Keep in mind that hedgehogs are natural hunters. Their instinct is to hold on until what they have bitten is still. Do not attempt to shake off your hedgehog (or other small critters). Regardless of your behavior modification...
Instinctual Habit In the wild, hedgehogs dig dens in the ground, both for protection from predators and as shelter from the elements. Hedgehogs have powerful forefeet and claws designed specifically for digging. While digging habits...
Body language and facial expression are common forms of communication in both humans and animals. You can tell many things about hedgehogs just by paying attention to their body and spine language. Spines The most obvious and famous...
Introduction Most hedgehogs do not bite. But, any animal with teeth has the potential to bite, so hedgehog owners must understand the possibility of getting bitten is always present. Hedgehogs aren’t like dogs, whose bites are...
Why Might Hedgehogs Eat Their Bedding? What Is This?—Hedgehogs are inquisitive by nature and often attempt to learn about their environment by tasting and smelling. Baby and young hedgehogs are very prone to eating new brands or...
Vocalizations Hedgehogs use a wide range of sounds to communicate. Listen carefully and observe your hedgehog’s behavior to clearly understand what your pet is trying to communicate. Some hedgehog vocalizations can be described with...
Nocturnal vs. Crepuscular vs. Diurnal Animals can generally be described as nocturnal, crepuscular, or diurnal, based on the time of day they are awake. These terms can basically be defined as follows: Nocturnal—Animals that are...
Some hedgehogs do not display outward signs of affection, while others can be quite affectionate toward their owners. Hedgehogs do not typically come when called or actively seek out human interaction. They are NOT like cats and...
In the Wild European hedgehog species hibernate in the wild when the temperature becomes too cold. They spend the warmer months building fat reserves to sustain them through their periods of inactivity. In the wild, African hedgehog...
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. Huffing and puffing is a way for a hedgehog to say, “I’m big and bad.” It is a...
Climbing Hedgehogs will attempt to climb and are often quite adept at climbing. However, once they are up, they cannot easily climb down. Their body mass is not proportioned for climbing. For example, squirrels, monkeys, and other...
Normal Behavior Hedgehogs are quite active in the wild and frequently run in circles. Therefore, running laps inside the cage can be a great form of exercise. Hedgehogs can run in circles or even in a figure-eight form. Breeders...
Aggression Hedgehogs are not naturally offensive or aggressive to either perceived or real dangers. Instead, they are instinctively defensive, because their primary concern in life is survival! Hedgehogs are shy and can easily feel...
Baby Hedgehogs Young hedgehogs are especially prone to releasing their bowels on their handlers. When you first get your hedgehog, expect to get pooped on! Hedgehog babies typically get better as they get older. Wake-Up Ritual Many...
First Line of Defense When a hedgehog senses danger, or is uncertain about something in its environment, its first line of defense is to ball up. The orbicularis muscle, which runs around the edge of its body, makes this classic...
Are hedgehogs truly grouchy, or are they simply misunderstood? Understanding Hedgehog Behavior “I’d rather be alone.” One of the biggest misconceptions about the hedgehog is that this naturally shy animal is “grumpy” or “grouchy.”...
Hedgehogs do not spray or scent-mark their territory like other animals. Males do not have a stronger odor than females and can only be physically distinguished from females by differences in their genitalia. Some male hedgehog...
Natural Instinct Hedgehogs sleep during the day in any dark places that they can find. In the wild, they may hide from other animals in vacated burrows, under rocks, or in thick vegetation. They typically dig their own shallow...
Bed Head Hedgehogs often scratch a bit when they first wake up or after they are handled. One might compare this scratching to fluffing out a “bed head” hairdo. Hedgehogs’ skin may also feel tight or need to be scratched when their...
Nocturnal, Crepuscular, and Diurnal Defined Animal activity is defined as nocturnal (nighttime), crepuscular (twilight—early morning and late evening), or diurnal (daytime). Hedgehogs are typically described as nocturnal or...
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