Do pet hedgehogs love their owners?

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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Do hedgehogs get attached to humans?

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.

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Do hedgehogs care about their owners?

Hedgehogs tend to bond with their owners. They will remember your voice, your smell, and even your appearance. Some will only relax with their owners and be loyal to their owners. Make sure a hedgehog is the pet for you, be prepared for a commitment.

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Do hedgehogs show affection?

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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Are pet hedgehogs happy?

Due to their spines, hedgehogs aren't very cuddly animals. However, they are very friendly and playful pets.

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Pros and Cons of Hedgehogs as Pets

31 related questions found

How cuddly are hedgehogs?

In the wild, hedgehogs are solitary animals and they spend most of their time alone except during mating season. They tend to be shy and wary of people. It takes patience and a gentle hand to form a trusting bond with a pet hedgehog. Once a bond is established hedgehogs can be quite playful and occasionally cuddly.

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Do hedgehogs like being stroked?

Places some hedgehogs like to be scratched include: their ears, chin, along the edge of their quill line or skirt, belly fur or feet. protective of its feet.

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Do hedgehogs like their bellies rubbed?

Some hedgehogs may enjoy belly rubs, while others may not. Here's a behavior you won't likely see in other family pets: a hedgehog that finds a particularly exciting new scent will lick at it until he develops what is best described as a scented froth in his mouth.

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How long does it take for a hedgehog to bond with you?

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.

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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 are the cons of owning a hedgehog?

The Cons: Owning a Hedgehog
  • Hedgie hives will bother those with allergies.
  • Hedgehogs excrete and defecate as they walk.
  • Noisy environments are not ideal for their delicate ears.

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What is the lifespan of a pet hedgehog?

Keller says, “With appropriate care and keeping, your hedgehog will live about five years, and some even live longer than eight years.” If you have any questions about hedgehogs, contact your local veterinarian.

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How do hedgehogs like to be petted?

A relaxed hedgehog will lay down their spines. Once the spines are laying flat (not poking up in various directions like they are when your hedgehog is rolled into a ball) you can try petting them in the direction the spines lay. Avoid trying to pet your hedgehog's face initially as they don't typically like it.

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What makes hedgehogs happy?

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 pet hedgehogs like to go outside?

Taking your hedgehog outdoors can be a really great experience for you and your hog. Most hedgehogs enjoy playing outside, sniffing the grass, chasing leaves and exploring a new environment.

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Why does my hedgehog lick me so much?

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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Why does my hedgehog hiss at me?

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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Are hedgehogs loud at night?

It reports that hedgehogs are among the loudest nocturnal animals, competing with cicadas, frogs and the caridean snapping shrimp.

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Do hedgehogs like it warm or cold?

Hedgehogs are sensitive to temperature changes. The ideal range is between 75°F and 85°F. However, they will tolerate temperatures between 72°F and 90°F. Hedgehogs can go into a hibernation-like state of inactivity when temperatures are too hot or too cold.

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Do hedgehogs prefer hot or cold?

Hedgehogs need environmental temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees. Keep your hedgehog's cage away from drafts, direct sunlight, or cold areas. You may want to provide your hedgehog with a small warm spot in his cage where he can go to get warm but would also be able to get away from if he feels too warm.

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Do hedgehogs like cat food wet or dry?

What can I feed hedgehogs? Hedgehogs will relish any combination of meat-based wet dog or cat foods, or dry cat/kitten food. Just remember, they will be getting most of their food from insects and worms in the wild, and this food is only supplementary.

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Can you have a hedgehog as a pet in Australia?

However, the species is prohibited throughout Australia for a number of reasons including its potential to introduce exotic animal diseases and because the species has the ability to become a serious invasive pest in Australia.

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Can you kiss your pet 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.

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Do pet hedgehogs need a lot of attention?

Hedgehogs generally aren't cuddly animals, and they're most active at night. So they're probably not for someone who wants a very hands-on pet to hang out with during the day. However, they're quiet animals that don't take up ample space and don't need a lot of attention.

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