Are hedgehogs friendly?

Due to their spines, hedgehogs aren't very cuddly animals. However, they are very friendly and playful pets.

Do hedgehogs like being petted?

Even though hedgehogs are “pets” they may not automatically enjoy being petted. You must first earn your hedgehog's trust so that it can relax and enjoy your touch, rather than fear your touch as potential harm.

Are hedgehogs cuddly?

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.

Do hedgehogs bond with 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.

Do hedgehogs let you pet them?

Don't try to pet your hedgehog until they have relaxed. 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.

Pros and Cons of Hedgehogs as Pets

How do you know if a hedgehog is happy?

If a noise is loud to you, it is probably too loud for your hedgehog as well. Observe the sounds your hedgehog is making towards you as well. If he is purring, he is happy and content.

Does holding a hedgehog hurt?

Even in this state, you can touch a hedgehog without too much damage (few hedgehog owners are ever poked hard enough to break their skin). However, try to avoid getting your fingers trapped by a hedgehog rolling into a ball as they are strong and being squeezed and poked at the same time is sure to be painful for you!

Can my hedgehog sleep with me?

You can hold a hedgehog close and let it snuggle into you without “petting” your hedgehog which may make it more nervous. You may be able to pet an otherwise “unpettable” hedgie when your hedgehog falls asleep and relaxes. Some hedgehogs might not feel comfortable being exposed.

How do hedgehogs show affection?

Some hedgehogs do not display outward signs of affection, while others can be quite affectionate toward their owners. Hedgehogs do not typically come when called or actively seek out human interaction. They are NOT like cats and dogs, whose personalities shows of affection vary drastically.

Do hedgehogs like tummy rubs?

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! This reaction is too great to miss.

What does it mean when a hedgehog licks you?

What does it mean if a hedgehog licks you? As we discussed above, licking is a natural behavior for hedgehogs to display and is almost always never a cause for concern. More often than not, your hedgehog is most likely licking you because it likes the taste of the salt on your skin.

Are hedgehogs as smart as dogs?

Many hedgehog fans would characterize their hedgehogs as “suprisingly intelligent”. However, when compared to ferrets, monkeys, dogs, cats and squirrels; hedgehogs don't score quite so high on the critter IQ test.

What happens if a hedgehog pricks you?

The quills become more spread out and sharper to the touch. While the quills most likely won't break our skin, they are still sometimes painful to touch. Your best bet at keeping them from hurting you is to establish a comfortable and trusting relationship with the hedgehog.

Do hedgehogs recognize their owners?

Your Pet Hedgehog Will Learn To Recognize You Over Time

You just have to be patient. Hedgehogs are naturally a bit nervous around humans at first and it takes some time for them to build that trust around you.

Can hedgehogs bite you?

Hedgehogs can bite you, but very rarely will that happen. This usually happens when they are young and think your fingers are going to feed them (if they have been fed via a syringe as they had no mother).

Why are hedgehogs illegal?

Nevertheless, the quills can still penetrate skin and hedgehogs can transmit diseases such as ringworm and salmonella to humans. Like ferrets, however, the main reason hedgehogs are illegal in California, however, is due to the risk escaped and abandoned hedgehogs pose to native wildlife.

How do I play with my hedgehog?

Don't attempt to touch your hedgie but instead allow it to get to know you on its own terms. Place your hand several inches away from your hedgehog and allow it to come up to your hands and smell you. Your hedgehog is relaxed when its quills are laid down and it is moving about without flinching every time you move.

How can I make my hedgehog friendly?

Why does my hedgehog hiss at me?

When you find a hedgehog hissing or huffing at you, most people will tell you that it is angry. But in fact, they are actually more afraid or stressed than angry.

Do hedgehogs like baths?

Many hedgehogs love to play in warm water and will enjoy themselves during bath time. We prefer to give hedgehogs a bath in a sink or a bathtub. Hedgehogs are prone to relieve themselves in the warm water so we prefer to use our laundry sink.

Do hedgehogs get lonely?

Hedgehogs are very solitary animals and should be housed separately. In the wild, they are only social during the breeding season. Their solitary nature can make it difficult for these pets to warm up to you.

Do hedgehogs have fleas?

Hedgehogs are renowned for having fleas. However, the fleas found on hedgehogs are actually hedgehog fleas (scientific name: Archaeopsylla erinacei) which are host specific, meaning they will not survive for long on any other species, be it pets or people.

What does it mean when a hedgehog hisses?

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.