• When and How Much to Handle Your Hedgehog
• Picking Up Your Hedgehog
• Waking Up Your Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are wonderful little creatures that have unique habits and personalities. Their response to you will depend on how you handle them and how you respond to their needs. You will need to learn to respond to your hedgehog's subtle way of communicating and adapt to their prickly protectiveness.

Our human nature is to want to reach out and touch or pet our prickly friends. Naturally shy, hedgies will require you to earn their trust before they accept your handling. Once hedgehogs are comfortable with you they will appreciate your affection.

Hand Washing

• It is always a good idea to practice proper hand washing techniques before and after handling your hedgehog.
• It is best to use an antibacterial soap that isn't fruity smelling.
• Hand washing protects you from having your hedgie take a sample bite of you! It is only critter nature to want a sample if your hands smell like food or something tasty.
• Proper hand washing also protects your hedgehog from bacteria.

Picking Up Your Hedgehog

Speed

• When picking up your hedgehog JUST DO IT! It is important to move steadily and confidently. Certainly picking up a hedgehog doesn't hurt nearly as bad as getting a shot but the spines are sharp and they are gong to prick you to some degree. How you handle your hedgehog will determine how much they prick you.
• Compare picking up a hedgehog to a nurse giving you a shot. You don't want her to ram the needle into you but at the same time you don't want it to be drawn out and extremely slow. Steady and confident are what you want in a nurse.
• When you move fast and jerky your hedgehog may feel you are attacking it.
• Hedgehogs have poor eyesight but they can detect movement very well. When you hesitate or jerk your hands away from the hedgehog when picking it up, it will sense that you are scared, and in return it will flinch and huff because it will become scared.
• The more confidence you have with your hedgehog, the more secure the hedgehog will feel with you.
• Hedgehogs will learn how to respond when they are picked up. Many times (but not always) a scared, nervous hedgehog has learned to respond that way when picked up.

Technique

• Use both hands to scoop your hedgehog up from underneath. You can also use the side of the cage to roll the hedgehog onto your hands if you can't get your hands on both side of the hedgehog.
• Try to distribute the weight of the hedgehog over your hands. The more even the pressure of the spines the less it will hurt. A good comparison is when a performer walks on nails. They don't walk on one nail at a time; instead they distribute their weight on many nails.
• Some people prefer to use the sides of their hands to scoop the hedgie and other people use their fingers to slip under the belly.
• You can scoop the hedgie up with bedding for cushioning. Soft fluffy bedding such as Care Fresh work well for cushioning.
• It is natural for the hedgie to ball up when you are picking it up but as it becomes more comfortable it should begin to uncurl. Once your hedgehog becomes comfortable with you it may only ball up a little or it may not ball up at all.
• Do your best to avoid provoking your hedgie to huff and puff. You can actually teach your hedgehog to react this way when you pick it up.

Gloves

Necessity

• Quite a few hedgehog books and owners recommend the use of rubber or leather gloves when handling hedgehogs but gloves are NOT a necessary part of hedgie handling.
• The rational behind using gloves is so that you will be more comfortable handling your pet and that the spines will not poke you.
• We teach all of our customers how to handle our hedgie babies without gloves. The hedgehog can get more comfortable with your movements and you won't be as fearful of its movements.
• However, using gloves to learn how to pick up your hedgie is better than not handling your hedgehog at all or not having the confidence to pick up your hedgehog properly.

Type

• We suggest using cotton gardening gloves with rubber coated palms and fingers.
• Leather gloves are stiffer, harder to maneuver, and more difficult to take off. They also smell completely different and will be a litter harder for hedgie to acclimate to your hands.
• It is a good idea to sleep with your cotton gloves under your pillow or tuck them into your shirt so that they are completely permeated with your smell. That way the hedgie will associate the gloves with you.

Technique

• Use the same method to pick up your hedgehog with gloves as you would without gloves.
• Let the hedgehog uncurl in your hands and begin to walk around.
• Once the hedgehog has begun to relax you can start to remove your gloves.
• Take one glove off and allow the hedgie to get to know your bare skin smell when you and your hedgehog are comfortable with each other.
• Once one glove is off and the hedgehog is still comfortable you can take off the other glove.

