How do I make my hedgehog comfortable?

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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How long does it take for a hedgehog to get comfortable?

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 you know if a hedgehog likes you?

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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What makes a hedgehog 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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How do you bond with a nervous hedgehog?

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.

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How to Tame Your Hedgehog - Making Your Hedgie Love you

39 related questions found

How do you raise a happy hedgehog?

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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Where do hedgehogs like to be rubbed?

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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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 do hedgehogs do when they are scared?

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.

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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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What is a hedgehogs favorite treat?

Insects are a favorite for hedgehogs. You can offer live bugs, which will also give your tiny buddy the chance to 'hunt' his dinner. Frozen ones are fine as well. Mealworms, wax worms, silk worms and crickets are all good options.

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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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Do hedgehogs enjoy being held?

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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What do hedgehogs like to play with?

Best Toys for Hedgehogs
  • Exercise Wheels. Your hedgie will enjoy having an exercise wheel in his cage. ...
  • Mazes. Hedgehogs love to play in mazes. ...
  • Cat Toys. Some cat toys are appropriate for hedgehogs. ...
  • Boxes. Tissue boxes and other small boxes may be fine for your hedgehogs. ...
  • Tube Tunnels. ...
  • Stuffed Animals. ...
  • Toy Dump Trucks.

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Do hedgehogs like light at night?

Night manoeuvres

Like bats, hedgehogs avoid artificial lighting, keeping to less well-lit areas, and this could affect other behaviours.

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What does a stressed hedgehog look like?

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.”

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What do hedgehogs do when they are sad?

Depression. Without room, a hedgehog will show signs of depression, such as excessive sleeping, refusal to eat, repetitious behaviour, and self mutilation.

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How can someone tell when a hedgehog is angry?

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.

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Do 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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Do hedgehogs get bored easily?

Exercise balls are less recommended because these animals tend to get bored or feel stressed when confined for long periods of time. Mental stimulation is an important factor of caring for your hedgehog and should be part of their daily routine.

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What does petting a hedgehog feel like?

Petting a happy hedgehog is a bit like affectionately stroking a bristly hairbrush.

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