You'll know your hedgehog likes you when it uncurls to explore you, sleeps on you, seeks you out for attention (or treats), makes soft purring noises, and lets you give belly rubs, indicating it feels safe and trusts you enough to lower its defenses, even if it's just by exploring your lap or running to your hand instead of balling up. Patience, consistent gentle handling (without gloves), and familiar smells are key to building this bond.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Then there is the hiss. This is a clear indicator that your hedgehog feels threatened or scared. It's their way of saying, "Back off!" You might hear this if they feel cornered or encounter something new and unfamiliar.
Grunting Like a Pig
Though the noise can be surprisingly loud, a grunting, snuffling hog is perfectly happy and should be left to go about her business.
Symptoms of stress
Eyes and ears: Hedgehogs have pretty poor eyesight, so they instead rely on their sense of smell to get around and hunt for food. Hedgehogs have short ears, mostly concealed by their fur.
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.
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.
Making Friends With a Hedgehog
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!
Many hedgehogs love playing with balls, such as ping-pong balls and cat toy balls. Hedgehogs really like to move things around, so anything mobile tends to go over well with them. A tiny stuffed animal may be a great gift, especially if it's brightly colored.