Other Methods

• Some people choose to use a kitty litter scoop to gently lift it up out of its cage. We don't recommend using this method because the hedgehog won't get used to you and it will make handling more difficult in the long run.
• Hedgehog prickles may leave little red marks on your skin and depending on your reaction to the prickles they may itch. Many people find that this irritation is a minor inconvenience and that does not occur every handling.

Huffing, Puffing, and Popping

Understanding Huffing, Puffing, and Popping

• When you first pick up your hedgehog it may have its spines erect and it may make some defensive noises.
• It is quite natural for the hedgehog to be scared or nervous and the huffing and puffing noises are an attempt to scare you away.
• Until your hedgehog knows who you are and that you have good intentions it is simply trying to communicate its uncertainty with you.
• Keep in mind your hedgehog may have just been woke up during what may be for it the middle of the night. Not too many people enjoy getting woke up from a sound sleep so your hedgehog may be telling you "Hey, I just woke up. Give me some space."
• Listen to your hedgehog's "language" and watch the way you handle your hedgehog to see what causes them to increase their shyness.

What to do about Huffing, Puffing, and Popping

• As described above picking up your hedgehog properly is the first step in minimizing huffing, puffin, and popping.
• The best thing to do is nothing! Simply hold your hedgehog in your hands out away from your body (explore mode) and wait.
• Don't attempt to pet your hedgie, but simply allow it to come out of its ball and begin to explore on its own. Once your hedgehog relaxes it will begin to lay down its quills and move around on your hands.
• When you hold your hedgehog near your body it will sense your clothing and it may try to burrow into your clothes. Your hedgehog is less likely to lay down its quills when it is close to your body.
• DO NOT provoke your hedgehog to huff or hiss by touching its tines while it is in its cage or on the floor. This encourages the hedgehog to react this way every time a human hand comes near it.
• Always pet your hedgehog while it is in your hand. Never reach into the cage to pet your hedgehog unless your hedgehog is completely comfortable with you.

Uncurling

Natural Curiosity

• Once your hedgehog is picked up, out in the open, and simply being held, curiosity will most likely get the best of your hedgie and it will begin to uncurl and stick its head out to see where it is and what is going on.
• Angling your hands so the hedgehog's head is just slightly lower than the rest of its body may also help it to come out. It will feel as if it is headed down hill and may come out quicker to see what is going on. Be careful not to tilt your hands too much so that it rolls off your hands.
• A couple of gentle bounces (raising and lowering your hands about an inch) may also encourage your hedgehog to come out and see what is going on.
• Until your hedgehog begins to relax you don't want to try to pet your hedgehog but instead simply talk to him/her and let it know that it is safe.
• When your hedgehog realizes that it is out in the open it will begin to try to move around on your hands.
• Watch for your hedgehog to duck its head. This is its main form of self-defense. Notice what you were doing that caused it to duck its head. Most likely it heard a sound or didn't like the way you are approaching it with your hands.

The Water Method

• Many hedgehogs enjoy spending time in water as described in our Bathing and Nail Trimming guide.
• A bath may help your hedgehog relax and get to know you through the bathing process. Even the grouchiest hedgehogs will uncurl in water.
• Allow a tiny gentle stream of water to run over your hedgehog's back. Many times the sound of the water alone is enough to get a hedgie to uncurl.
• Gently lower your hedgehog into a shallow pan or tub of water and allow your hedgehog to walk around.
• I have never known a hedgehog to drown but certainly if you aren't careful the hedgehog can inhale water or suck water into its lungs.
• Some veterinarians use the shallow pan of warm water method to get their uncooperative patients to uncurl. This allows for a basic visual examination without the need for anesthesia.
• It is very important to make sure your hedgehog is completely dry after its bath. Snuggle time after a bath is also a great time for bonding.

Explore Mode

• When your hedgehog uncurls it will most likely begin to explore and start to check out its surroundings.
• Some hedgehogs are brave explorers and will immediately uncurl and start walking on your hands. Others will start out by sniffing and duck their head at the slightest of noises.
• Hedgehogs will not jump but they will walk right off your hands. As your hedgehog walks off one hand move it in front of it so it has a new walking platform.
• Hedgehogs are not "fast" when compared to other animals but when a hedgehog starts moving in your hands it will certainly seem quite speedy.
• As your hedgehog gains confidence exploring in your hands it will gain confidence in you.

