Can you play with a pet hedgehog?
You have this cute, prickly, ball of quills, so naturally you wonder, “What do hedgehogs like to play with?” They aren't like dogs that can learn tricks or play fetch. Yet that doesn't mean that they don't enjoy playing. In fact, many hedgehogs enjoy solo play and some even like interactive play.
Pet hedgehogs do best if handled every day, even if it is for just a short amount of time. We recommend handling your hedgehog for at least half an hour a day. The easiest way to accomplish this task is 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening.
Hedgehogs can be a fun and low-maintenance pet for your household, but they do need some special care. They have sharp quills that can make handling difficult. Consistent and proper daily handling will help them relax and feel comfortable with you.
It's just fine to play with your hedgie later in the day and we encourage waking up your hedgehog in the afternoon or evening. Playing first thing in the morning is not recommended since your hedgehog has probably been up all night and has just gotten back to sleep.
It depends on the personality of the individual hedgehog and how much handling the hedgehog has had in the past. Some hedgehogs do seem to like to snuggle up to their human companions, while others might be shyer or simply prefer exploring and moving about over sitting still and cuddling.
It's important not to handle the hedgehog any more than you need to because contact with humans will be stressful for them. Make sure you wear gloves if you have to handle a hedgehog, as they can carry diseases like ringworm or salmonella bacteria which can be passed to humans.
Hedgehogs are great for people who have the time to handle their pet daily to socialize it. They do well when housed alone and do not need to be kept with other hedgehogs, but they should be allowed out of their cages at least once a day for exercise and social interaction.
I'm happy to report, though, that hedgehogs ARE a low maintenance pet. Expect to spend about fifteen minutes to a half hour per week cleaning your hedgehogs' cage, food bowl, water bottle, wheel and other toys.
Some hedgehogs love their spines petted, but others may hate for their spines to be touched or stroked. When getting to know your pet, start with gentle touches wherever your hedgehog seems not to mind.
Some hedgehogs will bond to their owners for life (HHC). Bonding does require effort, persistence, and an understanding of hedgehogs. Many hedgehogs don't like to be petted by just anyone until they are completely comfortable with their environment. This is especially important when a hedgehog goes to a new home.
Can you touch a hedgehog with bare hands?
Hedgehogs can be handled (they are not too prickly), although some patience is required to make sure your hedgehog is both safe and comfortable in your hands.
During the summer seasons, your hedgehog can really benefit from being outside to play. What is this? Hedgehogs are curious creatures so exploring a new environment can be really stimulating and fun. Your hedgehog also needs daily exercise to ensure that he stays fit and healthy.
The average hedgehog is content to do its own thing and may not show any outward sign that it cares about its owner's existence unless you have a treat in your hand. Despite their somewhat solitary nature, they can become very affectionate with their owners and will even enjoy snuggling on your lap.
Having your hedgehog sleep on you is perfect bonding time. It will associate you with warmth, comfort, and an enjoyable experience. Hedgehogs have a great sense of smell so it is important to get the hedgehog used to your scent.
Once a bond is established hedgehogs can be quite playful and occasionally cuddly.
A Belly Rub, Of Course. Sometimes a belly rub feels really good, and this hedgehog is here to show us just how good. Yep, it's impossible to ignore his blissful little face as he gets a mini massage!
Every hedgehog has a unique personality, but most aren't interested in human affection. Caretakers note that it takes a lot of time and effort to get a hedgehog to tolerate being held. Like porcupines, hedgehogs have sharp, prickly quills that they use to fend off predators.
- You can also sit your hedgehog down on the floor in a hedgie safe room or area. ...
- Place your hand several inches away from your hedgehog and allow it to come up to your hands and smell you.
- Your hedgehog is relaxed when its quills are laid down and it is moving about without flinching every time you move.
Having a hedgehog as a pet has its pros and cons, but we think they're definitely worth the effort. In order to effectively bond, hedgehogs need to be held by you at least 30 minutes each day.
For many species, males are more aggressive than females. Because of this, females are typically viewed as more desirable pets than males. This tendency, however, is not true of hedgehogs. Male and female hedgehogs show no consisten temperament difference in how they react toward humans.
What do hedgehogs like in their cage?
Hedgehogs need environmental temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees. Keep your hedgehog's cage away from drafts, direct sunlight, or cold areas. You may want to provide your hedgehog with a small warm spot in his cage where he can go to get warm but would also be able to get away from if he feels too warm.
- Provide Proper Housing. Hedgehogs are active creatures and therefore need some extra space to roam around in. ...
- Feed Them the Correct Food. Hedgehogs eat once or twice a day. ...
- Clean Their Living Environment. ...
- Watch for Diseases. ...
- Give Them Some Space.
- Exercise Wheels. Your hedgie will enjoy having an exercise wheel in his cage. ...
- Mazes. Hedgehogs love to play in mazes. ...
- Cat Toys. Some cat toys are appropriate for hedgehogs. ...
- Boxes. Tissue boxes and other small boxes may be fine for your hedgehogs. ...
- Tube Tunnels. ...
- Stuffed Animals. ...
- Toy Dump Trucks.
When a hedgehog hisses, it means he is really annoyed and wants you, other hogs or other animals to clear off. Hedgehogs will often make the hissing noise if their nest is disturbed or if they are cornered or approached by a predator.
Their quills become more spread out, ready to do harm if required. Since the quills are more spread, they will become sharper to the touch. Though the quills should not break through your skin, they could be more painful to touch. Some owners describe the feeling as touching a bunch of toothpicks.