Can I kiss my hedgehog? You may ask. The answer is no. Hedgehogs are carriers of salmonella germs which are very deadly when they come into contact with humans. So, when you kiss your hedgehog, these germs can spread to your mouth and face, and you later fall sick.
Ensure you thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water when you touch your hedgehog because you might not know if it carries salmonella germs.
I know hedgehogs are cute little creatures irresistible to kissing; however, you must control the urge as some don’t show signs of salmonella germs.
Can Hedgehogs be Touched?
Touching a hedgehog is not bad because, as a pet owner, you need to bond with your hedgehog, and touching is one way. However, you must take precautions like wearing gloves and immediately washing your hands with soap and water after touching your hedgehog.
Hedgehogs carry diseases like salmonella bacteria and ringworm, passed to humans through touching.
Can You Sleep With Your Hedgehog?
Yes, you can. Sleeping with your hedgehog is an excellent method to bond with it. Sleeping with your hedgy will also provide them with comfort and warmth. It needs to get used to your scent to make your hedgehog comfortable sleeping around you.
For instance, you can wear the same clothes the whole day and use the same perfumes and lotions. This way, your hedgehog will get used to your scent quickly, and it will be easier to convince them to sleep with you.
Can You Play With a Pet Hedgehog?
Hedgehogs are playful creatures, and they enjoy playing with humans. The best time to play with them is when their quills are relaxed to avoid getting hurt by them. However, when playing with your pet, avoid touching it because they carry harmful diseases like salmonella bacteria.
You can play with your hedgehog games like bowling, soccer, laps, hide and seek, dominoes, foot races, race cars, and obstacle courses. These games are great for you and your pet hedgehog as they don’t involve touching.
How Do You Bond With a Hedgehog?
There are so many ways you can bond with your hedgehog. One is through sleep. You can hold your hedgehog pet against your chest or on your lap. You can only play with your pet when their quills calm down and play on their terms.
Furthermore, you can bond with your hedgehog pet by rewarding them with treats and through your scents.
How Often Should You Hold Your Hedgehog?
If you just got a new hedgehog pet, the earlier you start bonding, the better. This way, it will get used to you. Hold your hedgehog pet daily, even if it’s just for a short time. I know your schedule and hedgehog might collide because they sleep during the day and get active at night.
So, you can have 30 minutes with your pet in the morning before it sleeps and another 30 minutes in the evening after work.
Can Hedgehogs be Cuddly?
Hedgehogs are creatures that like to be alone and often don’t like to interact much with people. It might take them time to get used to you. As a new hedgehog owner, you need to be gentle and patient with them.
The good thing is when a hedgehog finally forms a bond with you, it can be very cuddly.
Do Hedgehogs Like to be Held?
Yes, but they only like it only for a short time. Remember, hedgehogs want to be left alone and don’t like interaction with humans much. It will take time and effort before you form a trusting bond with them so that they can finally allow you to hold them.
Note that hedgehogs have sharp prickly quills, so you should wait until their quills have calmed down or wear gloves when holding them.
How long should I bond with my hedgehog?
Hedgehogs are loners and don’t like much interaction, especially with humans. Hence you should take things slowly with them so they can trust you. You can spend at least 30 minutes a day with them so they can get to know you.
Is It Cruel to Keep a Hedgehog as a Pet?
Keeping a hedgehog in an uncomfortable environment and failing to meet its nutritional needs can be cruel. However, you should provide a favorable climate so they can be secure and comfortable around you.
Do Hedgehogs Hurt to Hold?
Hedgehogs have sharp prickly quills that can hurt like a needle when you touch them. So, yes, hedgehogs hurt when you feel them without wearing gloves.
Final Words
Kissing your hedgehog pet is one way to bond with it. However, kissing your hedgehog is not safe for you. Hedgehogs carry fatal diseases that can be deadly when exposed to humans. It would help if you avoided it no matter how tempting it is to kiss your pet.
I hope the above article answers the question ‘’can I kiss my hedgehog?’’.