Petting Your Hedgehog

• Even though hedgehogs are "pets" the may not automatically enjoy being petted. You must first earn your hedgehog's trust so that it can relax and enjoy your touch rather than fear your touch as potential harm.
• It is o.k. to begin to attempt to pet your hedgehog once your hedgehog is relaxed and exploring in your hands.
• When you notice your hedgehog pulling its "visor" down over its eyes that is a signal to you that it isn't quite comfortable with you yet or it doesn't like what you are doing.
• When your hedgehog huffles or puffs, just relax and give your hedgehog time to relax. Don't attempt to continue to pet it.
• You are actually TEACHING the hedgehog to huff and puff in your hands if you continue to pet the hedgehog when it isn't ready for you to try and pet it. Give it more time just to explore in your hands so that it gets more comfortable with you.
• Always pet your hedgehog while it is in your hand.
• Never reach into the cage to pet your hedgehog unless your hedgehog is completely comfortable with you.

Technique

• Most people know to pet a hedgehog from front to back just as you would with any other animal.
• I have found that hedgehogs respond much more quickly to petting if done so that it can see your hand, smell your hand, and know what is about to happen.
• It is important to approach your hedgehog from the front and below eye level. The most frequent mistake I see in hedgehog handling is that most people are included to approach the hedgehog from behind.
• It is also important to you firm and deliberate strokes rather than a light pressure over the top of the spines. Compare the light pressure approach to a tickle and the more firm petting to a massage. I know I relax when my back is massaged but I tense up and get goose bumps when someone runs a single finger down my spine.

The "Root"

• The easiest way to pet a hedgehog is to let it do the work for you. Once your hedgehog is moving around in your hands it is likely to "root" under your thumbs.
• Pay close attention for opportunities to rub your hedgehog from its nose to the top of its head. Most likely your hedgehog will lift its nose into your hand as if to say "ah that feels good.
• The "Tunnel".
• If you are right handed you will want to hold your hedgie in your left hand. Make a "V" with your thumb and pointer finger and move your right hand up and over the hedgehog's nose.
• Again, by allowing your hedgehog to see, smell and feel your hand coming towards its face, it will be better prepared for your touch.
• Many hedgehogs will lay down their spines, relax, and lift their head and nose up towards your hands and "tunnel" under your hand as you rub your hand back over its body.
• Use your whole hand to apply firm pressure over the hedgehog's spines when petting your hedgehog. A firm, deliberate pressure is similar to a massage. Light pressure or a "one finger pet" over their spines is more like a tickle and it will cause the hedgehog to raise its spines rather than to relax.

Grouchy Hedgehogs

• Hedgehogs are often referred to as "grouchy" when they won't uncurl, huff, click, or pop.
• Most grouchy hedgies aren't truly mean or aggressive they are just shy, scared, and trying to protect themselves.
• Patience, persistence, and proper handling are essential to winning over your prickly friend.
• Hedgehogs may go through periods of grouchiness when going through the quilling process, are upset about changes, or are ill. It is important to watch for these signs especially when changes in behavior occur.

Transitional Behavior

• It is common for new owners to experience changes in hedgehog behavior between the time they purchase their hedgehog to the time a hedgehog is settled in its new home.
• This change can occur for many reasons and by understanding these reasons you can help your hedgehog transition smoothly into your home.

New surroundings

• First, keep in mind your hedgehog is leaving familiar surroundings.
• It is leaving its cage-mates and home and entering into a strange new world.
• A change in environment and associated affects is often called "shipping stress".
• Animals all react differently to change. Differences in stress levels between animals are even noted at the time of weaning.

Handling Techniques

• Handling hedgehogs is prickly business!
• Owner confidence can range from no fear at all from getting prickled to someone who is basically scared to death of their new pet.
• Proper handling is something that is learned and perfected with practice.
• Read and review the tips outlined above to make sure that you are doing what is best to encourage a good response from your pet.

