Hissing and being grouchy.

[hedgieelover!]

Hey, my hedgehog i just got him 2 days ago and when i got to pick him up he hisses at me and rolls up into a ball i would put him on my chest with a blanket but he will just be curious and go walk away and pay no attention to me... I dont know what to do can someone help me please?:help:

 

[charlie]

Sounds perfectly normal...remember he is in a new environment and is just getting used to all of the sights and smells around him. Be patient with him, he is frightened. He sounds like he is becoming braver and likes to explore - that is great! Every hedgie personality is different, some like to cuddle, some prefer to be on their own exploring, and some never really open up to anyone. Having a hedgehog is often about accepting them as they are and going with what works for them

 

[hedgieelover!]

Thank you soo much! I put i shirt of mine in his cage so he gets use to me also!

 

[Hammie]

There are a few "types" of hedgies from what I understand. There are snugglers who like to sit with their mommy/daddy figure, hiders (that's my baby) who immediately run when they get the chance to burrow under something unless mommy/daddy brings treats and explorers (my Hammie) who like to run around looking at/climbing on everything they can find. You can't make your hedgehog be any of those types. He was born to be who he is.

 

[Dragonflye]

Take your time. Be patient, gentle and consistent and your baby will most likely come around. Every hedgie is different. Two days is not very long... You need time to establish a trusting bond.

 

[LexieHeg]

I've had my girl since March, and we are still working on bonding. Some take longer than others but with routine and diligence, they should come around.

You should let him adjust for a day or two - no picking him up, no disturbing him. Just feed, water and cage clean but otherwise let him be. Then try to hold him once he's had some adjustment time. It can be very stressful for them to move into a new environment with new sounds and smells, and on top of that have someone that could very well be a predator (in their minds) trying to hold and play with them. Give him a few days to learn that you aren't going to hurt him - remember, they're prey animals and their first instinct when scared is to protect themselves by hissing and rolling up in a ball.

Hedgehogs aren't, by nature, snuggly. If you're hoping he will behave like a puppy or kitten, and snuggle up to you and want attention - you may not get that with him. All hedgehogs are different. It's too soon to tell anyway, especially if he is young. You'll have to give him more time before you really know what kind of hedgie he will be.

Good luck with your little guy!