Places some hedgehogs like to be scratched include: their ears, chin, along the edge of their quill line or skirt, belly fur or feet.
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.
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!
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.
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.
As stated above, bonding does take effort and persistence, and may require a great deal of time. Some hedgehogs will bond rather quickly, but other hedgehogs may take up to a YEAR to fully bond. Over time your hedgehog will become accustomed to your smell, feel, and will appreciate the warmth of your body.
Hedgehogs are known to be very communicative when it comes to their needs, and often make a low purring sound when they are happy or content.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Essential Oils: I have been advised that oils that are considered "hot" are toxic to hedgehogs. Oils that are considered hot: Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Hyssop, Lemongrass, Ocotea, Oregano, Peppermint, Thieves, and Thyme. These are often contained in blends.
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.
You can put soft hay or dried grass in as bedding, but do also try and leave some fallen leaves around for the hedgehog, not only add to options for bedding but are good places for hedgehogs to find insects and beetles which make up the bulk of their diet.
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.
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.
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.
Signs of stress
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.” The hedgehog might give you a warning bite if the first two signs are overlooked.
Hedgehogs are usually shy when introduced to something new. They are often born like scared cats and need to learn that they are safe. 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 are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night. They also make sure to hide themselves away in their nest when they're resting, to avoid disturbance and predation. For these reasons, sleeping and resting aren't behaviours we're likely to see a lot in the garden!
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.
Night manoeuvres
Hedgehogs, too, have been the subjects of studies on the effects of ALAN. Like bats, hedgehogs avoid artificial lighting, keeping to less well-lit areas, and this could affect other behaviours.