How long does it take a hedgehog to get used to 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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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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How long does it take to handle a hedgehog?

We recommend handling your hedgehog for at least a half 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 to handle your new hedgehog a couple days so that it has a chance to get accustomed to its cage.

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How often should I hold my hedgehog?

Handling Frequency

Pet hedgehogs do best if handled every day, even if it is for just a short amount of time. 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.

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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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How to Tame Your Hedgehog - Making Your Hedgie Love you

18 related questions found

Why does my hedgehog keep hissing 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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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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Do hedgehogs like to be carried?

It depends on the personality of the individual hedgehog and how much handling the hedgehog has had in the past. Some hedgehogs do seem to like to snuggle up to their human companions, while others might be shyer or simply prefer exploring and moving about over sitting still and cuddling.

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How do I know if my hedgehog is stressed?

Signs of stress

The first, and possibly the most overlooked, sign of stress is the hedgehog's frantic attempt to get away. 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.

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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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Do hedgehogs like their ears 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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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 let you hold them?

Avoid surprising a hedgehog, approach him slowly and quietly. It is best to pick him up gently with two cupped hands from underneath where his fur is soft. They sometimes roll into a ball when picked up, but if you hold him and are patient, he will unroll and sniff around.

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Why does my hedgehog lick me then bite 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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How long should a hedgehog be out of its cage?

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. Because hedgehogs are a little prickly, they are best for older children and adults.

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What smells do hedgehogs hate?

Tea Tree oil/ Eucalyptus/Thieves - this includes: tea tree shampoo, tea tree oil, tea tree sprays and anything tea tree. Even Candles inhaled can harm your hedgehog!

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Do hedgehogs need daily 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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Why does my hedgehog huff at me?

Understanding Huffing, Puffing, Clicking and Popping

Huffing and puffing is a way for a hedgehog to say, “I'm big and bad.” It is a sign that your hedgehog is feeling threatened and scared, nervous, or possibly unhappy. When a hedgehog huffs and puffs, it is trying to intimidate whatever is making it feel defensive.

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Can hedgehogs sense fear?

Hedgehogs, like other animals, are able to sense the fear, nervousness, or confidence of the humans handling them.

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What stresses out hedgehogs?

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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