Quilling

• The quilling process is likely to already have started or will soon start when you take home a baby hedgehog.
• Hedgehogs can have a range of pain and discomfort throughout this process similar to a child and teething.
• Our Quilling article will give you some insight about the process, what you can expect, and ways to ease the discomfort.
• Try to minimize petting if your hedgehog huffs and puffs which are the first signs of discomfort. Instead, continue to bond with your hedgehog by allowing the hedgehog to explore you by crawling on you and to get to know your sent by sleeping on you.
• More bonding tips and information can be found in our Bonding guide.

Play

• Even though hedgehogs are not typically described as "chewers" it is possible they can chew electrical wires so it is a good idea to keep them away from your hedgehog while it is playing.
• Your hedgehog may be litter box trained but it is also likely to potty anywhere outside the cage it gets the urge. Make sure the floor can be easily cleaned and that there are no climbing objects such as books or magazines that can be ruined if they get soiled or wet.
• Enclosed play areas with smooth sides are ideal because the hedgie is less likely to attempt to try and climb out.
• A plastic kiddie pool is a great place to let your hedgehog exercise and play. The hedgehogs won't be able to escape unless are objects close to the wall. They can climb on play accessories to give themselves a boost up and over the top.
• Pet corrals are available through several vendors. You can put plastic tablecloths down to protect the floor and still have a portable and safe play area. Keep corralled hedgies under supervision because some may try to bulldoze under and escape.

Outdoor Activity

• Some people choose to take their hedgies outdoors on nice days. We believe that as long as you take certain precautions your hedgehog may enjoy a change in scenery.
• You will want to make sure the weather is suitable and the hedgehogs are not exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures. Z.G. Standing Bear recommends a minimum outdoor temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
• We suggest keeping your hedgehog in a protected, enclosed area where you can monitor your hedgehog's activity at all times. Make sure there is not place to burrow or any potential escape routes.
• Unless you are very close by your hedgehog it is a good idea to have a secure lid on your outdoor enclosure. This will prevent an escape or having your hedgehog become lunch for a hawk, eagle, or other hungry creature.
• According to Z.G. Standing Bear "Unfamiliar with the spines of a hedgehog, a large bird may snatch up a hedgehog as s/he would a rabbit and may even give up on the project enroute, only to drop the hedgehog several hundred feet to the ground".
• Hedgehogs can pick up parasites, pathogens or toxins from things in their environment. Some hedgehog owners choose to let their hedgehogs explore the grass. Always make sure the grass has not been treated with any chemicals.
• Outdoor insects may be a tasty treat for your hedgehog but you must make sure the bugs have not been exposed to any insecticides.
• It is a good idea to have your veterinarian check a fecal sample for parasites at the end of the summer if your hedgehog has played outdoors. Parasites are easily treated so they are not a huge concern.
• Hedgehogs are good swimmers but it is never a good idea for them to swim in a pool or pond.

Hide and Seek

• Hedgies love to play hide and seek. They will hide for hours or even days and probably don't even care if you don't notice they are hiding.
• Only allow your hedgehogs to play in "hedgie safe" areas so that you can monitor your hedgehog at all times.
• The best way to search for a missing hedgehog is to explore an area on your hands and knees. Look for warm dark places where a hedgie is likely to hide.
• Be sure to look in, under and behind appliances such as the stove and refrigerator. Refrigerators are very popular because they are warm.
• Couches and recliners are dangerous because an unassuming person can sit on one and squish poor hedgie.
• Hedgehogs can sneak behind cabinets, dressers, bookcases, or other storage units.
• They might find holes in walls and flooring or squeeze through ducts and drains.
• Heather Johnson at www.hedgies.com suggests putting food, water, and treats in a brown paper bag. When a missing hedgie searches for a meal you will hear the bag rustle.
• Familiar sleeping bags or other objects might also attract a missing hedgie.
• Remember that hedgehogs are nocturnal so a good time to find them on the move is to search in the dark with a flashlight.
• The best way to be a winner at this game is not to play at all! Make sure your hedgehog is housed in a secure cage and allowed to play only in an appropriate play area.

Introduction

• Bonding with your hedgehog helps to create an attachment between you and your pet.
• The more the attachment develops between you and your hedgehog the more you will grow to love and enjoy your pet.
• Bonding does require effort, persistence, and an understanding of hedgehogs for the strongest attachment bonds.
• Hedgehogs have poor eyesight so using its other senses will increase bonding effectiveness.

