Fulfilling and Nurturing Experience. Hedgehogs require a lot of care that can lead to a bonding experience for the whole family. Perfect for introverted individuals, hedgies can often provide comfort for their owners. Place a check in your pros list if you find yourself to be a caring and responsible individual.
Hedgehogs are important because they form part of a wider food web and help to control the number of pests we have in our gardens, such as snails and slugs. Hedgehogs will also eat worms and insects, as well as any fruits and vegetables that may be within reach.
Although their eyesight is poor, they have good hearing and a well-developed sense of smell. Hedgehogs are good runners, proficient climbers and can even swim. If attacked they roll into a tight ball so only their spines are exposed.
With their unique, charismatic appearance and harmless perception as quite a vulnerable little creature, hedgehogs regularly make it to 'Britain's favourite mammal' in polls. They evoke such an affectionate response that there's every reason to be hopeful that we can reverse this decline.
Hedgehogs are a gardener's friend, as they eat beetles, caterpillars, worms and other invertebrates. Did you know as many as 10 different hedgehogs may visit a garden over several nights? This could mean 'your hedgehog' is actually a number of different ones visiting at different times!
The hedgehog's best defense against predators is its spiky outer armor. With about 3,000 to 5,000 quills covering its back, the hedgehog can protect itself from predators that think it would make a tasty snack.
Hedgehogs have the ability to camouflage themselves from predators. They do this by licking certain objects or food until a frothy saliva forms, then rubbing the saliva onto their skin and spines, which is believed to make them smell less palatable to predators.
Hedgehog Activity
Hedgehogs are nocturnal. They sleep during the day and are very active at night. “They will be getting up for their 'day' when you are having dinner, which can be a nice time to interact with them before you go to bed,” Dr. Keller says.
The intelligence of a hedgehog is to that of a hamster, they may learn certain behaviors through positive reinforcement or conditioning but only at a very basic level. 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.
Threats: The biggest threat to hedgehogs is probably habitat loss, with the change from pastoral farming to arable crops, over the last 30 years. The use of chemicals in gardens and for intensive farming kills the creatures hedgehogs need for food and may also poison them directly. Many are also killed on roads.
Speaking of hedgehogs, did you know that the Ancient Egyptians considered them to be a symbol of good luck? They carried hedgehog amulets with them and had paintings of them on the walls of their homes.
However, you should try to use gloves when handling a hedgehog for your own health and safety. Hedgehogs can bite you, but very rarely will that happen. This usually happens when they are young and think your fingers are going to feed them (if they have been fed via a syringe as they had no mother).
Hedgehogs can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings while appearing healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies, habitats, toys, bedding, and anything in the area where they live.
Most importantly, your hedgehog's personality is influenced by their routine, handling, health, and positive reinforcement. Hedgehogs like their owners, have different personalities.
Badgers. A badger and a hedgehog feeding together on a lawn. Badgers are hedgehogs' main predators in the UK. They are the only animals strong enough to tackle a hedgehog's spiny defences.
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.
Avoid surprising a hedgehog, approach him slowly and quietly. 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.
They are sensitive to light and prefer a dim, quiet environment. Their primary method of protection is their ability to roll up into a ball and to erect their spines. They often make a hissing or huffing sound too! Try to avoid excessive noise, needless excitement, and over handling.
Some hedgehogs will bond to their owners for life (HHC). Bonding does require effort, persistence, and an understanding of hedgehogs. Many hedgehogs don't like to be petted by just anyone until they are completely comfortable with their environment. This is especially important when a hedgehog goes to a new home.
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.
It depends on the personality of the individual hedgehog and how much handling the hedgehog has had in the past. Some hedgehogs do seem to like to snuggle up to their human companions, while others might be shyer or simply prefer exploring and moving about over sitting still and cuddling.