New hedgehog owner here!

Nzani · Apr 9, 2012

I just picked up my little baby, Lucy, on saturday. I let her hangout in her cage all night saturday to get used to her new enviroment. We got her out of her cage last night to cuddle but it was sort of like fighting a war. Every time we'd go in to get her she'd hiss and pop at us, and I'm not going to lie it makes me jump every time. Any helpul hints?

I've done plenty of research to come to the conclusion that this behavior is normal but I was just wondering how long its going to take for her to get used to her enviroment and to us? I want to cuddle her every second of the day she's the cutest thing ever but I'm nervous to get her out of the cage!!!

charlie · Apr 10, 2012

Welcome to the group! Every hedgie is a little different. Some come around quickly, some don't. Some hedgies become cuddlers, some become explorers. Be patient, especially as your hedgehog becomes acquainted with you and it's new environment. Try different times at night. Also as you learn what treats your hedgie likes (a meal worm perhaps or a mealworm at beetle stage), this may also help you bond. No promises on the results but the journey will always be interesting. Oh and try not to be nervous, be confident and steady as you pick her up (no need to move quickly, just confidently.) Animals tend to reflect our emotions and she may sense your nervousness as well.

XwazzyX · Apr 12, 2012

I have had my hog for two weeks and she still gets a little huffy when I pick her up. Luckily she doesn't ball up any more like she did the first couple of days. I found that using a fleece blanket to pick her up and set her on my lap helped the first couple of times. After a few seconds she would calm down and become cordial. I could then pick her up and handle her with my hands. Like Charlie said, be aggressively gentle and she will come around.