Hedgehogs are covered with sharp spines. When frightened, they curl up in a prickly ball. During the day, they sleep like this so they are safe.
A hedgehog's only way to protect itself is by balling up, so if they feel anxious or threatened in any way, they will roll up tight and possibly even huff and jump if they are feeling extremely scared.
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.
A hedgehog has the strange habit of 'self anointing'; when it comes across a strong smell or taste it twists its head round and, using the tongue, covers its spines and fur in a frothy saliva - looking as thought it is covered in soap bubbles! This behaviour is quite normal but no-one knows its purpose.
Defensive Adaptations and Hibernation
Hedgehogs have a coat of stiff, sharp spines. If attacked they will curl into a prickly and unappetizing ball that deters most predators. They usually sleep in this position during the day and awaken to search for food at night.
Hissing like a Snake
Keep your distance from a hissing hedgehog, just like you would from a hissing snake. When a hedgehog hisses, it means he is really annoyed and wants you, other hogs or other animals to clear off.
Keep calm and quiet – hedgehogs have very keen hearing and can easily be traumatised; you don't want to frighten him more than he is already.
Hedgehogs are very good at detecting motion around them, even when they are rolled into a ball or cannot see. Hedgehogs will often perceive movement as danger unless they are completely relaxed with their surroundings.
All hedgehogs take time to adapt to a new environment or their new home. They sometimes get scared easily from noises, disturbances, and changes to the environment. So bringing them home for the first time, might still get their defenses up.
Depression. Without room, a hedgehog will show signs of depression, such as excessive sleeping, refusal to eat, repetitious behaviour, and self mutilation.
Lay your hand down just in front of their head and on the opposite side of your hand, dangle a wormie treat. Let them step onto your hand and lift them up as you reward them with the treat. After awhile your hedgehog will begin to associate being held by you with positive reinforcement.
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.”
The reason that hedgehogs do this is the same reason that turtles will pull their appendages into their shells --- protection. When they are frightened, or annoyed, hedgehogs will roll into a ball so that an predator will feel the full brunt of its sharp spines and will then leave the hedgehog alone.
Did you know that Hedgehogs hiss? It's a natural. defense mechanism displayed when they feel stressed, angry or anxious.
Generally, Hedgehogs are scared of humans so as long as you observe them from a distance, they pose no threat. If a poorly Hedgehog needs to be handled, always wear thick gardening gloves as their spikes can be painful, they can bite when scared and they can transmit zoonotic diseases such as ringworm.
Tea Tree oil/ Eucalyptus/Thieves - this includes: tea tree shampoo, tea tree oil, tea tree sprays and anything tea tree. Even Candles inhaled can harm your hedgehog!
Hedgehogs are skittish animals, so they can easily be scared by loud noises and sudden movements or unfamiliar environments. That said, in a threatening situation, hedgehogs will even emit a noise that sounds like a hiss or a growl in order to scare away predators.
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.
Long-term elevated stress levels, as in humans, can have serious physiological consequences for hedgehogs. The higher level of stress shows that being handled and placed in captivity can cause long-term stress in the animals. This highlights the importance of periods of captivity being as short as possible.
HEATSTROKE AND DEHYDRATION
If they are laying on their sides then it is very serious. Often seen in the summer months but also dehydration can be a problem in the winter months. Giving a hedgehog dried food, or any food when they are suffering from this condition can worsen the situation.
Although hedgehogs do bite, their tiny teeth are unlikely to cause you very much pain. The force of a hedgehog bite is typically linked to what your pet is feeling. An angry hedgehog could cause a bite that hurts a bit.
Understanding Huffing, Puffing, Clicking and Popping
Huffing and puffing is a way for a hedgehog to say, “I'm big and bad.” It is a sign that your hedgehog is feeling threatened and scared, nervous, or possibly unhappy. When a hedgehog huffs and puffs, it is trying to intimidate whatever is making it feel defensive.
Your hedgehog can make a variety of noises. Chirping, whistling and purring usually means that the hedgehog feels safe and content. A puffed up hedgehog that is snorting, hissing or clicking is frightened or aggravated.