Through Scent

• Hedgehogs have a great sense of smell so it is important to get the hedgehog used to your scent.
• One way to get a hedgehog used to your sent is to sleep in a t-shirt for several nights or wear one all day (without washing it) then drape the t-shirt over the hedgehog's cage.
• We suggest sleeping with a piece of fleece about 2-12" square then putting the fleece in the hedgehog's sleeping area or sleeping with the hedgie's sleeping bag.
• New lotions, perfumes, or scents may confuse your hedgie because they disguise your "original" scent.

Through Sound

• Hedgehogs are very sensitive to sound in that most ball up or prickle when they hear new or loud noises.
• Talk to your hedgehog and let it get to know your voice.
• Talking to your hedgehog while holding, snuggling, bathing, and other enjoyable activities will help your hedgehog associate the sound of your voice with comfort and enjoyment.
• Over the years we have found the radio and music very soothing for a variety of different animals. Hedgehogs are no exception.
• The periods of talking and music on the radio provides a constant stream of noise for the animals and makes new sounds less obtrusive.
• The sudden noise of talking, doors opening and closing and general noise of being in the room may be irritating to the hedgehog if a hedgehog is accustomed to silence.

Through Snuggle/Sleep Time

• One of the best and easiest ways to bond with your hedgehog is to simply hold your hedgehog on your lap for an hour or so while watching television or a movie.
• Don't attempt to pet a shy hedgehog simply relax and come out on its own.
• Most of the time your hedgehog will uncurl and attempt to explore in just a few minutes.
• Other hedgehogs may take a little longer to begin to relax but please be patient and allow it to explore on its own terms.
• Lori Keller, bonding expert, suggests holding your hedgie against you in your hands and on your chest so your hedgehog can feel your body heat and hear your heart beat. Hold him while watching t.v. or long enough so that he sleeps on you, as having your hedgie sleep on you is an excellent way to get them to bond.
• You may be able to pet an otherwise "unpettable" hedgie when your hedgehog falls asleep and relaxes
• Another tip Lori is to put on a t-shirt with a nice big over shirt on and tuck the hedgehog in-between the layers.
• Some people like to use large bonding pouches (similar to those used for sugar gliders) or hedgie packs to carry the hedgehog around during daily activities.

Through Play

• You can also sit your hedgehog down on the floor in a hedgie safe room or area. Don't attempt to touch your hedgie but instead allow it to get to know you on its own terms.
• 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. Certain sounds may still scare a relaxed hedgehog.
• Allow your hedgehog to use you as a human mountain. Let it climb on you and explore you.
• One of our customers reported that their hedgehog did not like the color red. Whenever anyone wore a red shirt this particular hedgehog was grouchier and didn't seem to enjoy being handled as much as on other days.
• While color preference is somewhat unusual for animals it is important to notice subtle things in the hedgehog's environment that could affect their behavior.

Through Treats

• You can try to offer hedgies treats from your hand. Your hedgehog may respond well it might completely ignore you.
• Don't let your hedgie lick your fingers or hand because it might decide that since a little bit of you tastes good a lot of you might taste better!!
• You may need to help your hedgie differentiate between treats and hands but the bonding time is worth the effort.
• More information about bonding with treats can be found in our Hedgehog Treats guide.

• Hedgehogs are not typically characterized as "biters" and do not have the reputation that other pets have acquired.
• However, hedgehogs do have teeth and they can use them. After all, we humans have teeth and I know my children have all chomped on me a time or two, or more…
• The best way to combat biting is to understand why hedgehogs bite and what to do about the bite.
• Hedgies may learn that biting is a good way to get what they want so be careful not to put your hedgehog in its cage or reward it immediately after a biting episode.

Reasons for biting

Defense or Aggression

• Hedgehogs do not normally bite as a main form of defense or aggression.
• When they are scared, frightened, or defensive they traditionally raise their spikes and curl in a ball.

Taste

• Some hedgehogs simply want to get a taste of something that smells good. This is common in other animals as well.
• Hedgehogs will often lick salt or other tempting things off your hands.
• My general philosophy with all animals is not to let any animal lick. Just like kids licking a Tootsie Roll Pop, it is just a matter of time when there is going to be a CRUNCH.
• Biting after a lick isn't a form of hedgie meanness but a natural progression of curiosity.

