Biting

[herrisonandaves]

is biting unusual? I just got him a couple days ago, and havent seen him try to bite (except when my fingers smelt like bananas) but he bit my mom, he didnt break skin but there are teeth marks, and then when i was holding him after he tried to nibble my arm, althuogh i cought him before he could actually bite. the pet store i got him from said hes not fully grown so im guessing hes between 5 and 8 months? maybe a little older so i dont know if its because hes a baby?
also my mom was gardening pumpkins before she held him and i know he likes to try to eat the pumkin plant (i never let him actually get it) so maybe her hands smelt like the leaves? her hands were also wet, and i had just gotten out of the shower so maybe thats why he tryed to bit me?
i cant figure it out, i need some help.

 

[herrisonandaves]

today i noticed some bite marks on his toilet paper tube and he tried to nibble me again. and i still dont know why, has anyone ever had trouble with a biting hedgie?

 

[charlie]

Some like to nibble because of a new or unfamiliar or strong scent. They'll usually lick first, then nibble, perhaps move to biting and then foaming at the mouth and spitting it all up over their quills (anointing). This is most likely what your baby is doing.

Some hedgies are unfortunately biters, but there are tricks to reduce/eliminate this in many cases. Don't punish them (it won't work and will only result in more less desirable behaviours typical of fear reactions). If they are trying to bite you, remove the temptation (move your hand, don't use heavy scents, do not provide the opportunity for him to latch on). Some like to play tug-o-war with a blanket so if they try to bite offer them a piece of blanket to bite and pull on instead. If they do manage to get you, don't put them back in their cage immediately after (otherwise they may figure this out as a trick to return home and be left alone).

If you can check his teeth, this is a good habit to get into to. Some hedgies will eventually warm up to a little mouth manipulation with a Q-tip, enough to check for any swollen gums, missing teeth or items stuck in between teeth or on the roof of his mouth.

 

[Kalandra]

If I had to guess I bet there is some odor on your and your mom's hands that he was going after. It could be the pumpkin plant, lotion or even soap that you used earlier that the scent is still lingering.

Over the years I have found some hedgehogs are "mouthier" than others. Meaning that some are more attracted to even the faintest scent and will lick or nip at the smell.

If the bites you are receiving are just little nips, it is most likely a scent issue you are having.

I also have a "mouthy" hedgehog that loves to pick up things and carry them around. If I was to put a TP tube in her cage, it would have bite marks because she would pick it up to move it around. Normal behavior for her.

 

[herrisonandaves]

thanks so much! I was worried something was wrong but i beleive now that he's just a curious baby boy and that i smell good to him, i will have to get some unscented soap to wash my hands with! thanks for the help and tips you guys!
and harrison soes the exact same thing with toilet paper tubes! there are bite marks all o ver it

 

[Nancy]

Many hedgehogs are very oral and love to chew on things such as your clothing or clothes. I have numerous that will chew on my t-shirt as long as I will let them. The neck area and armpit is a favourite area but if he chews the armpit area of your clothes, make sure there is no deodorant on it. Also be careful and make sure the cloth is away from your skin. Sometimes they will accidentally grab skin with the cloth. It's not intentional but still hurts, especially if it's the armpit.