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.
The huffing is often made in mating season (April to September, with May and June being the most active months). It is part of a hedgehog's courtship behaviour, where they huff and circle each other. So we can but hope for hoglets later this year.
Grunting Like a Pig
Though the noise can be surprisingly loud, a grunting, snuffling hog is perfectly happy and should be left to go about her business.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Respiratory Distress
If your hedgehog experiences open-mouth breathing or gasping for air, remove all bedding and minimize handling and stress. Keep your hedgehog in a comfortable, dark, and quiet environment until you are able to reach your veterinarian or local animal emergency clinic.
A hedgehog's only way to protect itself is by balling up, so if they feel anxious or threatened in any way, they will roll up tight and possibly even huff and jump if they are feeling extremely scared.
In some cases, certain species, such as hedgehogs, have unique anxiety-related behaviors that no other species exhibits.
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!
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.
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.
Handling Frequency
We recommend handling your hedgehog for at least half an hour a day.
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.
Documents show that some hedgehogs DO respond to their owners voice. They can respond to their caretakers emotions by offering their cute characteristics and responses as support. Often able to sense ill feelings and appear sympathetic, they also sometimes mimic their owners emotions.
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. They come out at night to hunt.
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.