A hedgehog is a very popular pet in various parts of the world, but some cities don’t see them as wild animals that their residents cannot domesticate. A hedgehog has between 5,000 to 7,000 quills on its body, and the muscles found on its back can either increase or decrease the quills’ response to threatening situations.
Are you a hedgehog owner? Do you want to know if your hedgehog likes you? There are signs you will see that will make you understand your hedgehog likes you. If you gently rub the back of your hedgehog’s ear with your hands, and it leans towards it, it shows that it loves what you are doing and it likes you too. Just be observant of those behaviors your hedgehog exhibits when you are around it or handling it; it will communicate something to you. Some hedgehogs show how much they like you when you stroke their quills or rub their back, while some don’t. Some other hedgehogs make some sounds while they are around you to show much much they like you or are happy. If your hedgehog makes a purring sound, it is exciting.
Another unique thing you should know about hedgehogs is that they are born blind with a protective membrane that covers their quills, dries, and shrinks after some hours. Quills grow out of this protective membrane when the hedgehog has been cleaned. Since hedgehogs have poor eyesight, they rely on hearing and smell. They are nocturnal beings, and their poor vision is better in the dark.
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Most pet species of hedgehogs are hybrids of the white-bellied hedgehog or four-toed hedgehog, the long-eared hedgehog, the Indian long-eared hedgehog, and the North African hedgehog.
How do I know if my hedgehog is happy?
Most hedgehogs express happiness in various ways. This is because they have numerous personalities. Some hedgehogs express discomfort by hissing or freaking out when you try to handle them, but others don’t.
If your hedgehog is happy, it will lay its quills flat, or it will whiffle or chirp. They also show how happy they are when you cuddle them. They also like to run laps in their cages, running everywhere and having fun.
Also, your hedgehog usually gets excited when you provide it with enough food, water, a spacious room, allow it to exercise its body, and let it out of its cage. They love it when you make enough provision for their needs.
Now that you know how your hedgehog expresses happiness, how can you keep it happy?
- Ensure you allow your hedgehog to leave its cage every day to exercise its body. Exercise keeps it happy and energized.
- You can also provide a hidey-hole for your hedgehog. Let the hidey-hole be large so your pet can freely move in it.
- Small cars, balls, tricks are some toys you can provide your hedgehog to play with as toys to stay happy. Let your hedgehog have access to a lot of toys.
- Treats are basic things pet owners don’t joke with. Your hedgehog loves treats. If you don’t know of treats you can provide your hedgehog with, ask a veterinarian for advice. Some examples of treats you can give your hedgehog are mealworms, wax worms, crickets, or silkworms. Treats will help keep your hedgehog happy.
- Your hedgehog loves being cuddled and, if you want to learn how to keep it happy, cuddle it often. Allow it to snuggle in your lap and protect it with a blanket.
Can hedgehogs show affection?
One thing you should know about hedgehogs is that they are naturally solitary animals. So, they don’t show affection. Although it differs amongst hedgehogs. Certain hedgehogs show affection but most of them do not. You will rarely see a hedgehog show affection outwardly. So, if an affectionate pet is what you are looking for, a hedgehog should not necessarily be an option you should consider.
There are hedgehogs that are very affectionate towards their owners. They snuggle in their laps, kiss them and show various signs of affection towards them. Hedgehogs are different. You may be lucky to have an affectionate hedgehog or you may not.
How long does it take for a hedgehog to get used to you?
Usually, when you first adopt your hedgehog, it will take about two weeks before your hedgehog gets used to you. Within these weeks, your hedgehog’s personality would be shaped and its reaction towards you would also be cool. When you first adopt your hedgehog, you may notice a sudden personality change immediately you try handling it, it’s pretty normal. Your hedgehog may not feel very comfortable with you handling it or touching it on some parts of its body.
Give your hedgehog some time to get used to your scent and sounds. Be patient with it while it adjusts to your home. Even when they behave unfriendly towards you, learn to stay calm.
How do you get your hedgehog to trust you?
Bonding with your hedgehog is what helps you to build trust with it over time. And it usually takes time. You should spend at least 20 minutes of your day to bond with your hedgehog.
There are various ways you can bond with your hedgehog, it could be:
- Through touch
- Through scent
- Through sound
Bonding with your hedgehog through touch will require you to always wash your hand with a particular soap before you touch your hedgehog with your bare hands. If you wear gloves, it will tamper the scent of the soap. You are doing this so, your hedgehog gets used to that particular scent of soap. Gently pick up your pet, put your hands on both sides of its body and take it off the ground. Position it comfortably on your hands after picking it. You can also allow it to relax on your lap. Feel free to give your hedgehog some treats. This will help your hedgehog start trusting you after a while.
Also, to build trust between you and your hedgehog, you can put your t-shirt or fleece in its cage so that it can get used to your scent. This will make it know how you smell and easily associate with you.
And then, through sound always find time to talk directly to your pet so it can get used to your voice. This will create a long lasting trust between both of you.
Conclusion
Your hedgehog may be a solitary or non affectionate pet but that shouldn’t stop you from interacting with it often and providing it with its basic needs.
There are simple things you can do to your hedgehog to make it happy. We are sure you now know what things are and would practice it.
Your hedgehog can trust you very well if you bond with it. Bonding with your hedgehog is very important.
Create a healthy environment for your hedgehog, so it can comfortably handle it without it being unfriendly to you.