Encouraging hedgehogs Making sure they have lots of thick dense undergrowth and a variety of lengths of grass to hide and nest in is always good. You can also make your garden a hot spot for the slugs, snails and bugs that
Lori Keller, bonding expert, suggests holding your hedgie against you in your hands and on your chest so your hedgehog can feel your body heat and hear your heart beat. Hold him while watching t.v. or long enough so that he sleeps on you, as having your hedgie sleep on you is an excellent way to get them to bond.
'Place the house near plenty of nesting material – the hedgehog will want to build her own nest, so site the box next to lots of leaves, straw, hay, grasses or fine twigs – the more unkempt the better' says Sally Coulthard in her book The Hedgehog Handbook.
I have disturbed a hedgehog, what should I do? If the hedgehog is hibernating, gently replace the animal into the space, re-cover with old nest material and leave alone. If this is not possible then place the hedgehog in a large box or in a part of the garden the hedgehog will be safe and sheltered.
Use your whole hand to apply firm pressure over the hedgehog's spines when petting your hedgehog. A firm, deliberate pressure is similar to a massage. Light pressure or a “one finger pet” over their spines is more like a tickle and it will cause the hedgehog to raise its spines rather than to relax.
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.
A Huff And A Puff …
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. Throw in a quick lunging motion, and you are witnessing one really upset hedgehog.
In the beginning, your hedgehog might not come out to play while the lights are on or while you are awake. After your hedgehog adjusts to the normal sounds of your home, they may start coming out on their own more often. This is going to take awhile, and probably won't happen for a few months or so.
A: It's not absolutely necessary, as the hogs will drag in their own bedding as required, however it's nice to know that you've given them a start. Q: Why is hay more suitable than straw for use as hedgehog bedding? A: Hay is made from soft grass, which the hogs will naturally collect for bedding.
Try holding the hedgehog in a Snuggle Sack on your lap for them to get more use to your voice and your scent. Within a week, most adult hedgehogs should warm up. Some may take longer than others, but the key is patience and time! You need to be patient, and spend lots of time with them.
Some things your pet may enjoy include balls, small cars and trucks, and stuffed animals. You can also offer him DIY toys. For instance, the cardboard tubes from toilet-paper rolls make great chew toys. (It's probably worth noting that hedgehogs seem to prefer bright colors.)
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.
their ears, chin, along the edge of their quill line or skirt, belly fur or feet.
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.
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.
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.
Four-toed hedgehogs (African Pygmy hedgehogs) may legally be kept as pets. Australia: All hedgehogs are classified as exotic pets that are illegal to import.
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!
One of the most important ways to bond with your hedgehog is to spend time handling them - we recommend at least once a day in a relaxed setting for 20-30 minutes. This is the bare minimum time you should spend handling and engaging with your hedgehog each day. As with any relationship, time invested matters.