warm cage and spot to sleep they are happy. If you pick them up and it looks like they got a grin they are happy.
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.
You need to be patient, and spend lots of time with them. Try offering treats from the palm of your hand, rub the quills on the very far backside of your hedgehog, allow him or her to cuddle in your arms or on your lap. The more safe they feel, the more comfortable they will be with you.
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.
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.
Perhaps the most frequently observed part of courtship is the male circling, or attempting to circle, the sow. As Burton noted, however, in some cases they stand face to face.
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.”
Scent & Taste
Sometimes you might smell good enough to eat! 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.
If your hedgehog is unusually still in the evening—sleeping in short, restless bursts, waking and dozing repeatedly, or staying sluggish when they would normally explore—it can be a sign of unhappiness or even illness.
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.
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.
Through Play
Your hedgehog is relaxed when its quills are laid down and it is moving about without flinching every time you move. Certain sounds may still scare a relaxed hedgehog. Allow your hedgehog to use you as a human mountain. Let it climb on you and explore you.
A: Yes, hedgehogs can recognize their name over time, especially if you use it consistently and pair it with treats or positive reinforcement. Q: Should I choose a short name for my hedgehog? A: Short names are easier for hedgehogs to recognize, but longer names can work if you use a consistent nickname.
Places some hedgehogs like to be scratched include: their ears, chin, along the edge of their quill line or skirt, belly fur or feet. Other hedgehogs may not like to be touched anywhere near its face and may be especially protective of its feet.
Both a soothing warm bath and some Coconut Quills can help. It can be hard to know if your hedgie is just going through literal growing pains or if being a bit grumpy is just their personality, so be sure to have lots of patience with your new hedgehog.
This is what we call 'splooting'. Spreading themselves out to increase their surface area to cool down. This was on one of the recent very hot days. We use self cooling pads they can lie on. They claim to automatically cool down when an animal lies on it.
Not usually no. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, which means they shouldn't really be seen out in daylight hours. Some of the exceptions to this are pregnant females gathering nesting materials just before she gives birth, or a new 'Mum' taking a break from the nest to get food and water while her young sleep.
Despite their preference for limited physical affection, once your pet hedgehog has adapted to being handled and settled into its environment, you can gently stroke their quills and allow them to climb up your arms and explore various areas under supervision.
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.
Pet hedgehogs do best if handled every day, even if it is for just a short amount of time. We recommend handling your hedgehog for at least half an hour a day. The easiest way to accomplish this task is 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening.
Insects are a favorite for hedgehogs. You can offer live bugs, which will also give your tiny buddy the chance to 'hunt' his dinner. Frozen ones are fine as well. Mealworms, wax worms, silk worms and crickets are all good options.
Many people get confused about how often they should bathe their hedgehogs. Your vet should be the ultimate authority here. That said, in general, about once a month is good. Don't bathe your pet too often: this could dry out his skin!
They reduce their body functions to a minimum. With the energy reserves they have piled up by eating, they can survive for up to half a year without food.