Handling Your Hedgehog

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

23 Sep 2006 09:27 AM

On the list of cuddly pets who like to snuggle... you probably won't find the hedgehog. Although a tame hedgehog will tolerate handling, they don't necessarily crave and seek human attention.

Picking a hedgehog from a reputable breeder can help -- breeders generally try to pick the tamest parents to produce good natured babies. Breeders will also often make sure the baby hedgehogs are handled from a young age, so they are at least used to being touched.

Handle your hedgehog with care! Not only to protect your hands from the hedgehog's prickles, but to protect your hedgehog as well. The safest way to pick up your hedgehog is to scoop him up around the sides. Your hedgehog may initially curl into a ball when you try to pick him up; just cradle him in your hands and be patient. Within a few minutes, he may unroll and start to explore. Most hedgehogs will climb all over their people, once they're used to being picked up.

Things to watch out for:

• Try not to let your hedgehog curl into a ball around your finger. This can be very painful for you!
• Try to practice handling when your hedgehog is awake. Surprising a sleepy hedgehog means you'll have a grouchy hedgehog in your hands.
• If your hedgehog is very resistant to the idea of being picked up, you may want to try picking him up -- gently -- in a thick towel. This will protect your hands from spines and hopefully give your hedgehog a stronger sense of security.
• Hand-feeding favorite treats (like mealworms) can help you gain the trust of your hedgehog.

You may notice your hedgehog doing a strange thing called self-anointing. Certain smells seem to send a hedgehog into a flurry of contortions and drooling. Your hedgehog will perform a startling series of twists to spread saliva all over his back. Experts aren't exactly sure what sets off this behavior, but it is not a cause for concern.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger