There are some aspects you need to know when it comes to how to pet a hedgehog. Hedgehogs are solitary creatures that live in solitude in the wild. When you bring them home at first, it could take them some time to get used to you. They will learn to trust you with time and patience.
Hedgehogs can be entertaining and low-maintenance family pets but require specific attention. They might be challenging to handle due to their pointy quills. Regular, appropriate handling will encourage them to stay calm and feel at ease around you.
Keep reading for further details.
Here Are Tips on How to Pet a Hedgehog
- Hedgehogs can smell you and identify you. On the contrary, gloves serve to confuse your hedgehog. Your hedgehog can also get confused by hand lotion or strong smells. If you put a piece of clothing you’ve worn inside their cage, they can get used to your fragrance.
- Instead of using gloves, you can use a thick towel to pick up a resistant hedgehog if necessary. Instead of removing a glove and continuing to hold the hedgehog with bare hands, it is simpler to slide the t-shirt aside.
- Bath your hedgehog every month. Although they are incredible creatures, hedgehogs occasionally get dirty. Along with routinely cleaning their enclosure, try to bathe your hedgehog at least once each month.
- Don’t reach up and grab your hedgehog on the upper side.
- Keep the hedgie in a calm area with minimal noise. Hedgehogs can get anxious and afraid in response to loud noises. As a result, be sure to place the hedgehog’s habitat in a peaceful place. Put it in an isolated office, off-limits hallway, or a rear room.
- Remember that their spines are not barbed or protrude like porcupine quills, so it won’t be intensely painful even if you get poked.
- Regularly trim the toenails of your hedgehog. Unexpectedly, a hedgehog’s toenails grow pretty quickly, necessitating regular trimming. As you handle your hedgehog, place a fingertip around its foot. Give them a trim if their toenails irritate you. Grab your buddy’s foot gently and allow a moment for relaxation. You should then remove the minor portion of the nail with hedgehog nail clippers.
- Give the hedgehog water by hanging a bottle or using a large bowl. Your hedgehog must drink clean, fresh water all day long. Position a water dish adjacent to their food bowl or buy a hanging bottle of water that may hang within the enclosure.
- Place toys and hiding places inside the fencing. You can give your hedgehog something to do with a hideout or an igloo, an exercise wheel, balls, and bells. These additions will make them content and keep them busy day and night in their space. You must ensure they have toys and areas to sleep in because a hedgehog needs exercise and rest. Hedgehogs love to run, hide, and sleep now and then.
- Lastly, purchase a wire-free exercise wheel having a sturdy base.
Hedgehog Health
For pet hedgehogs, problems can include dental disease, skin conditions like lice and mite infestations, tumors, and intestinal parasites. Neutering and spaying are advised to prevent reproductive organ malignancies and other illnesses later in life.
To stop your hog from losing more teeth or having other dental issues, you should get thorough dental screenings at the yearly vet appointments and the occasional tooth cleanup under anesthesia.
Some people can brush their hedgehogs’ teeth once a week with cotton-tipped applicators and cat toothpaste, although this is relatively uncommon.
Another problem these creatures frequently experience is obesity, so be sure to offer them the amount of food that is advised for their diet.
Possible Problems While Petting Hedgehogs
The popularity of hedgehogs as pets has grown. They can make entertaining pets, but there are specific difficulties you’ll have to overcome.
They are Nocturnal
Being nocturnal, hedgehogs are most active during the night. Because of their solitary nature, developing a bond with them can take some time.
They will become accustomed to your touching and attention if you play with them and give them space before night.
They are Active
Hedgehogs are pretty lively. They have incredible speed! Also, they take pleasure in diving, swimming, and climbing. As night creatures, they will spend most of the day digging and moving around as you try to sleep.
They can let off steam and relax better if you provide them with a big enclosure far from your bedroom.
Here Are Some States Where Hedgehogs Are Illegal
Hedgehog possession is currently banned in Georgia, California, New York City, Omaha, Washington, D.C, Nebraska, and Hawaii. Certain limitations or a permit may be needed in other cities and states. Additionally, the export of hedgehogs from Africa is not allowed.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to pet a hedgehog, you need to know that they run several kilometers daily on their wheel and are most active at night.
They may become sad, overweight, and prone to foot sores if they don’t obtain the necessary amount of activity.
Hedgehogs place a high value on exercise and activity, so prospective owners need to be able to guarantee that they will give their hedgehog the space needed to do so.