Exploration

• Another reason hedgehogs may bite is because they are exploring their environment.
• Occasionally hedgehogs will bite just because they are tying to get accustomed to you and their surroundings.
• They are simply trying to learn what is acceptable and what not acceptable hedgie behavior is.
• Young children and animals may try out their teeth on various non-food items simply for the sake of curiosity.

Communication and Expression

• Hedgehogs may bite as a way to communicate if they are tired, stressed, or uncomfortable.
• Hedgehogs that are quilling may bite because they are uncomfortable.
• Some hedgehogs don't like nail polish and will bite polished nails but they will stop biting when the polish is removed.
• A few of our customers have reported that their hedgehogs tended to bite smokers but not nonsmokers.
• Lara Bartel has a hedgehog that will bite only if other hedgehogs are held first.
• Another customer told us their hedgehog would bite on the way back to its cage after play time.

Ways to discourage the biting event

• Try handling your hedgehog at different times during the day. Your hedgehog may have a time when it is easier for it to relax and enjoy your company.
• Make sure your hands are clean. Food, hand soap or lotions may smell yummy to a hedgehog.
• Watch for signs of sensory overload. One family told us that their hedgehog didn't enjoy being around a lot of people but was fine in the company of just a couple people.

How bad does it hurt?

• Hedgehogs have fairly small teeth designed to crunch insects. They do not have the typical rodent incisors or the large carnivore canines.
• The typical bite won't feel good but won't cause excruciating pain either. Imagine cricket crushing strength!
• The reason your hedgehog bites is will often determine how bad it hurts.
• A bite telling you "I'm really mad" is going to hurt more than "I wonder if this is edible?" isn't going to hurt as much as the "I'm really mad at you" bite.
• Finger bites typically hurt less than a bite to your softer skin between fingers or an arm.
• I personally have never had more than a prick to my finger or a bruise to my arm but Nicole Gendler-Martin once described to me an extremely rare but particularly nasty bite that dripped blood. That particular hedgehog was previously not known to bite.
• Hamsters or other rodents deliver a much more painful and bloodier bite than hedgehogs.

What to do when your hedgehog bites

• There isn't a foolproof way to teach your hedgehog not to bite.
• Figuring out why your hedgehog bites will help determine what to do about the biting.
• The level of pain you experience will also determine your response.

Noise

• Loud noises are scary for your hedgie so the negative association with biting may be enough to discourage bad behavior. A loud "NO" may be enough to distract your hedgie.
• Lori Keller is particularly fond of this method. She likes to yell, scream, and dance around letting her hedgehog know that biting is not fun.
• This method of training is best used on hedgehogs that already trust you rather than at the stage where you are just getting to know your new pet.
• I usually combine the "NO" with the "push" method to reinforce the message.
• Noise can also be combined with the "blow" method as well.

The "Push"

• Our natural reaction to pull away when being bitten but this encourages the animal to hold on tighter and follow the movement away from it.
• Instead, push your finger or hand towards the animal to push their head back and their jaw will then open.
• The backward pressure is uncomfortable but not painful and it causes the animal to relax its jaw.
• Animals also do not like to have their throat exposed so they will typically let go to bring their head down.
• We have had much success using this method to train puppies, kittens, and ferrets as well.
• Many health care workers are also trained to use this method with their patients.

The "Blow"

• You can blow in a hedgehog's face. A forceful puff of air up their nose will typically cause them to let go.
• Several forceful blows in a row may be even more effective.
• This method can also be combined with the Noise and the "Push" method.

Extreme Methods

• Should your hedgehog bite and not want to let go you can put your hedgehog under running water. The sudden stream of water usually causes a hedgehog to let go and look around.
• A few hedgie owners have suggested using alcohol applied to the nose with a q-tip. We generally do not recommend this action because it may result in a power struggle and the hedgie may bite more. Also, by the time you get to the alcohol it is likely the hedgie has stopped biting anyway.

The Reward

• No one wants a pet that bites so training your hedgehog not to bite will certainly increase the enjoyment you receive from your pet.
• It may take a couple of weeks or even several months to train your hedgehog not to bite but persistence usually pays off!