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If your hedgehog is acting sluggish, lethargic, uncoordinated or they are wobbly with the inability to move limbs; it may be a hibernation attempt. Some hedgehog owners fear the worst – Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome – which is a definite death sentence. Between the two, you can determine hedgehog hibernation quite easily.
Hedgehogs got their name from their love of garden hedges and the grunting noises they make! Hedgehogs are one of only three mammals in the UK that hibernate; the other two being bats and dormice. Hedgehogs are largely immune to snake venom, meaning that they'd stand as a very strong opponent against them in a fight.
A hedgehog's go-to vocal is huffing and puffing, but he's not trying to blow the house down. This sniffing is a normal vocalization he makes while going about his business of exploring. An unhappy hedgehog, on the other hand, will show his disdain with a hiss or a clicking sound.
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.”
Depression. Without room, a hedgehog will show signs of depression, such as excessive sleeping, refusal to eat, repetitious behaviour, and self mutilation.
However if you find a hedgehog staggering around, lying still (not in a nest), with flies around it or obviously sick or injured be it day or night, it needs urgent help. Sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs are very susceptible to hypothermia.
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.
One of the best and easiest ways to bond with your hedgehog is to simply hold your hedgehog on your lap for an hour or so while watching television or a movie. Don't attempt to pet a shy hedgehog simply relax and come out on its own.
With patience, most hedgehogs learn to accept handling. Hedgehogs are unique, inquisitive pets and generally do not bite. Hedgehogs engage in a unique behavior called self-anointing, or anting. This behavior may be elicited by a variety of substances, particularly those with a strong odor.
Like many pocket pets, hedgehogs love to explore mazes and tunnels. This will keep Hedgie active, and offer him mental stimulation. You can buy labyrinths, or make your own out of shoeboxes or PVC pipe. To make your pet's explorations even more fun for him, hide a snack at the end of the tunnel.
Hedgehogs use body language to communicate their emotions. They will often curl into a ball and use their quills, or spines, to indicate their mood. Hedgies startle easily. When they're frightened, hedgies will curl up into a ball with their quills erect.
Some hedgehogs do not display outward signs of affection, while others can be quite affectionate toward their owners. Hedgehogs do not typically come when called nor actively seek out human interaction.
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.
If a hedgehog manages to become impaled on a spike, it will curl into a ball instinctively and become enmeshed.
A hedgehog that is too hot will lay flat on its tummy with all four legs stretched out in sort of a “splat” or “sploot” and will probably be taking quick, short breaths. Moving it to a room with recommended temperatures should slowly cool the hedgehog.
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.
When a hedgehog hisses, it means he is really annoyed and wants you, other hogs or other animals to clear off. Hedgehogs will often make the hissing noise if their nest is disturbed or if they are cornered or approached by a predator.
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.
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.
Hedgehogs are naturally quite active, and they can get quite sad and depressed if they don't get enough exercise.
Encourage the bonding process
The first two weeks with your hedgehog are the most important in shaping your new companion's personality and how they will react around you! Once home, you may notice a temporary personality change from when you picked out your hedgie, and this is completely normal.
Often able to sense ill feelings and appear sympathetic, they also sometimes mimic their owners emotions.
Grab - Handling a hedgehog
If the animal is uncurled you can slip your hand under its tummy and lift that way but be warned, it may then curl round your fingers which can be equally painful. Please try not to drop it.