The most important tips and basics of dealing with a hedgehog and how to take care of it

The most important tips and basics of dealing with a hedgehog and how to take care of it

A lot of new hedgehog owners are nervous when handling their pet's spiny paws. Hedgehogs aren't difficult to handle (they aren't too rough) but you need to be patient to ensure your hedgehog is safe and comfortable in your hand. Follow these steps to begin taking care of your hedgehog.

Steps to Handle a Hedgehog

1. Begin to handle your hedgehog during the evening, when they're most likely to be up. A hedgehog that is asleep can be unhappy, which can make the task nearly impossible.
2. Let your hedgehog sniff your hands, so they can recognize you every time you hold them.
3. Place your palms up to the opposite side of the hedgehog. If needed, you may gently put your hedgehog into their cage, so that they'll likely step on your hands.
4. Simply push your hands under the hedgehog that is standing. You can also take a handful of bedding to safeguard your hands If you're concerned about being poked.
5. Cup your hands and raise your hedgehog upwards while they're cradled within your arms. Make sure your fingers are together and away from the hedgehog's stomach in case they decide to form the shape of a ball (a finger stuck between an encased hedgehog is no fun).
6. The hedgehog could snort or turn into an uncontrollable ball. Make sure to keep going until your hedgehog seems to be very unhappy and you're not getting any results. It's fine to pick him or her up if she's been rolled into an uncontrollable ball.
7. You can hold your hedgehog (try placing your hedgehog on your forearm or hand and placing the other lightly over their back to secure it) or put the hedgehog in your lap. The majority will roll up quickly if they feel secure and begin exploring.
8. It is fine to resort to the use of bribery when necessary. If your hedgehog gets caught in the shape of a ball, offer them treats like a tasty mealworm immediately after they break off. The hedgehog is likely to think that getting picked up is a positive thing because they are rewarded for it. You can reserve this treat for moments when you're managing your hedgehog.
9. After your hedgehog has retracted from the ball, let them play with your lap and your hands at their individual pace. Avoid touching your hedgehog until they've calmed down.
10. A calm hedgehog will lie down on its spines. Once the spines lie flat (not poking out in different directions, as they do when your hedgehog is rolling into the shape of a ball) you can begin to pet their backs in the way that the spines are laid. Do not try to touch the face of your hedgehog initially because they aren't usually a fan.
11. Provide treats periodically as you handle your hedgehog to inform your hedgehog it's a positive thing. Perhaps, your hedgehog will understand how being handled as well as receiving threats isn't frightening but enjoyable.

Tips for Handling a Hedgehog

• Hedgehogs can recognize you by scent. The gloves you wear will make your hedgehog confused. Heavy perfume or hand lotion could also make your hedgehog a bit confused. The act of putting a t-shirt on that you've worn inside their cage could help them become familiar with the scent.

• If needed, a thick towel could be used to grab the hedgehog that is stubborn at first, instead of gloves. It is easier to slide the t-shirt off than to remove the glove, and then continue to hold the hedgehog in your hands.

• Do not pull your hedgehog from the top.

• Be aware that the spines aren't stabbed or pierced as porcupine quills. If you are poked, it may hurt, but it won't be painful to the point of being unbearable.