Bonding with a hedgehog takes time and consistency, ranging from a few days to several months, as it depends on the individual hedgehog's personality, background, and your daily effort to build trust through calm, consistent handling in dim light, using your scent, and associating you with treats. Expect initial nervousness, but with daily 20-30 minute sessions (or longer) and patience, they often warm up to enjoy snuggling and exploring.
It can take months or even over a year to bond with a hedgehog, especially if it was previously neglected. Put a shirt that you've worn in their cage so they can get used to your smell. Keep bonding time to night hours and try to turn the lights down or off when you have the hedgehog out.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scent. It can also help to get Hedgie used to your scent. Put a worn tee shirt in his cage for him to cuddle up in. During the bonding process, try to keep your scent consistent: don't change lotions, detergents, or perfumes during that first week.
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 known to be very communicative when it comes to their needs, and often make a low purring sound when they are happy or content.
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.
Just like kids licking a Tootsie Roll Pop, it is just a matter of time when there is going to be a CRUNCH. Biting after a lick isn't a form of hedgie meanness but a natural progression of curiosity.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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!
The more the attachment develops between you and your hedgehog, the more you will grow to love and enjoy your pet. Some hedgehogs will bond to their owners for life (HHC). Bonding does require effort, persistence, and an understanding of hedgehogs.
Best Toys for Hedgehogs
When it comes to romance, hedgehogs have one of the quirkiest courtship rituals in the animal kingdom. Instead of singing or showing off bright feathers like some species, male hedgehogs rely on persistence—and a little dance.
It's just fine to play with your hedgie later in the day and we encourage waking up your hedgehog in the afternoon or evening. Playing first thing in the morning is not recommended since your hedgehog has probably been up all night and has just gotten back to sleep.
Be patient with your new hedgehog and let it explore. The more your hedgehog has been exposed to the scents and tastes, the quicker it will settle in and start to trust you. Tickling or petting your hedgehog quills can also trigger instinct to roll into a defensive position.
Hedgehogs tend to bond with their owners. They will remember your voice, your smell, and even your appearance.
Hedgehogs prefer to live alone, so there can only be one hedgie—and they might prefer to not be snuggled by their human. Hedgehogs are most active at night and require enough space to exercise, along with toys for enrichment.
Is a hedgehog the right pet for you? One critical factor to consider is that hedgehogs are nocturnal, meaning they are awake all night and sleep all day. You can expect most hedgehogs to wake and become active around the time most people are eating dinner, then be heading to bed just as you are waking up.