How to Hold a Hedgehog
May 18th 2009 16:21
You'll find that the quills are not barbed but they are sharp, so you can get a cut or two if the hedgehog gets stress or feels threatened, which is why proper handling techniques will need to be developed. Just remember that not all hedgehogs like to be held. Some prefer to just explore and nap.
When a hedgehog is calm, you'll notice that the quills will be relaxed, laying along the back and sides of the body. You'll want to pet your hedgehog towards the back, if you don't you'll quickly find out why it's recommended to pet backwards.
When handling your hedgehog, you should try to gently scoop it up from the underbelly and sides, ensuring that you get more contact with the soft fur on the belly versus the quills. Hedgehogs are typically pretty protective of their faces, so it may take some time before you're allowed to touch anywhere near the face.
Even though some people will use gloves when handling their hedgehogs, it's really not the best idea. It is always better to let your hedgehog relax and sniff you, especially when you're first socializing it.
Outgoing hedgehogs will start exploring right away, whereas it may take more shy hedgehogs longer to get to used to you.
You should try to spend at least an hour with your hedgehog every day, especially within the first few weeks. This will be the best socializing techniques, even if you're just watching TV with your pet exploring you and the surroundings around you.
You want to make sure that socializing and the initial training is pleasant. Don't force the hedgehog out of its enclosure or force it to do something that it doesn't want to. You will find that they will quickly curl up when stressed or threatened, and in this case it can be a hard time unrolling them, and you'll be starting over with socializing, especially if the hedgehog curls up frequently when you are trying to handle him..
Just remember to never try to unroll your hedgehog with water! This will place even more stress on your pet than initially, and it can cause water to get into the hedgehog's sinuses.
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