Knowing whether a pet is destructive is good for avoiding unnecessary losses and injuries. Are hedgehogs destructive? In this article, we will answer that and offer you some related information that would be helpful.
Straight back to the question, “are hedgehogs destructive?”, No, they are not, more so pet hedgehogs. They will nibble objects to find out what they are but are unlikely to cause damage. Pet hedgehogs can bite, though.
On the other hand, wild hedgehogs will dig out and feed on garden pests. Invasive hedgehog species in New Zealand have caused much damage to native animal species.
Pet hedgehogs and wild hedgehogs can become destructive in very different ways, so the degree of destructive tendencies lies in the kind of hedgehog you are talking about.
Do Hedgehogs Bite?
The answer technically is yes, but there is a need for further explanation about this. Although hedgehogs bite, it is not very often to warrant worrying about it. Hedgehogs mostly prefer to keep their teeth to themselves!
Nevertheless, some situations might trigger your hedgehog to use its teeth against you. Why would they do that? The hedgehog is probably trying to convey that what you did wasn’t pleasant to them.
Keep reading to find out why hedgehogs bite.
Physical Discomfort
One of the common and most obvious reasons a hedgehog would bite is if they are experiencing some discomfort within their body. Other signs may indicate physical discomfort, but we cannot leave out biting.
A host of things can make hedgehogs experience physical discomfort, some more common than others, for example, nail trimming.
During nail trimming is when most hedgehog owners report incidences of biting. The sensation of clipping the nails makes some hedgehogs freak out and resort to biting.
Poor hedgehog handlers are also at a higher risk of getting bitten. Bad handling techniques can cause discomfort by squeezing or pinching the hedgehog’s body parts, even without realizing it.
Sickness can cause physical discomfort to hedgehogs and make them more prone to biting. If you’re unaware of illness in your hedgehog, biting hints that the health might already be deteriorating.
Curiosity is another reason that can lead to a hedgehog bite. Hedgehogs, especially the younger ones, are curious about their surroundings. They will nibble and lick objects to explore and learn more about them and their environment.
The exploratory nibbles may be preceded by a nip on your finger, which, although not dangerous, could cause unwanted pain.
Do Hedgehogs Chew Destructively?
This question comes from the presumption that hedgehogs are rodents. Hamsters, rats, guinea pigs, and rats belong to the Rodentia family, while hedgehogs belong to the Erinaceidae family.
Rodents are identifiable by their incisors that lack roots, growing throughout the animal’s life. Hedgehogs, on the other hand, have 44 teeth and get only a single set of adult teeth to last them their entire life!
Although hedgehogs satisfy their curiosity by nibbling objects, their jaws are not so powerful to damage furniture with an exploratory nip. They will also not gnaw through wires, cords, and fabric.
Unlike hedgehogs with small teeth and incisors, rats, chinchillas, and hamsters destroy chewable things with their strong jaw and teeth.
Hole Digging
Do hedgehogs dig holes? Yes, they do. Hedgehogs have five-toed front feet, which are strong enough to dig through soft soil.
Hedgehogs dig for some reason, one of them being the food search. As insectivores, hedgehogs’ go-to foods include beetles and earthworms, which live partially in the ground. Hedgehogs can smell worms and other delicious treats up to 3 inches underground.
Hedgehogs can also dig for access routes. They may be responsible for the little “tunnels” or pathways you see through your undergrowth or borders.
Hedgehogs certainly don’t create pathways like rabbits, or other rodents do. When a hedgehog meets a barrier along the way, such as a fence, it will attempt to carve a path beneath it.
We advise you to refrain from blocking these access routes because they can be essential for finding food, especially at night. You can even make them a hedgehog highway to help them.
The other reason hedgehogs dig holes is if they are constructing a home. Some hedgehog species dig burrows that they like to nest in, particularly during hibernation or breeding.
Final Word
Pet hedgehogs and native hedgehog species are not destructive. However, some causes can lead to destructive behavior in hedgehogs.
Biting, hole digging, and nibbling at objects are some damaging behaviors hedgehogs can exhibit. Although hedgehogs do minor damage compared to other small animals, it is your responsibility to determine the cause and take necessary action to prevent future recurrence.
This article is designed to answer the question “are hedgehogs destructive?” comprehensively. We hope you draw a helpful conclusion and live harmoniously with your hedgehog.
