Hedgehogs are excellent prickly pet pals, but what do hedgehogs do when scared? The most obvious thing that hedgehogs do when scared is to curl up into a prickly ball. Although there are other signs we will discuss later in this article, so keep rolling with us.
Apart from that, we will look at what scares them, how to tell they are scared and how to handle it without being pricked.
As a new hedgehog parent, knowing what to do with your prickly pal is essential, and how bonding helps you take it when it is afraid.
Stay with us as we discuss everything you should know about a scared hedgehog!
Hedgehogs Do This When Scared
Just like any other animal, hedgehogs can be scared sometimes. And so, it’s good to know what they do when scared. About seven thousand sharp spines cover every hedgehog; they curl up into a prickly ball when frightened.
When they curl up into a ball, they protect their belly, soft underparts, and face, and their spines get tricky for predators to bite. During this moment, they will tend to sleep during the day to be safe and then come out to hunt during the night.
How Do You Know If a Hedgehog is Scared?
When a hedgehog is scared, it tends to ball itself up as a sign of protection. It will roll tightly and can even huff or jump when extremely frightened. When the hedgehog is agitated, it’s likely to prick you, so you must know how to calm it down.
Beyond curling up into a ball, hedgehogs can growl, hiss, and even lash out using their quills. In the case of this sign, it’s good to figure out the cause, if any.
Are hedgehogs easily scared? Yes, hedgehogs can get spooked since they take much time to get used to a new environment or home.
Too much noise and disturbance can scare them up sometimes, and they tend to defend themselves. Later in this article, we will show you how to handle a scared hedgehog to avoid being pricked.
What are Hedgehogs Afraid of?
Hedgehogs have some unique fears, and generally, they are afraid of things that are bigger than they are. Other than that, they are also scared of sudden movements and loud noises. Knowing what scares them is essential as it will prevent the hedgehogs from hurting themselves or even you.
Remember, hedgehogs are naturally nocturnal, so they are not used to seeing humans. Through the way they act when seen by humans, many people judge that they are afraid of humans, although there is no evidence yet.
How to Handle a Scared Hedgehog and Avoid Being Pricked
If you notice that your lovely prickly pal is scared, you will, by all means, try to make it feel comfortable. But how are you going to do it without being pricked? No worries, I will make it easy.
First, you should know that it can take months for the hedgehog to adapt to a new environment or home. So, ensure that you give it enough time to adjust to the new house.
Since hedgehogs are used to dark places, ensure that you put them in dark areas to sleep. You can set your used clothing in their cage to make them get used to you faster. Doing so will help them get positive reinforcement and get accustomed to your scent for safety purposes.
Avoid using strong-scented perfumes and lotions for the first few times. Doing so will help your hedgehog recognize your scent and adapt well to the environment.
When a hedgehog is scared, and you have identified the cause, you need to give it an easy time to wake up before handling it. Now, using your flat bare palms, scoop it up slowly from all sides, and to provide more cushioning to your hand, use bedding, thick fabric, or fleece.
How to Calm a Scared Hedgehog
If you have spent much time bonding with your prickly friend, it’s easy to calm down when scared. At the same time, it can be hard to calm a hedgehog in new surroundings. But here is how to do it in a friendly manner:
- Place it in a dark room when it feels scared since it will help it feel safe and comfortable to relax.
- Put it in a jacket pocket or custom fleece pouch and hold them against your chest or lap.
- If you notice it’s still scared, put it in a hiding place or into the cage
- If you have a strong bond with your hedgehog, you can use warm water for bathing it. It will calm the hedgehog quickly.
When a hedgehog is calm, its spines get flattened against its body, and you can see them walk around freely.
Final Thoughts
Nothing should stop you from getting a hedgehog or handling it well when scared. From our article, you already know that a hedgehog can easily get scared due to its nocturnal nature.
You also understand that dark and quiet places make them more comfortable and relaxed, incredibly when scared. And to make it even more friendly, giving them enough time to bond with you is good since sometimes humans scare them.
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