QuestionI recently got a new hedgehog. She is my second. The first lived for 8 years. She is still very young (about 8 or 9 weeks ) but she doesn't seem to be relaxing much although I handle her every day.. I obviously want to be friends but am feeling like I need some new methods to make the relationship more appealing. She has expressed interest in a couple of smells, but otherwise is busy looking for a place to hide. Any suggestions?
AnswerHi, Monica:
There are a couple of things to consider here.
First, is she quilling? If she is, there is a good chance that her current behavior is due to the discomfort of the new quills poking through her skin. When she is done quilling, she will be much more comfortable (and probably more outgoing). Bear in mind that hedgehogs usually undergo more than one quilling before the ago of one (at least, mine have). She may also quill from unusual stress (incl. illness).
Whether or not she is quilling, you are doing the right thing by handling her every day. You might want to sit with her in one smallish room that does not have hiding places (perhaps a bathroom) and offer her some favorite treats (live mealworms or waxworms, baby food meat or toddler sticks, small pieces of broiled or grilled (unseasoned) salmon or chicken). If she won't take them directly from your hand or eat them in the open, put her on and under a blankie and place the food near her head. Gradually expose her to you and to the room. I got a VERY huffy rescue to eat out of my hand this way. You could also scatter treats around the room and on your person.
It is also a good idea to use an article of clothing you have worn to drape over her habitat, or to serve as bedding. Hedgehogs, as you have noted, are very much smell-oriented.
If all else fails and the situation is just not working out, she may just be one of those hedgies who has a timid and/or huffy temperament. In that case, if you got her from a breeder, I would contact her/him and describe the problem. The breeder will want you to be happy with your new pal, and may be willing to give you a more easy-going baby.
Good Luck!
Laurel Sedgwick
