Do hedgehogs like their bellies rubbed?

A Belly Rub, Of Course. Sometimes a belly rub feels really good, and this hedgehog is here to show us just how good. Yep, it's impossible to ignore his blissful little face as he gets a mini massage!

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Where do hedgehogs like to be rubbed?

their ears, chin, along the edge of their quill line or skirt, belly fur or feet.

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Is it okay to scruff a hedgehog?

Very tame hedgehogs may tolerate scruffing: Gently stroke the hedgehog's back, front to back. After several strokes, gently grasp the skin over the dorsum (Figure 8). Less tame hedgehogs may need to be handled with leather gloves or a heavy towel; some will require anesthesia for proper evaluation.

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Can you cuddle with a hedgehog?

Don't kiss or snuggle hedgehogs, because this can spread Salmonella germs to your face and mouth. Don't allow hedgehogs to roam freely in areas where food is prepared or stored, such as kitchens or dining tables. Clean and wash enclosures, toys, and supplies outside of your house when possible.

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How do hedgehogs show love?

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.

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How to build trust with a grumpy hedgehog

18 related questions found

Is it OK to kiss a hedgehog?

“Don't kiss or snuggle hedgehogs because this can spread salmonella germs to your face and mouth and make you sick,” the agency warned. No deaths have been reported and one person has been hospitalized, the C.D.C. said.

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Do hedgehogs like to be picked up?

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.

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Can you hold a hedgehog too much?

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. Some hedgehog owners suggest that you wait for a few days to handle your new hedgehog, so that it has a chance to get accustomed to its cage.

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Do hedgehogs let you pick them up?

Your hedgehog will probably decide quickly that being picked up is a good thing since they get rewarded for it. Reserve this treat for times when you are handling your hedgehog. Once your hedgehog has unrolled from their ball allow them to explore your hands and lap at their own pace.

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How do I know if my hedgehog is unhappy?

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.

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What is a hedgehog's favorite thing to do?

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.

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Do hedgehogs like being wet?

While hedgehogs aren't usually aggressive, they will extend their quills when they feel threatened. Supervise children to ensure they aren't playing too rough with your hedgehog. They don't like being wet and generally don't like their heads petted.

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How do you relax a hedgehog?

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.

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Why do hedgehogs puff up?

So, it is quite natural for a hedgehog to be scared or nervous; its huffing and puffing noises are an attempt to scare you away. Hedgehogs still have many of their wild instincts—including a fear of potential predators (and this includes humans!)

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Why do you have to wash your hands after touching a hedgehog?

Hedgehogs can spread Salmonella germs to people, even if they look healthy and clean. Protect yourself and your family by always washing your hands after touching or caring for hedgehogs or cleaning their habitats.

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What stresses a hedgehog?

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.

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How long should a hedgehog be out of its cage?

Hedgehogs are mostly awake in the early morning and evening. When awake, they are very active and it's fun to watch them dig, go through tubes, push toys around and run on their exercise wheel. They should get at least an hour every evening out of their cage to explore.

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What is the biggest threat to hedgehogs?

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.

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Why is my hedgehog hissing at me?

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. Hedgehogs will often make the hissing noise if their nest is disturbed or if they are cornered or approached by a predator.

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Do hedgehogs need daily attention?

Since hedgehogs are solitary animals, they will not get depressed or angry if you do not have loads of time to spend with them. It is important, however, to get your hedgehog out every day to be sure he is not ill or injured.

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Do hedgehogs get bored easily?

Hedgehogs may be compact pets, but they still require exercise, a nutritious diet, and regular veterinary care. Not only that, hedgehogs come with a host of requirements that will need to be met in order to keep them happy including a large enclosure with plenty of toys and an exercise wheel so they don't become bored.

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Why does my hedgehog lick me then bite me?

Scent & Taste

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. When a hedgehog bites due to taste and smell it is exhibiting normal, but unacceptable behavior.

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Do hedgehogs have feelings?

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.

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Why does my hedgehog keep licking me?

The most common reason that hedgehogs bite is because there is something on your hands that smells yummy and they want a taste. In this case, they will often lick first and the bite is more of a nip.

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